Proposal Writing Tips

Do's

• Check your project idea against the college’s mission statement and against the goals of your department or the department affected by the grant.
• Make your project idea as specific as possible; general proposals rarely get funded.
• Contact the granting agency to verify if your project meets eligibility requirements.
• Develop a timetable for planning and preparation of grant. (The Proposal Development Checklist can help)
• Get appropriate approval according to college’s procedures before going ahead with your proposal. (See Grant Proposal Application Process)
• Read the proposal guidelines carefully: Your mission is to fit your idea into what the agency is funding.
• Check to see if the funding agency has funded similar projects in the past and learn what you can about those projects.
• Develop your budget for the project before writing the proposal.
• Follow directions and all guidelines.
  • Use a journalistic style of writing: Who, What, Why, When, Where and How.
  • Remember your English writing rules: Tell them what you are going to tell them (thesis), tell them (supporting information), and tell them again (summary).
  • Avoid jargon, acronyms and other abbreviations.
• Have someone who is not familiar with your proposal read and critique it.
• Complete the Grant Application Approval Form with appropriate signage at least 2 weeks prior to the proposal deadline (Enter your deadline for this).

Do Not's

• Don’t beg for funding.
• Don’t bind proposal or put it in a cover as the funding agency may need to copy it.
• Don’t be overly dependent on a professional grant writer to prepare your proposal as that person may not be familiar with your field or type of project.