Proposal Writing Tips

• Build credibility
• PLAN, PLAN, PLAN, then write
• Be clear and concise
• Avoid acronyms and jargon
• Provide brief citations
• Be positive
• Be as specific as possible and provide examples
• Balance is important. Use:

1. Data, facts and statistics (logic)
2. Quotes and personal stories (emotion)
3. Graphics and charts

• Follow the directions
• Find someone outside your program area to review a draft
• Use two filters: Who are you writing to? What are you asking for?
• Don’t assume the reviewer is familiar with the topic or your program
• Keep it interesting

Developed from materials provided by The Grantsmanship Center.

Additional Resources

How do I convert a grant idea into a winning proposal? PowerPoint by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) with some guidelines on going from an idea to a winning proposal.

Using Testimonials to Make Your Grant Proposal Sing (article)