3 Tips for Proposal Writing
with our Community Impact Director, Michelle Morris
Crafting a compelling proposal is an art that can make a significant difference in securing the support you need. Here are three recommendations from our Community Impact Director to enhance your proposal writing process:
1. Start from the Very... End?
It might seem counterintuitive, but starting with the end in mind can streamline your proposal writing. By clearly defining your desired outcomes and working backward, you can create a roadmap that logically connects each element of your proposal. Consider using logic models to map out how your activities will lead to the outcomes you seek. This approach ensures that your proposal is both coherent and convincing.
2. People with Lived Experience are Experts.
Incorporating the voices of those who have lived experience with the issues you’re addressing is crucial. Engaging these individuals from the very beginning of your project design and throughout the proposal process can lead to more impactful and authentic outcomes. Community-Based Participatory Practice is one approach that emphasizes the importance of involving those who are directly affected by the work. By treating people with lived experience as experts, your proposal will be richer and more grounded in reality.
3. Check Your Assumptions.
When writing your proposal, assume the reviewer has no prior knowledge of your project. This mindset will help you find a balance between broad explanations and clearly describing details so the proposal is accessible to a wide audience. After drafting, have someone who isn’t deeply involved in the work review it. Their fresh perspective can reveal assumptions you may have overlooked and help you clarify your message.
