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Tips on Preparing a Successful Proposal

The following is a list of tips or advice by project reviewers and others familiar with proposal development and review.

Be realistic; what can reasonably be accomplished in the scope (time and resources) of this grant?
Be factual and specific; don't talk in generalities or in emotional terms. Be able to substantiate all statements in your proposal, otherwise don't make them.
Use language anyone will understand; no abbreviations, initials, or jargon. Don't assume the reader will understand your acronyms or abbreviations.
Have the correct approval on all proposals from your school/district; collaborate and find out what other proposals are being submitted.
Read the Guidelines carefully! Make your proposal fit the funding requirements. Don't ask for things that are outside of the intent of the grant.
Go over the checklist (twice!) and make sure each item is addressed.
Choose a format that's clear and easy to read. Readers are overloaded with proposals and appreciate legible, attractive proposals. Make sure tables are legible and easy to figure out.
Stick to the specified number of pages. Extra pages or attachments may either be removed before the proposal is read, or may disqualify your entire proposal from the reading process.
Make sure you include the requested number of copies of your proposal.
Make sure the cover page is complete, with all the information as requested.
Do it yourself; teach your own staff about proposal writing. But if you hire a development person or a consultant, stay on top of it; proposals exclusively written by development people usually don't make sense because that person isn't familiar with the project.
Give details about who will do what. Think of all the details, such as ordering materials, cataloging and managing them, arranging for staff development, etc. Make sure someone is assigned to manage each step of the project.
Be clear about the type and amount of staff development required, and the amount of time necessary for staff to feel confident about implementing the project. Be realistic!
Plan ahead; allow plenty of time for those involved to meet, discuss, review progress in the grant writing process. Allow time after completion of the proposal to get the required signatures and get the proposal to the funder.
In listing collaboration plans with a business, educational resource agency or post secondary educational institution, be sure you have established contact with the agency and determined who will be responsible for the collaboration, and what assistance you can expect.
Check current prices of hardware, software, and materials you plan to purchase for this project. Also include staff development costs: consultant fees, substitute fees, associated materials costs.
Give evidence of district or school site support. If there are matching funds available, or your site or district has a demonstrated committment to this project, describe the commitment.
Call if you have questions, but realize that many others will be calling as well. Don't wait until the last minute.
When you call, be organized; be clear on what you need to know and how to ask for it.
Call the staff yourself; don't have a secretary or aide make your inquiries. They may ask questions about the project that only the writers can answer.
Read the directions.
Read the directions.
Read the directions. :)

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