Course Content
Grant Proposal Writing
OBJECTIVE Learn how to write effective and persuasive proposals to gain funding and support for new projects and grant programs
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The Writing process
Proposal Writing Structure
Specific criteria and guidelines for writing a grant proposal structure
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Proposal Writing Structure
Drafting, Revising & Editing
The drafting stage is where you will start to organize your ideas to tell the story you want to tell. The revising stage is rewriting or rearranging sentences to make sense, make changes and improvements to word choice in the rough draft This is one of the most important stages in the writing process. It is best done by a professional or someone with strong writing skills to edit for you.
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Drafting, Revising & Editing
Proposal writing mistakes
Avoid these common proposal writing mistakes
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Proposal writing mistakes
Grant Proposal Writing Quiz
Grant Proposal Writing

If you do not have a proposal or grant application with specific criteria or guidelines, you can follow this format to effectively structure your proposal

  • Title page
    • Title of proposal
    • Date
    • Contact information

 

  • Summary (+- 300 words)
    • Describe the current situation
    • How you plan to solve the problem
    • Why this is the best solution
    • The impact on both people and scope
    • Time frame
    • Overall costs

 

  • Detailed proposal
    • Background
      • Provide the context for people to clearly understand your project or program
      • A brief, simple description or overview of what your organisation does
      • Description of the problem and how you discovered it
      • Combine a small amount of data with a compelling story to engage and inform the audience
      • The extent of the problem including who is affected and the scope
      • A brief description of your solution to the problem
      • Include information and adjust them based on your audience

 

  • Description of the project or program – outline the details in up to 4 pages
    • Objectives
      • Specific, short term objectives for the project or program
      • Bigger, long term objectives for the community and or organisation

 

  • The process
    • Describe the elements of your project or program so the supporter understands the details of what you intend to do
    • Elements of the process might include purchasing materials, training of staff, training for partners, clients, piloting, follow-up, assistance and support and evaluation
    • Present all these elements in the order they will occur
    • Include sub-headings where required to make it easier to read
  • Evaluation
    • Explain how you intend to measure the success of the project or program
    • Explain your expected outcomes
    • Be realistic with the outcomes you propose
    • Do not over promise on expected results, as it will result in explanations why the outcomes were not met or even sabotage renewed support from a funder
    • Explain why expected outcomes are small, example, that you are creating a model that will be scalable at a later stage or date

 

  • Timeline
    • Provide a timeline for the project or program that includes the main elements from the process
    • Keep the timeline realistic
    • Provide a more detailed timeline in appendices

 

  • Budget
    • Provide a summary budget that identifies the main expenses of the project or program
    • Include a detailed budget in the appendices
    • Ensure the budget aligns with the description of the project or program

 

  • Appendices
    • Detailed timeline
    • Detailed budget
    • Relevant information about your organisation, example, financial statements, annual reports, etc.)

 

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