While proposals are as unique as the NGOs and projects they inspire, the general formula for a proposal has been around for decades. However, the scope and depth will depend on the type of application and the donor.
Be sure to check all donor requirements to ensure you have all the required sections. If the donor has little or no application guidelines available, typically the basic proposal format will be acceptable.
For small grants or simple projects, typically a basic proposal is all that is required. Here donors will typically expect to see:
For large grants, technical, multi-pronged projects, and bureaucratic donors such as national governments, more information is often required. These longer, technical proposals should include:
ULTIMATE CHECKLIST FOR PROPOSAL WRITING!
Sometimes donors will request more information. If a donor wants this information, they will typically directly request it in the application
instructions:
Note: if not specifically requested by the donor, it is generally best practice to not include additional sections to the proposal. If the section is not part of their evaluation criteria, donors typically do not evaluate it – if the additional sections are good, it will not make a difference. If the additional sections are bad, it may actually hurt your overall evaluation.
We will talk more in-depth on these sections in subsequent posts, so be sure to check back soon for more!
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.
Wｅ are a gaggle of volunteers and starting a
brand neew scheme in our ϲommunity. Yoour web site offerd us ѡith uѕefսl info to work
οn. You’ve done an impressіve job and our entire gгoup ccan be thankful
to you.
Dear Diana: We are glad you found this article helpful!
In coming weeks we will be focusing our articles on Volunteerism and how it can be used for fundraising.
Maybe this article about the using Volunteers in Proposal would also be interesting for you.
Thank you!
I have a CBO and want fund for community service in my rural village, I’m from north eastern kenya ,garissa county .kindly help.thanks
Dear Yussuf, Unfortunately we are not a grant giving organisation. But if you are interested in finding funding opportunities for your CBO, we recommend signing up for fundsforNGOs Premium membership.
Best Wishes!
Hi print
Can we get sample of propasal concerning fish farming? ,
thanks.
Dear Salum: We will try to upload more sector specific proposal sample. For now you can check this generic Grant template
Great Guide. Appreciations!!!
[…] – so don’t give up too quickly. If the donor is interested, they will often ask you for a more detailed proposal. Keep your fingers crossed for them to say […]