It is important to understand that the proposal is just one step in the grant application process. What many NGOs seem to think of the proposal process:
This 3-step model is not wrong, but very simplistic and puts too much focus on the proposal as key to fundraising and implementing programs. Before working on the proposal, there is a lot of planning, discussion with beneficiaries and experts, research etc., that goes into a proposal. Proposals are very important for receiving funding from institutional donors, however it is only one of many tools needed to garner support.
A more accurate description of proposal process might look like this:
For more on this process, see: What is the Grant Cycle?
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.
I alwsys thought prooosal is application. 😑
Hello,
Proposal and application are often used interchangeably, but a proposal is typically one part of the application. A donor may request other documents beyond a proposal to complete the application, or not require a proposal at all for the application.
You may also be interested in understanding the difference between a project plan and proposal.