Step 2D: Proposal Tips

Exemplary grant proposals have eight basic qualities in common:

  1. Energy. The proposal bristles with enthusiasm, urgency and passion.
  2. Expertise. The proposal reflects a deep understanding of the problem addressed and is informed by both theoretical knowledge and time-tested field experience.
  3. Commitment. The proposal reflects the organization’s genuine priorities and demonstrates a willingness to invest their own unrestricted resources in the project.
  4. Clarity. The proposal is clear about what the organization wants to do, why it is important and how it will be implemented and evaluated.
  5. Collaboration. The grant seeker has formed alliances with other organizations to advance their mutual goals.
  6. Benefits. The organization is less concerned with underwriting its own needs than improving society.
  7. Comprehensiveness. The problem’s complexity is matched by the sophistication of its proposed solution, rather than a piecemeal approach.
  8. Effectiveness. A well-designed, ongoing evaluation reflects the group’s commitment to getting results.


Top Ten Tips for Writing Successful Grant Proposals

  1. Avoid unsupported assumptions - back up everything with specifics.
  2. Craft positive, active, explicit, easy-to- read, interesting, brief language - simple sentences, short paragraphs. No jargon or acronyms.
  3. Present the proposal clearly, concisely, reasonably and logically. Do not assume the reader knows what you know.
  4. Define your terms - i.e. how do you define 'success?'
  5. Proofread, edit, and proofread again - check for grammar and syntax.
  6. Follow the guidelines to the letter.
  7. Submit all organizational and program information requested.
  8. Include a table of contents if proposal is over 10 pages.
  9. Keep appendices to a minimum.
  10. Site footnotes on same page - not at end of document.

Continue to Step 2E: Glossary

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2010 Grant Deadlines

April 7, 2010
Arts & Culture, Education, Environmental & Historic Preservation

July 21, 2010
Children & Youth At-Risk, Health, and Human Services

Proposals should be delivered by 4:00; or postmarked by the dates listed.