Ten Quick Tips TIP 1. Write with the reader in mind. Imagine the reader reading your proposal. Remember they may be tired or bored. Remember they are trying to determine if you meet the funding source's priorities.
TIP 2. Follow the application instructions even if the format doesn't make sense. The specified format may seem repetitious. You may even be asked to repeat narrative information on pre-printed forms. There is some method in this madness. I once asked a funding source to explain the difference between three questions on their application form that seemed to ask for the same information three different ways. I was told that the repetition was intentional; if applicants did not come up with the "correct" answer one place, they might hit upon it in another.
TIP 3. Mirror the guideline language in sub-headings in the proposal. Readers follow funding source instructions -- based on what was requested in the guidelines -- as they review proposals. Make it easy on them. Give the readers a titular map so they can easily see if you addressed all the requirements.
TIP 4. Make it visually easy on the eyes. Use white space. Use bolding, italics and underlines for sub-headings and section breaks and important phrases, but do so sparingly. A "busy" page is a turn-off. Simplicity is a virtue. Use bullets and/or numbered lists for things you want to emphasize. Neat and tidy counts! Avoid fancy packaging.
TIP 5. Simple, not fancy (KISS). Keep it simple, stupid. Remember readers are reading many, many proposals. Don't write in a manner that requires mental gymnastics to figure out what's being said.
TIP 6. Don't make assumptions about expertise. Assume you're explaining the project to someone with limited expertise. Don't overuse jargon. The reader may not be familiar with it.
TIP 7. Keep the number of proposal editors to a minimum. Remember – Editors can be wrong. You do need input from those whom will be involved in implementation, but that doesn't mean everyone of them needs to approve the final proposal copy. In fact, your best editor may be someone who does not know anything about the subject of your proposal. If s/he can read it and understand it, you have a good application. As the proposal writer, you are most in tune with what the funding source is looking for. Be picky about what editorial advice you choose to follow.
TIP 8. Don't assume readers will read the appendices. Readers may be instructed to ignore appendices that aren't required. Don't put anything critical in an attachment. Only use appendices if you believe a more in-depth explanation may assist the reader.
TIP 9. Miss a deadline rather than submit a poor application. Every proposal is a form of cultivation. First impressions matter. Last minute proposals often look like last minute proposals.
TIP 10. Always request funding source critiques of rejected proposals. Even if a funding source is unable to provide you with a written response, they may remember that you cared enough to ask for it. You'll need the critiques to try again!