There are several important questions to ask yourself before you write the proposal.

Who should develop the proposal?
Establish who has the primary responsibility for writing the proposal. Often it is the organization's executive director. It is important that whoever will be implementing the project is familiar with, and in agreement on, the basic premises, objectives, and strategies which form the core concept of the proposal. Input from the intended beneficiaries of the project is also extremely useful.

Does your project fill a real need?
As you conceptualize your project, it's important to keep asking yourself whether this particular program is the best thing you can do to solve the problem/need you are addressing. Programs that are funding-driven are often less effective than those generated by a bottom-up planning process.

Is someone else already doing it?
Do a little preliminary research by talking with other organizations in your field. Duplicating the efforts of another organization is risky. Funders talk with one another all the time, and they often react negatively to project duplication and lack of coordination. But, if you can combine your efforts with those of another organization in a way that creates synergy, that can be a real plus.

Are you ready for the demands this project will place on your organization?
If the proposal involves new activities, new staffing, new equipment or facilities, try to anticipate and think through how you will manage them. Also consider the additional work that administering and reporting on the grant will place on staff.

How will future funding be raised?
Funders will want to know how you intend to supplement their grant (if you are applying for partial funding) and how you intend to fund the project once the grant has been exhausted. Funders want to build the sustainability of organizations, not make them more dependent. They will want to see you diversifying your funding base and seeking financial and in-kind contributions from additional sources. Give them a plan for what you intend to do, and they will be impressed.

Assemble for yourself the following items:

• The funders' most recent guidelines
• A list of the grants awarded by the funder in the past
• Background information (statistical data, articles, studies, etc.) that will help you write the need/problem section
• A basic concept for the project you are trying to fund, including specific objectives and specific activities that you will undertake to achieve those objectives
• A proposed timeline
• General information about your organization, its mission, goals, and recent accomplishments
• Bios of key personnel

1. Allow sufficient time
Find out the proposal deadline and start writing at least two weeks in advance. Inevitably, there will be some information (or even a signature) that will take much longer than expected to obtain. Funders are universally impressed when you submit a proposal well in advance of the deadline.

2. Tailor the proposal to the funder
See your project through your funder's eyes. Carefully review the guidelines and get a sense of the funder's philosophy and interests. Then focus on the aspects of your project that are in tune with that philosophy or those interests. Try to demonstrate that your project will provide something that the funder values.

3. Follow the rules
Funders have different requirements for proposals with regard to length, format, and content. Read the guidelines carefully, follow them to the letter, and meet all deadlines. If you don't, your proposal may not even be considered.

4. Keep it short and concise
Funders receive dozens, sometimes hundreds, of proposals. Use short, powerful sentences, and a logical structure. Use positive verbs like "will" and "can". Limit yourself to the number of pages (or characters, if applying online) stipulated by the funder.

5. Make your proposal reader-friendly.

• Use good quality stationary.
• Use simple, legible typeface.
• Leave wide margins.
• Set off each section will sub-headings
• Use bulleted lists, where appropriate.
• Avoid acronyms, jargon, and technical terms.
• Number your pages.

7. Make the proposal flow
Your challenge is to incorporate everything the guidelines call for into a logical, cohesive whole. You may find it helpful to use the same headings as those specified in the guidelines.

8. First things first
Remember that the funder has hundreds of proposals to read. They may only have time to look at your cover letter and summary. Be sure to describe your project clearly and concisely at the beginning of your proposal. From the very start, state how much money you are asking for and what you're going to do with it.

9. Involve the funder
Remember, people give to people. Have some in-person phone contact with the funder during the proposal-writing stage. This will enhance your chances for success, provided you have legitimate issues to discuss with the funder. Developing a rapport with the person who will be reading your proposal will only help your cause.

10. Proofread!
Better yet, have someone who is unfamiliar with the proposal read it over. Check for little things, like grammatical errors, and big things, like, does the budget really reflect the full scope of the project activities?

11. Build in overhead
Raising money for general operating expenses is difficult. Unless the funder prohibits it, try to include operating costs such as rent, utilities, accounting, etc. Be sure to read the guidelines to see what the funder allows.

12. Credentials are important
Make sure the funder knows that your organization is capable of doing what it is proposing. Cite similar projects you have carried out. Attach letters of endorsement from credible community members. Include press clippings if they are relevant and enhance your credibility.

13. Develop a solid budget
The budget is usually the first item a funder will look at. Make it realistic, easy to understand, and convincing. Be sure to indicate the specific time period it covers. Double-check to make sure your figures add up and that the budget reflects the program elements described in the proposal. Keep a record of how you arrived at those costs, in case you are asked for details. If you are applying for partial funding of the project budget, indicate how you plan to raise the remainder of the funding.

14. Go easy on the attachments
Restrict your attachments to those that are specifically requested by the funder and any others that are absolutely necessary to make your case.

15. Follow up
If your project is approved, don't forget to send an immediate thank you note to the funder acknowledging the receipt of the grant check and expressing your appreciation for their vote of confidence in your work. If your proposal is turned down, you may want to call the funder and inquire why the funder chose not to fund you. Make sure your tone is one of inquiry, not blame. If you are turned down, don't be discouraged. It often takes several tries before a funder decides to support your organization for the first time. If you think the funder is a good prospect, send them your newsletter, annual report, invite them to your events, and keep on applying. Persistence pays!

16. Include a cover letter
The purpose of the cover letter is to introduce the attached proposal and establish a rapport with the funder. The cover letter should:

• Be on your letterhead
• Include the amount, timing, and purpose of your request
• Remind the reader of any previous communications or grants
• Summarize the need for the project, your solution, and the project's link to the funder's interests
• Use succinct, compelling language
• Be signed, in ink, by a person of authority