- Prepare the budget first - then make sure
your proposal supports each item in the budget.
- Write the summary last. Emphasize
beneficiaries' benefits, and why the project should be funded at this time.
- Before you write, determine your project's
features and emphasize throughout your proposal.
- Write in the third person - easier to
"brag." (Don't have the good work you do be a "well-kept" secret).
- Choose a project title of ten or fewer words.
Suggest in your title results, rather than a plan.
- Include a table of contents if the
proposal exceeds ten pages.
- Use contractions for ease of reading.
- Accentuate the positive. Stress opportunities over needs.
- Avoid "iffy" and "hopeful"
statements. Be positive.
- Use simple words. Avoid acronyms, literary references, and
jargon.
- Use strong verbs. (hint): Eliminate forms of "to
be."
- Use emotional words. Describe the emotions and the
well-being of your beneficiaries.
- Write short paragraphs of four to six lines, if possible.
- Strive for strong 1st-sentences for each paragraph.
- Use the active, rather than the passive, voice.
- If you have trouble getting started, go back to your
budget. Money has a way of helping to refine methods and objectives.
- Fill in the blanks on an application form. Write
"n/a" (not applicable) where necessary.
- For increased credibility, let a beneficiary or expert
state your need through a quote.
- Use a few clear statistics - rather than a number of
ineffective ones.
- Use graphs and charts wherever possible.
- Always include a plan for funding the project after the
grant ends. Assure that there will surely be "life after (their) grant."
- Never miss deadlines, including progress
and follow-up reports.
About Tony Poderis
Tony Poderis (Tony@raise-funds.com)
Read more about Tony at his Raise Funds website www.raise-funds.com |
