The Inner Secrets of Successful Proposals
An excerpt from “Foundation News and Commentary”
March/April 2000
By Linda A. Long, freelance writer
Let’s face it; proposal writing can be one tough game. Do you long for guidance, maybe a little encouragement or at least some constructive criticism? Look no further; we talked to your critics. Tapping our membership database, we chatted (via phone) with program-officer types at foundations of all descriptions-big, little, medium-sized-from all points on the United States compass.
The advice we heard most often had an eerily familiar tone, most of it echoing a ghost-voice from the distant past-that of your high school English teacher. So some results of this query (we can’t call it a survey; there was no science involved) may sound a bit elementary. Please, we’re not condescending to you-virtually every respondent mentioned these nine nuggets that follow. In fact, many took pains to stress that, if a proposal simply reflected the top three or four pieces of advice, then it would enjoy a huge advantage over the vast majority of its brethren in the grantseeking pile.
Top Tips for Writing Successful Proposals
- Do Your Homework
Make sure that your program concept advances the mission of the foundation from which you are requesting funds.
- Follow Directions
Read the guidelines, e.g., if they ask for stapled photocopies, don’t three-hole punch it, put it in a binder and use beautiful Italian paper.
- Be Concise-More Is Not Better
If you can’t explain your program concept, goals and funding needs in a clear, one-page, 250-word summary, then it’s not ready for submission.
- Clarity Counts-Avoid High-Brow Language and Concepts
Stop with the quotes from Tolstoy, already!
- Pass It Through an Editor, a Proofreader or at Least an Objective Pair of Eyes
A passionate voice is wonderful, but passion doesn’t excuse typos and bad grammar, which give the impression that you don’t care enough to work hard for the grant.
- Demonstrate Collaborative Efforts
Seek out and identify like-minded organizations to partner with; foundations don’t like to see duplication of efforts, i.e., wasted money.
- Practice “Truth in Asking”
Don’t inflate your figures, hoping to get half of what you ask for; savvy foundation minds see right through all the budgetary tricks.
- Think “Blueprint”
Accountability is key. Communicate program goals, a strategy for implementation and benchmarks for success.
- Show Potential for Future Sustainability
Portray the foundation as a catalyst rather than as a perpetual benefactor.
Pet Peeves
- Don’t send the proposal via overnight mail. It is a waste of money.
- Don’t say “we are the only ones who do this.” It sounds arrogant, and it’s probably wrong.
- Don’t use tiny type on the application or anywhere in the proposal. Make it readable to a 40-year-old-plus pair of eyes.
- Don’t use too many acronyms and jargon that are unique to your world.
- Don’t strive for an artificial connection with the foundation. It’s much better to be honest, as in, “We’re not connected to Foundation X, but we are working to advance the same goals.”
- Don’t forget your manners. If you get the grant, go out of your way to say thank you.