There is so much information on what a good proposal looks like and how effective it could be but in this article, we would be focusing on what happens before a good proposal is written and what happens thereafter.
Before
The first thing to do is to give yourself time. We encourage you to make up your mind towrite a wonderful proposal even before you begin the proposal. Think deeply on the idea,the prospects, potential challenges and all 360° aspects of it. Meditate on it. Let it sink into your subconsciousness. What do you really want out of the proposal?
Prepare to be stretched through the process. Do not write when stressed or sleepy. Write with a clear mind and prepare to be exhausted after writing. Yes that’s what we’re talking about. Prepare to empty yourself into the process.
Thirdly, do your research. Make proper research — online and offline. Ask questions relating to your proposal. Consult other proposals on like-topics which you can lay hands on. Also, do a research on the body or person the proposal is to be submitted to. This would help you know what to include in the proposal and give you a focus.
Lastly, go ahead to set up a guideline for your proposal. We think you should do this some hours before you write the proposal, then go for a drink, come back and dive into the proposal.
The Making
Now, it’s time to write your proposal. A good proposal should have a background/abstract, Statement of Problem/Need, Projects/ Programs to tackle Need, Objectives, Methodology, Prospects/Outcomes, Potential Threats, Sustainability Plans, Budget, Summary; dependent on the peculiarity of the subject of the proposal.
The abstract is the most important part of the proposal. It is a summary of everything the proposal is about. One should be able to read your abstract/introduction and have a full grasp of all that the proposal contains.
Statement of Problem is just what it is. The spice to it is a well done research. It is ideal to include numbers and another factual analysis in here.
Project(s)– this is how your project comes in to solve the needs identified in the Statement of Need/Problem. What are you innovations? What solution have you brought to the table?
Objectives — This may also come before the Project subheading. This entails the long term goals of the project or initiative you are proposing. They are better highlighted in brief sentences or short explanations. And of course, they should be time-bound.
Methodology — What methods would your solution use to bring about the actualisation of your objectives?
Prospects/Outcomes suggest the great potentials of your ideas and how well they’ll match your objectives. This should show short and long term outcomes.
Potential challenges should head the section where you talk about the things that may go wrong in the process of doing your project. This is a good way to show sound reasoning and good knowledge of damage foreseeing and control.
Sustainability Plans– most donors want to see how far their donations can go. Nobody wants to invest in a small short time party. You have to craft out sustainability plans for your project and how to survive in the long run.
Budget — Budget is all about money, figures and currencies. Impacty suggests that you have Plans A-D budgets. Plan A is the most amount you can work with. Plan D is the least amount you can work with. Plans B&C are figures in between. This would show sound management skills.
Summary/Conclusion is your way of reiterating important things and ensuring that the reader drops the proposal feeling willing to act on it. A call to action is important under this subheading. In addition to donations or idea adoption,why not also add that the reader should endeavour to pass the proposal on to someone who might also help? This is depending on the case anyway.
After
After writing the proposal, it is advised that you pass it to a trusted third eye to look through for errors or a proof reader. You could also hand it on to Impacty for vetting. We are just an inbox message away.
Reach out to us on heyimpacty@gmail.com.
