How to create a winning proposal

1
How to create a winning proposal!

• Loren Mayor Jeff Luchsinger
• Corporation for Public Broadcasting

2
Covering the Basics

• Include your organizations name, the name of
  your project, and your contact information in the
  proposal.
• Use the RFP as a guide and make sure your
  proposal addresses all of the criteria and
  requirements it outlines.
• Ask for the money up front!
• Make sure that the activities you outline in the
  narrative are supported in your budget.
• Clearly define who will benefit from this project
  and have a clear plan to reach them.

3
Appearance Counts (grammar and spelling too!)

• Proofread your proposal.
• Manage your version control and dont send a
  document with track changes in it.
• Have an outsider read your proposal and provide
  feedback.
• Make sure your proposal is addressed to the right
  person (i.e., the Project Manager or Contact
  listed in the RFP).

4
Appearance Counts (cont)

• Proposal should be well organized.
• Make your proposal scan-able.
• Make sure the name of your organization, the name
  of your program or grant, and contact information
  is included in all attachments.
• Make sure your project manager will be available
  after submission to answer any questions from the
  grantor.

5
Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Dont over promise. Be realistic about how much
  activity and at what budget amount you can get
  stuff done.
• Dont promise to reach audiences you cant reach.
• Partnerships are great...but dont commit others
  without asking them first!

6
Common Pitfalls (cont)

• Dont use so much space in your proposal
  describing your organization that you have no
  room left to make the case for the project.
• Don't...Include jargonBore the readerGo on
  endlesslyPlagiarize!
• Dont just recycle an old proposalor do so with
  care. 

7
Tips for a strong proposal

• Have a great idea!
• Tell a story in your proposal (e.g., have a
  beginning, middle and end).
• Brevity and clarity are key. If you have
  something important to say, make sure its in the
  narrative. Most appendices arent read.
• Have your best writer write the proposal.
• Your budget tells a story too...use it to show
  how well thought out and feasible your project
  is.

8
Tips for a strong proposal (cont)

• Outcomes are important. (e.g., how will your
  project change behaviors, attitudes, conditions?)
• Letters of support from key partners or
  stakeholders are useful.
• Print your proposal before transmitting
  electronically to double check formatting
  (narrative, budget, timeline, attachments).
• Feel free to ask questionsjust dont wait till
  the last minute.
• Grant writing resources at publicmediainnovation.o
  rg.

9
And finally

• GOOD LUCK!