Most NGOs only think of proposals as a means to an end. NGOs want donor funds, and proposals are required by donors to get funds. But there are some hidden benefits to proposal writing that are often overlooked. Here are 6 reasons to look at proposal writing as a benefit instead of a chore.
Oftentimes, we see a dire need in our community and want to immediately solve it. However, societal problems are often complex, and poorly planned projects can do more harm than good. Putting together a proposal forces you to think from an outsider’s perspective and explain the project holistically. The proposal-writing process may be slow, but it tries to ensure every stage of the project is planned out, every potential variable planned for. This drastically improves the quality of projects.
Even if your entire team is united under one goal, there are often many different opinions as to how to achieve it. Even simple projects are composed of many moving parts, so it is necessary to write down all the details to make sure your team is on the same page. Misunderstandings can appear easily with only vague plans scattered in separate plans or email threads. Writing a proposal ensures that all project details are written clearly in one place, making it easy to discuss with your team.
Every proposal requires some research. Research on the problem, the beneficiaries, the solution, similar past projects, donors, etc. Inevitably, some of the information uncovered will be useful not only to the proposal but also for personal growth or for the project.
A proposal directly describes the objectives, activities, and expected results of a project. Having this information clearly written down will help future M&E efforts. M&E is very important for learning and improving, but is often not thoroughly considered in the project planning stages. Writing a proposal forces NGOs to think about indicators, risks, and assumptions.
Think of every proposal you send as both an application and an advertisement. Including some simple marketing techniques in your proposals can improve your recognition and long-term prospects. Even if your proposal is not selected for funding, a well-written proposal may catch the donor’s eye. This can open the door to further engagement and potentially future funding. Conversely, a poorly-written proposal may appear like spam ads to donors.
The proposal becomes the basis for a contract between the donor and the implementing organization. The proposal acts as a promise for what the NGO will complete with the requested resources. Thus, just like in contracts, it is important for all the details to be written down. A well-written proposal provides the foundational information needed for better communication between donor and NGO. In some cases, a good proposal can be essential in the rare case of a legal challenge.
Alta Alonzi is a writer and researcher focusing on international development funding and grassroots NGOs. She works with the fundraising consulting company Philantropia conducting research for clients ranging from small NGOs to UN organizations. She also works closely with FundsforNGOs running training webinars, contributing resource guides, and updating the Premium donor database.
