Tips on Proposal Writing

After working so hard to build your coalition, develop a new initiative and engage local funders, it can be difficult to condense your vision into a five-page narrative and one-page budget. How can you write your proposal so that the reviewers see your ideas as clearly as you do?

Each proposal is read by at least six people including: staff from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Local Funding Partnerships (LFP) staff, and members of the LFP national advisory committee. Here are tips from some of our reviewers.

Fernando Chang-Muy, LFP National Advisory Committee:

When you explain the needs of vulnerable people, also describe their strengths. Show how well you understand the community by noting how you will build on their special attributes.
Carefully study the grant guidelines. Be sure that your proposal meets the criteria for what can be funded. For example, LFP funds new projects but not the continuation of existing programs.

Annette Green, LFP National Advisory Committee:

If the project is well conceived and ready to be implemented, then the budget should reflect a workable plan adjusted to the costs in your community.
One way to demonstrate community engagement is to include examples of how consumer opinions have been valued along with professional expertise to develop the proposal.

10 Commandments for Short Proposals (#1-5)
Based on “The Proposal Writer’s
Commandments” by Stephen Williamson

1. Thou shalt read and reread the proposal guidelines.

2. Thou shalt be realistic rather than philosophical.

3. Thou shalt be serious, but not dull.

4. Thou shalt emphasize strategy rather than need.

5. Thou shalt eliminate all jargon and avoid relying on emotional appeal.

Curtis Holloman, LFP Deputy Director:

Early in the proposal, clearly describe the intended impact of your project. What change will result from your activities and how do you plan to measure the difference?
Keep in mind that the reviewers are from varied personal and professional backgrounds. They may not know your jargon or acronyms.

Pauline M. Seitz, LFP Director:

Every proposal presents a compelling need, so steer clear of overly dramatic writing. Instead focus on a short list of objectives and explain how you plan to achieve each one.
The best grant writers are good coaches who can help you organize your presentation, amplify your community voice, and avoid generic boilerplate.

10 Commandments for Short Proposals (#6-10)
Based on “The Proposal Writer’s
Commandments” by Stephen Williamson

6. Thou shalt demonstrate confidence by saying “the project will,” not “it is hoped.”

7. Thou shalt champion collaboration in the community.

8. Thou shalt visualize thy funding sources now and in the future.

9. Thou shalt define ambitious, measurable objectives.

10. Thou shalt have others read thy proposal and grade it according to the proposal guidelines.

Joseph Westermeyer, M.D., Ph.D., Retired LFP National Advisory Committee:

A strong nominating letter reveals the enthusiasm of the local funders. It also shows whether they have participated in the development of your project and if there has been any discussion of or commitment to local grant dollars.
When a large institution such as a university or medical center proposes a community-based program, they should demonstrate a track record of community involvement. Or they should provide evidence of strong current collaboration, such as an active consumer advisory board for the project.

Dianne Yamashiro-Omi, LFP National Advisory Committee:

Set the specific local context for your work rather than giving national statistics or broad generalities. It is more important to describe the evolution of your project: what brought these groups together and how did you develop this program?
Move as quickly as possible from the need to the details of your strategy. Explain who will work on the project and exactly how you propose to create meaningful change in your community.