This document provides guidance on writing effective proposals. It emphasizes having a clear writing style, correct formatting, and allowing sufficient time for polishing. Key sections are identified such as the executive summary, background, requirements, feasibility, validation, and timeline. Common mistakes like unclear ideas, poor writing, and ignoring instructions are highlighted. Tips provided include gathering information, sketching a budget, revising, and having someone else review the proposal. The goal is to organize thinking, communicate expertise, impress reviewers, and obtain funding to complete the proposed work.

1. Writing an EffectiveWriting an Effective
ProposalProposal
M.Madhu Sudhan Rao
Dept. of CSS

2. Proposal WritingProposal Writing
• What is the point?
• Use a clear writing style
• Get the correct format
• Put all the bits in place
• Leave enough time to polish the
document

3. Why work to perfect theWhy work to perfect the
art of proposal writing?art of proposal writing?
• Organize your thinking
• Communicate your expertise
• Impress and Conquer
• Get the Job Done!

4. Writing StyleWriting Style
• A clear writing style greatly aids in
getting your point across
• Unclear writing makes the reviewer
have to work harder, and it will
usually cost you in the end
• Start with an outline, containing
important points you want to make
for each section of the proposal
• Then, develop a single paragraph
for each point you want to make.

5. Main StructureMain Structure
• Executive Summary
• Background and Significance
• Requirements
• Feasibility and Summary of Design
• Validation
• Deliverables
• Legal and Regulatory Issues
• Timeline / Milestones
• Summary
• References

6. Executive SummaryExecutive Summary
• A concise, non-technical summary of
the entire document
• This summary should describe the
motivation for the work
• Brief summary of the proposed
approach
• Nothing should be here that is not in
the body of the text
• Space Limit: 300 words.

7. Hypothesis/Specific AimsHypothesis/Specific Aims
Enumerate your Hypotheses and related
Aims:
– Hypothesis I
• Aim 1
• Aim 2
– Hypothesis II
• Aim 3 (etc)
• Remember: You don't necessarily need
multiple hypotheses
• This is the most important part of a
Research-based project proposal
• Space limit: ½ page

8. Background / SignificanceBackground / Significance
• Describes the background relevant
to the problem at hand
• Convince the reviewer that you are
aware of the important background
literature for the problem
• Discuss what benefits will be
produced by the proposed work
• Suggested number of pages: 2-3

9. RequirementsRequirements
• Clearly identify the requirements and
constraints on your proposed design.
• Include safety, cost and marketing
constraints, etc.
• This is the design specification for your
project
• Recommended: ½ page (might be longer
for some projects)

10. Feasibility and Summary of DesignFeasibility and Summary of Design
• Briefly describe one or two possible design
approaches
• Convince the reviewer that this project
can be successfully completed on time
• Be sure that your proposed design(s)
satisfy the project requirements
• Are there any financial issues?
• Suggested page length: 1-2 pages

11. Validation and TestingValidation and Testing
• Describe your proposed techniques for
determining if the device works, and
otherwise meets your requirements
(this information will be summarized
in your Milestones)

12. Writing an EffectiveWriting an Effective
ProposalProposal
Common Mistakes

13. Common MistakesCommon Mistakes
• Idea ≠ Grant
purpose
• Ignoring
instructions
• Vague objectives
• Poor writing
• Last minute writing
• Typos
• Assuming
reviewers are
experts in field
• Using buzzwords
• Inaccurate costs
• Budget ≠
Narrative

14. Before the ProposalBefore the Proposal
• Gather background information on the
need to be addressed
• Identify project needs
– Staffing
– Equipment
– Supplies
• Sketch a rough draft of the budget
• Determine who will write the proposal

15. Tips on WritingTips on Writing
• Make a cohesive argument
• Always remember your plan
• Avoid excessive jargon
• Think of the reviewer
– No unnecessary information
• Revise
• Have someone else read the proposal
• Edit

16. Goal and ObjectivesGoal and Objectives
• What do you want to accomplish?
• List goal and objectives to reach goal
– Goal: Increase rural professionals’ use of PubMed
– Objectives:
• Conduct training sessions at the Red River &
Clausen county health departments
• Develop liaison between Reference Librarian
and Regional Health Directors
• Publicize library’s Reference-by-Phone program
• Use action words: increase, reduce, expand
• List each goal individually

17. Methodology and ApproachMethodology and Approach
• How will you address the need?
• How will you meet each objective?
– Details, details, details
• Timeline from start to finish
• Project Staff
– What are their qualifications?
– Resume or CV

18. Final ThoughtsFinal Thoughts
• Plan, Plan, Plan
• Apply Early
– Applications make take 9 months to go
through the process
• Follow directions!
• Learn from rejection
• Resubmit

19. Writing an EffectiveWriting an Effective
ProposalProposal
Remember:
It all Starts with an Idea

20. Writing an EffectiveWriting an Effective
ProposalProposal
?