Introduction to Proposal Preparation

							Proposal Writing Tips
Contact: Mary Farrington, EMU Grant Writer
farring@uoregon.edu 346-6090

Proposal Planning

: Never begin by writing a proposal. Begin by planning the program for which
you are seeking funding.

: Obtain and read all related proposal materials (application, guidelines, etc.)
before you begin. It’s fine to contact the funding agency if you have questions
about requirements or restrictions.

: Consider who is reading your proposal. Never assume that readers know you,
your organization, or your work. Avoid acronyms (initials used in place of a full
name) jargon (“insider” language unique to your program, profession, or field)
and technical language (words and terms used by expects, not amateurs

: Be concise. Say what you mean and get to the point. Your proposal should be
as brief as possible. Under no circumstances should you exceed page limitations.


Proposal Content

Introduction to Program/ Project

: Describe who you are, why you exist, and the work that you do.
: Who do you serve? (numbers and general audience demographics)
 : Describe your accomplishments
: Stress qualifications and experience of key staff

Statement of Problem

: Identify the problem you are attempting to solve or impact
: Suggest possible cause of the problem and how you plan to address it

Statement of Objective

: Describe the outcome or result you are attempting to achieve.
: Provide anticipated measurable outcomes
Method

: Describe your plan of action and specific tasks you will undertake

: Describe project partners (if applicable) and their role in the project
: What is your marketing plan? How will you reach your intended audience?
: What is your timeline?

Evaluation

: How will you know whether, or to what extent, objectives were achieved?

Budget

: How much money are you requesting and how do you plan to spend it?

: What is the total project budget? If the total project budget exceeds the
requested grant amount, how will you obtain additional funding?

: Identify additional project supporters and clearly describe the value of their
support (either cash or inkind). Is additional support already committed? If yes,
supply evidence (e-mail, letter, signature, etc.) of that commitment.


Packaging your Proposals

: Neatness counts. Type your applications and proofread for spelling and
grammatical errors. Ask someone else to read your final draft.

: Make sure the proposal is logically organized

: Use headings and white space to break up dense paragraphs of text

: Include a cover letter (unless funder specifies that they don’t want one). The
cover letter should be brief (1-2 paragraphs at most), addressed to an individual,
with correct spelling and title) and signed by CEO, Department Head, Director,
or Board Chair.

: Include all required attachments and signatures. Do not add additional
information (photos, letters of support, etc.) unless specifically requested.

: Meet or beat the submittal deadline.