Do not start writing a proposal with just a blank page. Prior to the writing stage, a lot of research must have been done. Research should identify a problem, the solution to the problem, and the steps in applying the solution. Research on the background of the problem, specific location and beneficiaries, as well as similar programs implemented before, are all important pieces which should be at hand while drafting the proposal. Additionally, it is very helpful to have a list of potential donors interested in the project area the proposal should be personalized to. It is also good to go through internal documents on the project, budgets or marketing materials for the NGO which may be included in the proposal.
Take all the above information and create an outline or draft of the proposal. Many experts also recommend creating a logframe at this stage as a basic flow of how the project is going to work. Once the problem and solution are both thoroughly understood and all the background research is ready, the challenge will not be in writing the proposal but in presenting the proposal in a way donors will understand and approve.
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.
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