How to write a proposalHow to write a proposal

SEM 555

Dr. Salma Chad

What do you Expect ?

What is a proposal?• A proposal is a persuasive document that

puts forth your solutions to a particular problem or situation while convincing your audience that your solution is the best one available.

Before you start: gathering background information

• Before you start writing your proposal, you should gather background information about three areas:– Concept– Program– Expense

Questions you should be able to answer

– What is the nature of the project and how will it will be conducted?

– What is the anticipated timetable of the project?– What are the anticipated outcomes of the project

and how will you evaluate the results?– What are the staffing and volunteer needs,

accounting for new hires and recruitment?

Parts of a Proposal• The three main parts of a well-written

proposal:– Front matter– Body– End matter

Front MatterTitle page

◦Title◦Byline◦Date Submitted

Letter of Transmittal◦Context◦Summary◦Date of Action◦Gratitude

Executive Summary◦Synopsis of the entire proposal

Table of ContentsList of Visuals

Body

• Introduction– Statement of Purpose– Background/Statement of the Problem– Scope– Organization

Body• Other parts of the body:– Approach– Requirements– Plan of Action– Qualifications/Experience– Budget– Proposed schedule– Conclusions/recommendations

End matter

– Bibliography– Glossary– Appendixes

– Surveys– Maps– Charts– Spreadsheets– Statistics– Etc.

Proposals

Planning

• Gather information

– Know your organization well.

– Identify your audience and their expectation.

• Set Budget

• Set time frame

• Project Branding

Project Branding

• Name

• Logo

• Multimedia (Videos and Designs…etc)

• Theme

research

• What you do (field of interest)

• Where you do it (geographic focus)

• Network Group

Writing

• Proposal contents:• Cover page• Table of contents• Invitation letter• Executive Summary (1 paragraph)

Writing

• Statement of need:- What is the problem- What is the solution

Use:–Statistics–Geographic focus–Mention Boys and Girls

writing

• Project Description–Goals–Objectives

writing

• Organization info.–Mission–Vision–Programs–Board and staff

writing

• Budget• Benefits Packages.• Write your contacts

Steps ?

1. Call the contact person2. Send proposal on Email3. Call again and again and again…

Revision

• Cite your statistics and references• SPELL CHECKING• Make important things first.• Use universal and standards fonts.• Simple and direct sentences.• Include illustrations if possible.