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Proposal Writing


FOR BOTH CORPORATE AND FOUNDATIONS:

  1. Know whom to ask. Research foundations and corporations that give to programs similar to yours. For foundations look up their 990’s online. For companies look into the giving history of key personnel.

  2. Keep it Simple and Concise. Stay away from jargon. Hard numbers and simple stats can go a long way, but don't be afraid to write with personality. It should engage decision-makers, not read like a dissertation.
  3. Use their language. Go through the company or foundation’s online and offline materials and adopt their language in your proposal.
  4. Get input from others. Make certain that your proposal is neat, professional and error free. Have several people who know and don't know the project review it for major and minor errors.


FOR FOUNDATION PROPOSALS:

  1. Divide the proposal into sections. Write a rough draft that lays out your organization's purpose and history, biographies of key management, financial information, current programs, goals and strategies.

  2. Create a project budget. Make sure that the funder knows what you are asking for and where that money is going.
  3. Create a strong Executive Summary. Since your proposal is likely to be one of many it’s important that your executive summary sums the proposal in clear and engaging language.
  4. Follow up. Keep records of the proposals you send. If you don’t hear back from a foundation, call to find out when the proposals are being reviewed. If it gets turned down, ask for advice on how to improve it.


FOR CORPORATE PROPOSALS:

  1. Show a benefit to their brand.Focus your proposal on the benefits to the corporation. Be specific about where their logo and name will appear and the type of people your event or campaign will reach.

  2. Figure out a way for them to own things. Corporations often like to be seen as the exclusive “owner” of a part of your NPO. Identify your assets so that you can appeal to different corporate sponsors with each of them.
  3. Differentiate between presentations. Corporations may ask for a PowerPoint deck. Make one you email and one you present different. If you have the opportunity to present in person – make it interesting!