What is the secret to developing a winning grant proposal? While there is no magic bullet, typically a winning proposal aligns closely with the funder's priorities, focuses on a significant need that is backed by data, has clear and measurable objectives with a method to track success, and a clearly detailed program. Even with all of these elements present, however, your proposal may be turned down if you fail to present your ideas clearly, succinctly and convincingly. Anything less is a disservice to your proposal. If your proposal is poorly written, filled with grammatical and spelling errors and based on unclear thinking, your proposal is clearly at a disadvantage.

Writing is a thought process. When you fail to think through your ideas, it is difficult to clearly capture those thoughts on paper and make a case for your funding proposal. The solution? Always use the six steps of the writing process even when a tight deadline tempts you to skip a step.

1. Understand your assignment. Read the Request for Proposal (RFP) carefully so you clearly understand the priorities of the funder, program requirements and the proposal format. Pay close attention to page format, length and order of attachments. Keep these in mind as you put your proposal together.
2. Brainstorm ideas. Once you understand the RFP, decide the best way for your organization to address it. Gather input from all key players. Not only will this help you understand the entire picture, but it also will help to ensure that everyone is on board when you receive funding. Consider how you will address all of the key components of the proposal. If you are developing a new program, brainstorm approaches that will fit in with your agency mission and current agenda. Use the classic questions — who, what, when, where, why and how — to anticipate all questions a reader of your proposal might have.
3. Research. Solidify your proposal by backing it up with research, including information about your program. Use local or national statistics to bolster your needs statement. If you are expanding a program, gather data on your current program to reinforce the need for expansion and to indicate your ability to grow. If you are not familiar with the details of the program, now is the time to gather that information. If you are forming a new program, think through the details with the people who will be involved in its implementation.
4. Organize your thoughts. A RFP is generally divided into sections focusing on such areas as need, goals and objectives, program, staff, budget, agency information and evaluation process. Outline the flow of information for each section. Be sure your ideas flow logically and can be understood by someone who knows nothing about your agency or the proposed program.
5. Write the first draft. You are ready to begin writing when you can form one sentence that summarizes the entire proposal. Understand how each section relates to the other. If possible, one person should write the entire document to help ensure a flow of ideas and a consistent writing style. If that is not possible, one person should edit the entire proposal. Writing is a combination of meaning, mechanics and style. Although all of these are important, focus on the message when you are writing the first draft. Use your outline to keep your writing on track. Complete one section at a time. When you have finished, put your draft aside so you can edit it with a fresh mind.
6. Edit. Edit your proposal for meaning, mechanics and style. Begin by reading your proposal for meaning. Do your ideas unfold logically? Have you stated your case in a positive way without exageration? Have you included all necessary information? Have you drawn conclusions and made connections between the priorities of the funder and your program? Once you are confident that the ideas flow well, edit your proposal for mechanics, including grammar and spelling. Avoid jargon and acronyms that will confuse your readers. Finally, edit for style. Strive for clear, succinct writing. This is especially critical when you are writing the executive summary, which should be a strong summation of your entire proposal.

Practice the art of fine writing. The time you invest will be well worth the effort in your quest for funding.

©2010. Joan B. Marcus Communications LLC