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How to Write a Project Proposal (Examples & Template Included)

Table of Contents

What is a project proposal, types of project proposals, project proposal vs. project charter, project proposal vs. business case, project proposal vs. project plan, project proposal outline, how to write a project proposal, project proposal example, project proposal tips.

• ProjectManager & Project Proposals

A project proposal is a project management document that’s used to define the objectives and requirements of a project. It helps organizations and external project stakeholders agree on an initial project planning framework.

The main purpose of a project proposal is to get buy-in from decision-makers. That’s why a project proposal outlines your project’s core value proposition; it sells value to both internal and external project stakeholders. The intent of the proposal is to grab the attention of stakeholders and project sponsors. Then, the next step is getting them excited about the project summary.

Getting into the heads of the audience for which you’re writing the project proposal is vital: you need to think like the project’s stakeholders to deliver a proposal that meets their needs.

We’ve created a free project proposal template for Word to help structure documents, so you don’t have to remember the process each time.

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Project Proposal Template

Use this free Project Proposal Template for Word to manage your projects better.

In terms of types of project proposals, you can have one that’s formally solicited, informally solicited or a combination. There can also be renewal and supplemental proposals. Here’s a brief description of each of them.

• Solicited project proposal: This is sent as a response to a request for proposal (RFP) . Here, you’ll need to adhere to the RFP guidelines of the project owner.
• Unsolicited project proposal: You can send project proposals without having received a request for a proposal. This can happen in open bids for construction projects , where a project owner receives unsolicited project proposals from many contractors.
• Informal project proposal: This type of project proposal is created when a client asks for an informal proposal without an RFP.
• Renewal project proposal: You can use a renewal project proposal when you’re reaching out to past customers. The advantage is that you can highlight past positive results and future benefits.
• Continuation project proposal: A continuation project proposal is sent to investors and stakeholders to communicate project progress.
• Supplemental project proposal: This proposal is sent to investors to ask for additional resources during the project execution phase.

A project proposal is a detailed project document that’s used to convince the project sponsor that the project being proposed is worth the time, money and effort to deliver it. This is done by showing how the project will address a business problem or opportunity. It also outlines the work that will be done and how it will be done.

A project charter can seem like the same thing as a project proposal as it also defines the project in a document. It identifies the project objectives, scope, goals, stakeholders and team. But it’s done after the project has been agreed upon by all stakeholders and the project has been accepted. The project charter authorizes the project and documents its requirements to meet stakeholders’ needs.

A business case is used to explain why the proposed project is justified. It shows that the project is worth the investment of time and money. It’s more commonly used in larger companies in the decision-making process when prioritizing one project over another.

The business case answers the questions: what is the project, why should it be taken up, who will be involved and how much will it cost? It’s therefore related to a project proposal, but the project proposal comes before the business case and is usually part of the larger proposal.

Again, the project proposal and the project plan in this case are very similar documents. It’s understandable that there would be some confusion between these two project terms. They both show how the project will be run and what the results will be. However, they’re not the same.

The project proposal is a document that aims to get a project approved and funded. It’s used to convince stakeholders of the viability of the project and their investment. The project plan, on the other hand, is made during the planning phase of the project, once it’s been approved. It’s a detailed outline of how the project will be implemented, including schedule, budget, resources and more.

All the elements in the above project proposal outline are present in our template. This free project proposal template for Word will provide you with everything you need to write an excellent project proposal. It will help you with the executive summary, project process, deliverables, costs—even terms and conditions. Download your free template today.

There are several key operational and strategic questions to consider, including:

• Executive summary: This is the elevator pitch that outlines the project being proposed and why it makes business sense. While it also touches on the information that’ll follow in the project proposal, the executive summary should be brief and to the point.
• Project background: This is another short part of the proposal, usually only one page, which explains the problem you’ll solve or the opportunity you’re taking advantage of with the proposed project. Also, provide a short history of the business to put the company in context to the project and why it’s a good fit.
• Project vision & success criteria: State the goal of the project and how it aligns with the goals of the company. Be specific. Also, note the metrics used to measure the success of the project.
• Potential risks and mitigation strategies: There are always risks. Detail them here and what strategies you’ll employ to mitigate any negative impact as well as take advantage of any positive risk.
• Project scope & deliverables: Define the project scope, which is all the work that has to be done and how it will be done. Also, detail the various deliverables that the project will have.
• Set SMART goals: When setting goals, be SMART. That’s an acronym for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound. All your goals would be defined by those five things.
• Project approach: Define the approach you’ll use for the contract. There are several different types of contracts used in construction , for example, such as lump sum, cost plus, time and materials, etc. This is also a good place to describe the delivery method you’ll use.
• Expected benefits: Outline the benefits that will come from the successful completion of the project.
• Project resource requirements: List the resources, such as labor, materials, equipment, etc., that you’ll need to execute the project if approved.
• Project costs & budget: Detail all the costs, including resources, that’ll be required to complete the project and set up a budget to show how those costs will be spent over the course of the project.
• Project timeline: Lay out the project timeline , which shows the project from start to finish, including the duration of each phase and the tasks within it, milestones, etc.

In addition to these elements, it’s advisable to use a cover letter, which is a one-page document that helps you introduce your project proposal and grab the attention of potential clients and stakeholders.

To make the best proposal possible, you’ll want to be thorough and hit on all the points we’ve listed above. Here’s a step-by-step guide to writing a persuasive priority proposal.

1. Write an Executive Summary

The executive summary provides a quick overview of the main elements of your project proposal, such as your project background, project objectives and project deliverables, among other things. The goal is to capture the attention of your audience and get them excited about the project you’re proposing. It’s essentially the “elevator pitch” for the project life cycle. It should be short and to the point.

The executive summary should be descriptive and paint a picture of what project success looks like for the client. Most importantly, it should motivate the project client; after all, the goal is getting them to sign on the dotted line to get the project moving!

2. Provide a Project Background

The project background is a one-page section of your project proposal that explains the problem that your project will solve. You should explain when this issue started, its current state and how your project will be the ideal solution.

• Historic data: The history section outlines previously successful projects and those that could have run more smoothly. By doing so, this section establishes precedents and how the next project can be more effective using information from previous projects.
• Solution: The solution section addresses how your project will solve the client’s problem. Accordingly, this section includes any project management techniques , skills and procedures your team will use to work efficiently.

3. Establish a Project Vision & Success Criteria

You’ll need to define your project vision. This is best done with a vision statement, which acts as the north star for your project. It’s not specific as much as it’s a way to describe the impact your company plans to make with the project.

It’s also important to set up success criteria to show that the project is in fact doing what it’s proposed to do. Three obvious project success criteria are the triple constraint of cost, scope and time. But you’ll need to set up a way to measure these metrics and respond to them if they’re not meeting your plan.

4. Identify Potential Risks and Mitigation Strategies

To reduce the impact of risk in your project, you need to identify what those risks might be and develop a plan to mitigate them . List all the risks, prioritize them, describe what you’ll do to mitigate or take advantage of them and who on the team is responsible for keeping an eye out for them and resolving them.

5. Define Your Project Scope and Project Deliverables

The project scope refers to all the work that’ll be executed. It defines the work items, work packages and deliverables that’ll be delivered during the execution phase of your project life cycle. It’s important to use a work breakdown structure (WBS) to define your tasks and subtasks and prioritize them.

6. Set SMART Goals for Your Project Proposal

The best mindset when developing goals and objectives for your project proposal is to use the SMART system :

• Specific – Make sure your goals and objectives are clear, concise and specific to the task at hand.
• Measurable – Ensure your goals and objectives are measurable so it’s obvious to see when things are on track and going well, and conversely, when things are off track and issues need to be addressed. Measurable goals make it easy to develop the milestones you’ll use to track the progress of the project and identify a reasonable date for completion and/or closure.
• Attainable – It’s important every project has a “reach” goal. Hitting this goal would mean an outstanding project that extends above and beyond expectations. However, it’s important that the project’s core goal is attainable, so morale stays high and the job gets done with time and resources to spare.
• Relevant – Make sure all of your goals are directly relevant to the project and address the scope within which you’re working.
• Time-Based – Timelines and specific dates should be at the core of all goals and objectives. This helps keep the project on track and ensures all project team members can manage the work that’s ahead of them.

7. Explain What’s Your Project Approach

Your project approach defines the project management methodology , tools and governance for your project. In simple terms, it allows project managers to explain to stakeholders how the project will be planned, executed and controlled successfully.

8. Outline The Expected Benefits of Your Project Proposal

If you want to convince internal stakeholders and external investors, you’ll need to show them the financial benefits that your project could bring to their organization. You can use cost-benefit analysis and projected financial statements to demonstrate why your project is profitable.

9. Identify Project Resource Requirements

Project resources are critical for the execution of your project. The project proposal briefly describes what resources are needed and how they’ll be used. Later, during the planning phase, you’ll need to create a resource management plan that’ll be an important element of your project plan. Project requirements are the items, materials and resources needed for the project. This section should cover both internal and external needs.

10. Estimate Project Costs and Project Budget

All the resources that you’ll need for your project have a price tag. That’s why you need to estimate those costs and create a project budget . The project budget needs to cover all your project expenses, and as a project manager, you’ll need to make sure that you adhere to the budget.

11. Define a Project Timeline

Once you’ve defined your project scope, you’ll need to estimate the duration of each task to create a project timeline. Later during the project planning phase , you’ll need to create a schedule baseline, which estimates the total length of your project. Once the project starts, you’ll compare your actual project schedule to the schedule baseline to monitor progress.

Now let’s explore some project proposal examples to get a better understanding of how a project proposal would work in the real world. For this example, let’s imagine a city that’s about to build a rapid transit system. The city government has the funds to invest but lacks the technical expertise and resources that are needed to build it, so it issues a request for proposal (RFP) document and sends it to potential builders.

Then, the construction companies that are interested in executing this rapid transit project will prepare a project proposal for the city government. Here are some of the key elements they should include.

• Project background: The construction firm will provide an explanation of the challenges that the project presents from a technical perspective, along with historical data from similar projects that have been completed successfully by the company.
• Project vision & success criteria: Write a vision statement and explain how you’ll track the triple constraint to ensure the successful delivery of the project.
• Potential risks and mitigation strategies: List all risks and how they’ll be mitigated, and be sure to prioritize them.
• Project scope & deliverables: The work that’ll be done is outlined in the scope, including all the deliverables that’ll be completed over the life cycle of the project.
• Set SMART goals: Use the SMART technique to define your project goals by whether they’re specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound.
• Project approach: Define the methodology that the project manager will employ to manage the project. Also, figure out what type of contract will be used to define the project.
• Expected benefits: Show how the project will deliver advantages to the company and define what these benefits are in a quantifiable way.
• Project resource requirements: List all the resources, such as labor, materials, equipment, etc., needed to execute the project.
• Project costs & budget: Estimate the cost of the project and lay that out in a project budget that covers everything from start to finish.
• Project timeline: Outline the project schedule, including phases, milestones and task duration on a visual timeline.

Whatever project proposal you’re working on, there are a few tips that apply as best practices for all. While above we suggested a project proposal template that would have a table of contents, meaning it would be many pages long, the best-case scenario is keeping the proposal to one or two pages max. Remember, you’re trying to win over stakeholders, not bore them.

Speaking of project stakeholders , do the research. You want to address the right ones. There’s no point in doing all the work necessary to write a great proposal only to have it directed to the wrong target audience. Whoever is going to read it, though, should be able to comprehend the proposal. Keep the language simple and direct.

When it comes to writing, get a professional. Even a business document like a project proposal, business case or executive summary will suffer if it’s poorly constructed or has typos. If you don’t want to hire a professional business writer, make sure you get someone on your project team to copy, edit and proof the document. The more eyes on it, the less likely mistakes will make it to the final edition.

While you want to keep the proposal short and sweet, it helps to sweeten the pot by adding customer testimonials to the attachments. Nothing sells a project plan better than a customer base looking for your product or service.

ProjectManager & Project Proposals

ProjectManager allows you to plan proposals within our software. You can update tasks for the project proposal to signify where things stand and what’s left to be done. The columns allow you to organize your proposal by section, creating a work breakdown structure (WBS) of sorts.

When building a project proposal, it’s vital to remember your target audience. Your audience includes those who are excited about the project, and see completion as a gain for their organization. Conversely, others in your audience will see the project as a pain and something to which they aren’t looking forward. To keep both parties satisfied, it’s essential to keep language factual and concise.

Our online kanban boards help you think through that language and collaborate on it effectively with other team members, if necessary. Each card shows the percentage completed so everyone in the project management team is aware of the work done and what’s left to be done.

As you can see from the kanban board above, work has begun on tasks such as product documentation and design. Tasks regarding stakeholder feedback, ideation, market research and more have been completed, and there’s a good start on the engineering drawings, 3D rendering, supply chain sourcing and translation services.

A PDF is then attached to the card, and everyone added to the task receives an email notifying them of the change. This same process can be used throughout the life-cycle of the project to keep the team updated, collaborating, and producing a first-class project proposal. In addition to kanban boards, you can also use other project management tools such as Gantt charts , project dashboards, task lists and project calendars to plan, schedule and track your projects.

Project proposals are just the first step in the project planning process. Once your project is approved, you’ll have to solidify the plan, allocate and manage resources, monitor the project, and finally hand in your deliverables. This process requires a flexible, dynamic and robust project management software package. ProjectManager is online project management software that helps all your team members collaborate and manage this process in real-time. Try our award-winning software with this free 30-day trial .

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Blog Business How to Write a Project Proposal (with Examples & Templates)

How to Write a Project Proposal (with Examples & Templates)

Written by: Jennifer Gaskin Dec 11, 2023

For businesses that rely on clients and partnerships to generate sales and revenue, project proposals are must-haves. A polished, professional project proposal is one of the best ways to present the capabilities your team has and put your goods and services in the best possible light.

But creating a good project proposal is more than just a timeline and a budget. Adding visual flourishes like charts, graphs and other imagery can help elevate a boring proposal to the top of the pile. Learn how you can create a successful project proposal and take a look at several project proposal templates you can fully customize using Venngage.

Click to jump ahead:

• What is a project proposal and how to use it

How to write a project proposal in 9 steps

4 project proposal examples with templates.

• What are the 6 types of project proposals?

What are the contents of a project proposal?

What is a project proposal & how to use it.

A project proposal is a formal document that outlines the details, objectives and scope of a proposed project. The purpose of a project proposal is to describe the parameters of a potential project or initiative.

Depending on the industry and type of project proposal (more on that in a moment), these documents can include things like scope of work, timelines, staffing, budget, capability statement and more.

Companies that receive project proposals from other firms or individuals use these documents to narrow down their options and make an informed decision about the best partner for them. And companies that create project proposals use them to make their pitch for the project.

Here’s an example of a project proposal to propose a new partnership:

It’s important to note that project proposals are not the same as business proposals , though there are some similarities. One of the biggest differences is that business proposals tend to be more general and expansive. Learn more about writing a great business proposal.

Writing a great project proposal can be a challenge. That’s because you need to craft the message specifically for the company or individual you’re sending the proposal to.

But don’t worry if you don’t know where to start, here’s how you write an effective project proposal:

Step 1: Review the RFP (if you have one)

If there is no formal RFP, you’ll still need to start out researching as much as you can about your potential client. That means finding out not only about the problem you’re hoping to solve but the history of the client, their industry, their competitors and more. Getting to know them better will help you understand how to portray yourself or your company in the best light.

Step 2: Create a project proposal outline

Whether you use the sections we listed above in that order, add or remove ones or shift things around, jot down a quick outline of sections to keep in mind as you work.

Step 3: Define the problem and present your solution

Kick things off by clearly nailing down the problem or need your project is tackling. Back it up with some hard evidence and data to show why this issue is a big deal. Break it down for your audience, explaining how your project is going to make their lives better.

Step 4: Highlight elements that may set your proposal apart

For example, if you know that your company will be able to complete the task more quickly than any competitors, make that the focus of your solution or scope of work section. Compare your proposed timeline with what your competitors are likely to propose to the client.

You should also make notes of any elements that you might be able to visualize through a graph, chart or other design element — visuals can help not only make your project proposal easier on the eyes, but they can make it more memorable and illustrate to the client that you are able to think creatively.

Here’s an example of how it can look in your project proposal:

Step 5: Define project deliverables and goals

A rock-solid project hinges on clarity, and that starts with laying out precisely what your project will deliver. Whether it’s reports, shiny new products, or top-notch services, make it crystal clear from the get-go.

Next, set the bar with measurable goals and objectives that scream success. Break them down so everyone’s on the same page. And because time is money, map out a timeline that’s not just a bunch of dates but a roadmap with key pit stops.

These milestones and deadlines are the heartbeat of your project, guiding you through each phase and making sure you hit the finish line with style. It’s all about setting the stage for success and making sure everyone’s got their eyes on the prize.

Step 6: State your plan or approach

Now, we’ve made it to the meat of your project proposal. In this section, walk your readers through the nitty-gritty of your project management approach.

Break down the essentials when it comes to resources—think people, equipment, and budget. And, while you’re at it, clue them in on your game plan for handling potential challenges through your risk management strategy. Additionally, consider your approach to project management, for example  agile project management  prioritizes flexibility and adaptability in order to effectively respond to changes and deliver successful outcomes.

Step 7: Outline your project schedule and budget

Crafting a successful project hinges on meticulous planning, starting with the creation of a detailed project schedule.

Break down the project into specific tasks and assign realistic timelines to each one. This step-by-step schedule, like a roadmap, not only helps in visualizing the project’s progression but also aids in resource allocation and risk management.

Simultaneously, developing a comprehensive budget is paramount. Dive deep into identifying and estimating all project costs, including personnel, materials equipment, and any potential contingencies. The budget acts as the financial backbone, ensuring that resources are allocated judiciously.

But here’s the deal – keep it real. Your schedule and budget need to be doable, considering the real-world factors at play. It’s all about laying the groundwork for success and keeping everyone in the loop from start to finish.

Step 8: Write the executive summary

The executive summary serves as the project’s sneak peek, condensing the entire proposal into a punchy snapshot. This opening act isn’t just a formality; it’s your chance to grab the reader’s attention from the get-go.

Picture it like the movie trailer – it needs to be compelling, leaving the audience eager for the full feature. In this compact summary, shine a spotlight on the critical elements of your proposal.

Outline the problem you’re tackling, showcase your ingenious solution, spell out the perks and benefits and throw in a quick glance at the budget for good measure. It’s your project’s elevator pitch, setting the stage for what’s to come and making sure your audience is hooked right from the first line.

Step 9: Proofread and edit

Before sending your proposal out into the world, give it a thorough once-over. Take the time to meticulously proofread every nook and cranny, hunting down grammar slip-ups, punctuation quirks and sneaky spelling errors.

A second perspective can catch things you might have overlooked. And let’s talk presentation – ensure your proposal isn’t just a content champ but looks the part too. Format it like a pro, making sure it’s visually appealing and easy on the eyes.

After all, a polished proposal not only communicates your ideas effectively but also leaves a lasting impression. Browse Venngage’s selection of project proposal templates to get a head start today!

Additional tips:

Avoid overly salesy language.

It can be tempting, particularly if you’re sending unsolicited project proposals, to use some of the same language in your proposal as you might in an ad, but you should keep such wording to a minimum.

Let the proposal speak for itself; if you or your firm truly are the best one for the job, it should be evident in your proposal. Being straightforward can also signal to the hiring party that you don’t want to waste their time with flowery language. It’s better to deal in facts rather than opinions for project proposals.

Establish a single point of contact

Some project proposals will include lists or even short bios of your staff members who will be involved in the project. But it’s a good idea to ensure that your project proposal makes it clear whom the client should contact to move the project forward or submit any questions. Include this person’s information at the beginning and the end of your document.

Write with one voice

While it’s common for large RFPs to be completed by many people on the team, ensure that whoever is responsible for bringing it all together has a chance to make the document feel cohesive. It should read as if one person put the entire thing together.

Now that we’ve explored some of the background and purpose of project proposals, let’s take a look at some templates you can customize using Venngage for your own project.

Construction project proposal examples

The construction industry is a complex one, and project proposals are critical for landing business and keeping projects on track. But there are many approaches a construction project proposal can take.

Taking the complicated and making it simple is a challenge, particularly in this field, but as this project proposal example shows, it can be done. By using simple, clear language and well-placed visual emphasis, this free project proposal template stands out for its simplicity.

Many hiring companies simply skim project proposals for things like budget and timeframe, and while you still need to craft an engaging proposal, it’s a good idea to put those types of elements front and center, as this construction project proposal does.

Remember that regardless of whether your firm is hired for the job at hand, every document you send to another business is a chance to establish your company’s brand identity. Use a template like the one below, update it with your logo and brand colors and fonts to keep it aligned with your messaging.

As you can see from the example below, a few color changes can make a huge difference:

To easily apply your brand colors and logos, simply have them automatically extracted from your website using Autobrand:

And apply them to your design in one click with My Brand Kit :

Design project proposal examples

You might think it would be a no-brainer for a designer to create a well-designed project proposal, but it’s common for creative people to have difficulty when it comes to analytical thinking. That’s why having a couple of great project proposals in your back pocket is perfect for a designer.

Project proposals in creative fields tend to be a bit less buttoned-up than those in other industries, so use your proposal as an opportunity to make a bold design statement. The template below, for example, uses a striking color palette and minimalist imagery on the cover to make the proposal stand out, and those touches are reinforced throughout the document.

This example, similarly, uses creative color combinations to strike a design-forward tone. But as both of these templates illustrate, the bones of the project proposal must be sound, and all the information required should still be covered.

Work project proposal examples

Not every industry requires a unique approach to project proposals, and, in fact, for most applications, a general work proposal template will suffice, provided that you do your due diligence in following any requirements set forward by the hiring party.

This template created for a consulting firm illustrates a straightforward approach to project proposals that you can easily adapt for your needs. Add or remove pages, insert charts and graphs or new icons and craft a compelling narrative.

This project proposal template is an excellent example of how companies can use established templates to create a unique proposal. Note how they’ve used the sections that apply to them and put them together in a way to appeal to their potential client.

Marketing project proposal examples

Marketers and marketing agencies are regularly asked to submit RFPs, whether for individual projects or long-term engagements, so the average marketing agency will need to have several project proposals on hand that they can modify when new requests come in.

This social media marketing project proposal template is ideal for a single campaign rather than a multi-year engagement. In that situation, it’s crucial to make sure all dates and milestones in the campaign are clearly stated.

Ideally, a marketing agency or marketer will get a chance to pitch for long-term work. In that case, this project proposal template is ideal for outlining all aspects of the project proposal, including a timeline that extends to a full year.

A critical aspect of modern marketing success is doing a great deal of research on keywords, competitors and traffic, and many marketers include such metrics in their project proposals, along the lines of this example. Note how high-impact charts and graphs are used to help the audience absorb the data and make an informed decision. There are various marketing proposal examples that you can look at to inspire your next proposal design and help catch the attention of your clients.

What are the 6 types of project proposal s?

Because every project is unique, there are many types of project proposals, but these are the most common ones:

Solicited through RFP

RFP stands for Request for Proposal (they may also be called Request for Quotation, or RFQ).

These types of project proposals typically come with the most stringent requirements and obligations. The hiring company will usually list out the elements that must be included in the RFP as well as any limitations or conditions that apply.

From the vendor’s standpoint, being asked to submit an RFP is generally a good sign because it means that your firm (or yourself, if you’re an individual) has made it through the initial round of research by the hiring party.

I nformally solicited

Informally solicited project proposals are similar to RFPs or formally solicited proposals in that they may have just as many requirements, but because they’re outside of the formal RFP process, the requirements often aren’t stated up front. That could mean the vendor needs to do more research and ask more questions of the hiring party, or it could mean there actually aren’t as many requirements.

Another benefit of submitting an informally solicited project proposal is that the absence of a formal process likely means the vendor will be up against less competition.

Unsolicited

Also called spec (speculative) proposals, unsolicited project proposals come from the vendor’s side rather than the hiring party.

These proposals are particularly difficult because the hiring party, well, may not be hiring at all. With a spec or unsolicited project proposal, the vendor believes there’s a need for their services and must not only convince the hiring party that the need exists, but that the vendor is the best one to fill that need.

Pre-proposals

Pre-proposals can be considered mini versions of RFPs. They are often sought by a hiring party that wants to avoid a lengthy proposal process — or simply doesn’t want to read a long pitch. These types of proposals are brief, usually a few pages at most, and depending on the results, the hiring party may make an offer or make a full RFP request.

Non-competing/continuation proposals

Continuation proposals are common in multi-year projects or ones in which both parties may have agreed to certain conditions governing how the project proceeds.

With a continuation proposal, the goal isn’t to pitch your services but rather to keep the client up to date on the project, inform them of any metrics they need to know or that may be part of the scope of work and get their formal approval to continue with the project.

Competing/renewal proposals

Renewal proposals are similar to continuation proposals, but instead of being created in the middle of a project, a renewal project proposal is generated once a project or contract has ended. They’re also called competing proposals because the vendor will need to make their case as to why the project or contract should be renewed.

It may be wise to approach these types of proposals as you might an unsolicited one, but the benefit to the vendor is that (if the project has been a success), they will have past results with that specific client to showcase in their new proposal.

The content of project proposals will vary depending on the industry and the type of proposal. For example, while solicited, unsolicited and pre-proposals will typically include a budget that is negotiable, a continuation proposal’s budget has likely already been set. That said, here are the typical contents of a project proposal:

• Summary : An executive summary or project background is typically the first section of a project proposal. Most vendors use this as an opportunity to thank the hiring company for the opportunity, as well as summarizing what the client is about to see through the remainder of the proposal.

This template shows a complete executive summary for a product launch, which can be longer than a typical executive brief or project background in your proposal — something to keep in mind:

• Objective : An explanation of what needs to be done or what problem can be solved if the hiring party accepts the proposal.

• Solution : An explanation of what the vendor would do to solve the problem or how they would approach completing the needed task.

• Scope of work : A detailed description of what exactly would be done, when and how much it would cost. This section may also need to include legal information, though in most cases, contracts are separate from project proposals.

Here’s an example of how you can write down the scope of work for your proposed project:

Call to action : The final section of your project proposal (assuming there are no appendices) should let the hiring party know what to do next. Include a place for them to sign the document to show their acceptance, as well as contact information in case they have further questions. To make the proposal legally binding, you can send it to your client via a free eSignature software such as Papersign  and collect their signature in a compliant manner.

• Appendix : Appendices in project proposals could include information that didn’t fit within the client’s requirements or that helps to further explain information in the main part of the document. This section is optional.

Project proposal FAQs

What is the difference between project proposals and project charters.

The difference between both is that project proposals serve to present a project’s goals and approach for approval. On the contrary, project charters officially authorize the project, defining roles, responsibilities and initial objectives.

What is the difference between project proposals and business cases?

Project proposals focus on securing approval by presenting a project idea and its feasibility. On the other hand, a business case provides a more comprehensive analysis, including financial aspects and long-term strategic impact, aiding stakeholders in making informed decisions.

What is the difference between project proposals and project plans?

Project proposals aim to gain approval by detailing the project’s purpose and scope, whereas project plans are comprehensive documents specifying tasks, timelines and resources necessary for successful project execution.

Highlight your products effectively with Venngage’s professional project proposal templates

Letting a potential customer know what you’re capable of is a critical tool in many fields, and project proposals can highlight your company in a way few other documents can.

Start with one of these templates or create your project proposal from scratch. Whether your company has just gotten an RFP or you want to land that big fish in your industry, Venngage makes it simple to create an effective project proposal without becoming overwhelmed. It’s free to get started.

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• 6 steps for writing a persuasive projec ...

6 steps for writing a persuasive project proposal

A project proposal is a written document outlining everything stakeholders should know about a project, including the timeline, budget, objectives, and goals. Your project proposal should summarize your project details and sell your idea so stakeholders buy in to the initiative. In this guide, we’ll teach you how to write a project proposal so you can win approval and succeed at work.

All projects have creation stories, but they don’t start with someone declaring, “Let there be resources!” To move forward with a project, teams must submit a proposal to decision-makers within their organization or to external stakeholders. 

What is a project proposal?

A project proposal is a written document outlining everything stakeholders should know about a project, including the timeline, budget, objectives , and goals. Your project proposal should summarize your project details and sell your idea so stakeholders feel inclined to get involved in the initiative.

The goal of your project proposal is to:

Secure external funding

Allocate company resources to your project

Gain stakeholder buy-in

Build momentum and excitement

Project proposals vs. project charters vs. business cases

Project proposals and project charters serve different purposes in the project creation process, and it’s important to understand the difference between the two. While a project proposal takes place in the initiation phase of the project, the project charter takes place in the planning phase. 

As mentioned above, a project proposal is a persuasive document meant to convince stakeholders why the project should be carried out. A project charter is a reference document that defines project objectives, and it can’t be created until the project proposal is approved.

People also confuse the business case with the project proposal, but the business case also comes after the proposal. Once the project is approved through a proposal, a business case may be used to secure additional funding for the project.

Types of project proposals

There are six types of proposals you may encounter as a project manager, and understanding the different formats can be useful as you write yours. Each type has a different goal.

Solicited: You’ll send solicited proposals in response to a Request for Proposal (RFP). An RFP announces a project in detail and asks for bids from qualified teams. Because you’re competing against other companies for this type of proposal, you must do thorough research and write persuasively.

Unsolicited: You’ll send unsolicited proposals without an RFP, meaning no one asked for your proposal. In this case, you won’t be up against other companies or teams, but you’ll still need to be persuasive because you have no knowledge of whether the stakeholder you’re pitching to needs you.

Informal: You may have a client send you an informal request for a project proposal, in which case you can respond with your project pitch. Because this isn’t an official RFP, the rules are less concrete.

Renewal: You’ll send renewals to existing clients in hopes that they’ll extend their services with your organization. In this type of project proposal, the goal is to emphasize past results your team has produced for the client and persuade them you can produce future results.

Continuation: You’ll send continuations as a reminder to a stakeholder letting them know the project is beginning. In this project proposal, you’ll simply provide information about the project instead of persuading the stakeholder.

Supplemental: Similar to a continuation proposal, you’ll send a supplemental proposal to a stakeholder already involved in your project. In this type of proposal, you’re letting the stakeholder know the project is beginning, while also asking for additional resources. You should persuade the stakeholder to contribute more to the project in this proposal.

The tone of voice and content of your project proposal will differ based on the type of proposal you’re sending. When you know your project goals, you can write your proposal accordingly.

How to write a project proposal

These step-by-step instructions apply to most project proposals, regardless of type. You’ll need to customize your proposal for the intended audience, but this project proposal outline can serve as a reference to ensure you’re including the key components in your document. 

1. Write an executive summary

The executive summary serves as the introduction to your project proposal. Similar to a report abstract or an essay introduction, this section should summarize what’s coming and persuade the stakeholder to continue reading. Depending on the complexity of your project, your executive summary may be one paragraph or a few paragraphs. 

Your executive summary should include:

The problem your project plans to solve

The solution your project provides for that problem

The impact your project will have 

You should only address these items briefly in your executive summary because you’ll discuss these topics in more detail later in your proposal. 

2. Explain the project background

In this section, you’ll go into the background of the project. Use references and statistics to convince your reader that the problem you’re addressing is worthwhile.

Some questions to include are:

What is the problem your project addresses?

What is already known about this problem?

Who has addressed this problem before/what research is there?

Why is past research insufficient at addressing this problem?

You can also use this section to explain how the problem you hope to solve directly relates to your organization. 

3. Present a solution

You just presented a problem in the project background section, so the next logical step in proposal writing is to present a solution. This section is your opportunity to outline your project approach in greater detail. 

Some items to include are:

Your vision statement for the project

Your project schedule , including important milestones

Project team roles and responsibilities  

A risk register showing how you’ll mitigate risk

The project deliverables

Reporting tools you’ll use throughout the project

You may not have all these items in your proposal format, but you can decide what to include based on the project scope . This section will likely be the longest and most detailed section of your proposal, as you’ll discuss everything involved in achieving your proposed solution. 

4. Define project deliverables and goals

Defining your project deliverables is a crucial step in writing your project proposal. Stakeholders want to know what you’re going to produce at the end of your project, whether that’s a product, a program, an upgrade in technology, or something else. As the stakeholder reads through your vision, this will be the section where they say, “Aha, this is what they’ll use my resources for.”

When defining your deliverables, you should include:

The end product or final objective of your project 

A project timeline for when deliverables will be ready

SMART goals that align with the deliverables you’re producing

While it’s important to show the problem and solution to your project, it’s often easier for stakeholders to visualize the project when you can define the deliverables.

5. List what resources you need

Now that you’ve outlined your problem, approach, solution, and deliverables, you can go into detail about what resources you need to accomplish your initiative.

In this section, you’ll include:

Project budget : The project budget involves everything from the supplies you’ll need to create a product to ad pricing and team salaries. You should include any budget items you need to deliver the project here.

Breakdown of costs: This section should include research on why you need specific resources for your project; that way, stakeholders can understand what their buy-in is being used for. This breakdown can also help you mitigate unexpected costs.

Resource allocation plan : You should include an overview of your resource allocation plan outlining where you plan to use the specific resources you need. For example, if you determine you need $50,000 to complete the project, do you plan to allocate this money to salaries, technology, materials, etc.

Hopefully, by this point in the proposal, you’ve convinced the stakeholders to get on board with your proposed project, which is why saving the required resources for the end of the document is a smart strategic move.

6. State your conclusion

Finally, wrap up your project proposal with a persuasive and confident conclusion. Like the executive summary, the conclusion should briefly summarize the problem your project addresses and your solution for solving that problem. You can emphasize the impact of your project in the conclusion but keep this section relevant, just like you would in a traditional essay. 

Tips for writing an effective project proposal

Following the steps listed above will ensure your project proposal has all the right elements. But if you want to impress your readers and win their approval, your writing must shine. In addition to the above, a project proposal includes:

Know your audience

As you write your proposal, keep your audience (i.e. the stakeholders) in mind at all times. Remember that the goal of the proposal is to win your audience over, not just to present your project details. For example, if you’re creating a new editing tool for a children’s publishing house, can you determine whether your stakeholders are parents and appeal to their emotional side when persuading them to buy in to your product?

Be persuasive

Persuasion is important in a project proposal because you’re hoping your audience will read your proposal and do something for you in return. If your reader isn’t intrigued by your project, they won’t feel inclined to help you. If you describe your editing tool but don’t mention the many features it will offer, how it will benefit clients, and its positive impact in the industry, your audience will wonder, “Why should I care about this project?” 

Keep it simple

While you should go into detail on your problem, approach, and solution, you shouldn’t make your project proposal overly complex. This means you can discuss the project plan for your proposed editing tool without discussing what codes the engineers will use to make each feature work. 

Do your research

A successful project proposal includes thorough research. Be prepared to back up your problem—and solution—with reputable sources, case studies, statistics, or charts so you don’t leave your audience with questions. When writing your proposal, put yourself in the reader’s shoes and ask:

Why is this a problem?

How is this a solution to the problem?

Has anyone addressed this problem before?

What are the project costs?

If you can answer these questions, then you’ve likely done enough research to support your proposed initiative.

Use project management tools to strengthen your project proposal

Good project proposals require team collaboration . With the right management tools, your team can communicate, share information, and work together on one shared document. 

When you store all your project information in one place, it’s easy to access that data when you need it. Project proposals stem from well-organized and properly planned projects, which is why project management software is a key resource to effectively write a project proposal. Ready to get started? Try Asana .

Related resources

Cost control: How to monitor project spending to increase profitability

How to use a feasibility study in project management

How to track utilization rate and drive team profitability

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How to write a project proposal that’s persuasive and precise

Project proposals are a great way to kick off an initiative. They show a clear path of execution and make stakeholders aware of costs and benefits. They can convince a team or manager to make a change. Or they can show a client what services and solutions you can provide. You can write a project proposal for just about anything: to build a new tool, for a process to improve team workflows, or to create a new website. Here’s how to write a project proposal that’s professional, informative, and persuasive.

What’s included in a project proposal?

A well-written project proposal includes the following:

• Goals (What problem are you trying to solve? And how?)
• Timeline of the project (Including milestones along the way)
• Budget (What’s it going to cost? And what’s the expected return?)
• Objectives (How will you measure if the goal has been achieved?)

Target your project proposal for your audience

You might not think you work in marketing, but if you want to convince someone to accept your project, then think again! Know your target audience segment and adjust your message accordingly. Think carefully about who you’re talking to—your client? your boss?—and what they care about. Consider their goals, such as driving more leads, or increasing employee productivity. What factors are important to them? And how are they balanced and prioritized?

Think about how they prefer to receive information. Are they looking at the big picture? Or the small details? Would they prefer chart and graph visualizations? Or a short list of bullet points? Or maybe they want to hear a story?

Use all of this information to customize the proposal for your specific audience. If it’s more relatable, they’ll be most likely to grasp the information and respond positively.

Organize your ideas before you write

Choose the right tools to help keep your ideas and your research organized. Create your proposal on a Trello board to sort related documents, ideas, and important information for each section of the project proposal. 

Stay on the board and use it to track progress and activities to reach your objective. With Timeline View , you can monitor the steps to help you reach your goal. Viewing Trello cards in a timeline to see overlaps in work, or identify potential bottlenecks down the road. 

Dashboards help quantify and sort the work on your project. For example, when you assign cards to your teammates, you’re able to sort by person to see who might be overloaded with work all at once. Dashboard gives you a quick visual overview for reference. 

Of course, you can start your project proposal Trello board from scratch, but you’ll save time if you copy and customize this project proposal template at the start.

You can also use a slide deck or a text document to kick off your thinking, but only Trello will keep your ideas organized and help you track your progress in real time.

Back up your content with data

Your proposal will be stronger if you have hard facts to back it up. Use statistics that are relevant, such as successful campaigns at similar companies or metric improvements associated with the project. If you can’t find any within your organization, research your project subject matter and look for stats and data that relate to your project. 

For example, if you’re writing a proposal to optimize a client’s website, it’s powerful to mention that 25% of visitors abandon a website if it takes more than four seconds to load.  

Call out the costs and risks

Highlight the positive outcomes that will come from doing the project. But your project proposal will be even more convincing if you also acknowledge the pitfalls and costs. Show the full scope of the project to build trust and transparency with your reader. If risks are known ahead of time, your project will be ready to confront them.

Cost analysis

Provide a total estimated cost for the project, but also list each line item. Get granular to show thoughtful detail, and to show potential points of adjustment. Justify the reason for each cost. Explain why they’re necessary and what you expect to gain. 

Although it’s not always possible, it’s best if you can associate a dollar amount of benefit behind each cost. Calculate the return on investment (ROI) to show why it’s worth it to spend the money.

Keep in mind that costs are more than just dollars. Resources such as software or raw materials or employee time are a cost. Account for it so there are no surprises later.

Risk analysis

Every project has risk. It could waste time and money. Or it could have more serious legal ramifications or an impact on brand loyalty. 

Explain how you plan to mitigate those risks and prevent them. Be realistic. Also indicate how likely those risks are to occur, and what you could do to fix them.

Set SMART goals and outcomes

A persuasive project proposal includes a definition of success with a plan for how to reach it. Create a SMART goal for your project that clearly defines what a successful outcome looks like. Your goal should be: 

• S pecific (clearly defined)
• M easurable (quantifiable, and include a way to “check off” its completion)
• A chievable (it’s okay to be a stretch, but don’t make it impossible)
• R elevant (a positive impact for the stakeholders)
• T ime-bound (include a clear timeframe or deadline for success)

Once you’ve set your target goal, create outcomes and milestones to help measure progress on the journey. Define metrics that show if you’re on track to reach your goal, or if you need to make adjustments to the plan.

If it’s hard to predict exactly what outcomes and metrics to expect, show best-, mid-, and worst-case scenarios. Your best case should show a very optimistic goal of what you think you can achieve if everything goes according to plan. Your mid-case goal should allow for a few hiccups along the way. Your worst-case scenario includes the minimum of what you think is possible, even if many things go wrong.

Here’s what it might look like to create a project proposal for a new ad campaign:

Write the project proposal

Your project proposal will likely be read by multiple people, each with a different level of investment in the project. Include these sections in your pitch to make it digestible and accessible for every stakeholder. 

Begin with an executive summary

Summarize the key points of your proposal, such as the estimated goal and outcomes with costs. Identify the key stakeholders and the resources to make it happen. Quickly share the best and worst-case scenarios, so the range of expected outcomes are clear. Keep this short and easy to read: Just a few bullet points or a single paragraph.

Keep the project proposal simple

Add detail and data to your executive summary, but don’t feel pressured to write a book. More words do not mean better quality. Write to get your point across, then review it to make it more clear and concise.

Add an appendix for all of the details

For lengthy studies, analyses, and reports that will help support your project, lean on your appendix. Keep the project proposal tight; not every reader will want to see every detail. Instead, reference the appendix in your proposal and send readers there for all of the details and nitty-gritty.

Practice your pitch

If you plan to present the proposal on a call or in person, practice your talking points and presentation. Do not simply read the project proposal to your audience, as their attention may wander.

Include your personality and passion, as this will help you sell the project. Be sure to show your enthusiasm. Share why you care about the initiative personally and what motivates you to make the project happen. 

Your drive and your passion—and the right tools—will help position your project proposal for success.

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How to Write a Business Project Proposal that Gets Approved

Updated on: 5 January 2023

Writing a business project proposal definitely takes time and careful consideration, but it will pay off when you have managed to impress your investors. 

Your project getting approved or funded may depend on how effective your project proposal is, so investing that extra effort into perfecting it is essential. 

There are steps that you can follow to make sure that your business proposal makes a great impact on your company’s decision-makers , and in this post, we will walk you through them, explaining how to write a project proposal step-by-step. Also provided are templates that you can use to write a winning project proposal.   

What is a Project Proposal 

Let’s start with the basics. 

What is a project proposal? It’s a document that lists down all aspects of a project ; its background, vision, goals, tasks, requirements, owners, associated risks, etc. So it basically explains what your project is, what you want to achieve with it, and how you plan to execute it. 

It’s one of the many crucial parts of the planning phase of the project. It lays out each and every step of the project, allowing everyone to understand what is required of them, their priorities, and the common goal they are supposed to work towards. 

The purpose of the project proposal is to communicate the value of your project to all stakeholders; clients, employers, investors, and convince them of the value of the project.

Benefits of a well-structured project proposal 

• Clarifies the expectations of the project – project requirements and the action plan
• Helps increase the viability of the project 
• Offers a large overview of the project allowing you to identify issues easily 
• Simplifies project implementation  

Different types of project proposals include

• Formally solicited – a proposal that is made in response to an official Request for Proposal (RFP). The RFP document usually outlines the stakeholder requirements and even sometimes spells out the instructions to prepare the proposal. 
• Informally solicited – this type of proposal does not require an RFP, which means there is no official document outlining the demands of the customer or the stakeholder, therefore doesn’t consist of the specific details a formal one usually has.  
• Unsolicited – this type of proposal is thought of by the person creating them and not expected or requested by anyone, yet they can be of a lot of value to the stakeholder .  
• Continuation – this basically requires you to update an ongoing or already approved proposal or remind the stakeholders of it. You are required to check-in with the stakeholders and discuss progress. 
• Renewal – this is written in support of renewing a project that has been terminated or outlived its usefulness. 
• Supplemental – when you need more resources than what was originally allocated to a project, you can write a supplemental project proposal . Its purpose is to justify the need for extra resources and re-estimate the project scope and timeline.  

How to Write a Project Proposal

Once you have identified the type of project proposal that suits your requirement, you can start writing your business project proposal. 

Before you actually begin to write down the project proposal, there are a few preliminary steps that you need to take. These are: 

• Identify who your stakeholders are. While you should aim to win the attention and interest of your stakeholders with your proposal, the best way to do that is to think like them. Understand who they are, what they already know of, and what they prefer in terms of your idea. Based on who they are, you can alter the information you include, and the language you use. 
• Gather information about the problem the project is aiming to solve, especially in terms of how it’s affecting your stakeholders and their interests.
• Conduct research into the current state of the issue and the potential solutions that have already been discovered by those who are outside of your company or by your own team. This will help you adjust your own solution to generate a more solid argument or determine whether it’s worth pursuing (especially if the solutions found by others have already been tested and failed). 
• Determine the impact of the project on your company’s success or how it will benefit your stakeholders. Layout the success metrics for the proposal and showcase the results, and if you find any risks involved, don’t be afraid to bring them to light as well; in any case, knowing them will allow you to alter your action plan to withstand them. 
• Specify a timeline and the resources needed to complete the project. Check if the teams, equipment, and material needed to carry out the project tasks are available and the objectives can be achieved in a timely manner. Take into account the other projects your team will be working on, the equipment or material that’s currently unavailable, and any extra costs on resources you will have to bear in order to carry out the proposed project. 
• Create an outline of your project proposal based on the information you have gathered. Write down the core elements; more or less the basic elements should include an introduction, problem, solution, the action plan, timeline and resources, and a conclusion.

Completing the initial steps above provides you a good head start to writing your business project proposal. Your next step is to organize your research into a coherent document – an actual proposal. Here’s how to write a proposal for a project from scratch; 

1. Write the executive summary

The executive summary offers a quick overview of the proposal that is to follow. It’s not only the first thing the reader will see, but sometimes it’s the only thing a stakeholder will read before making a decision about the proposed idea. Therefore, the executive summary should make sense to someone who hasn’t read it; for this purpose, it should consist of a synopsis of all the sections in the document. 

• An analysis of the problem 
• The conclusions you have arrived at 
• The recommended action plan   

Aim to keep the summary intriguing and convincing; make use of notable statistics in the first two sentences to pique the interest of the reader. 

2. Define the problem 

Give a brief description of the problem your project aims to solve. 

Referring to the research you have done earlier, you can explain the current situation of the problem in terms of what’s being done about it both within and outside of your organization, and why your stakeholders should be concerned about it.

While you need to be straightforward with your explanation, remember to use the language and concepts your stakeholders resonate with the most. 

03. Introduce your solution 

Now that the stakeholders know what the problem is, it’s time to explain how your project or your solution comes into play. This section is usually the most detailed out part of the project proposal, and to retain the attention of your reader, you can play around with the use of visuals.  

This section should explain your solution along with how you plan to execute it. It should reinforce the fact that your decision is backed by proper and thorough research. Clarify,

• The project approach ; how the team will be put together, the tools and equipment that will be used, and how you will be handling the changes during execution. 

• Project schedule ; list the project tasks along with time estimations for each of them. The task breakdown will enable you to allocate your team properly, and you can use a Gantt chart in this section to clearly outline the resources, tasks, and timeline. 

• Project deliverables ; deliverables are the outcomes of a completed project (i.e. product, service or a detailed report). Mention your project deliverables along with delivery dates. Use a work breakdown structure here to help the stakeholders get a clearer picture.    

As required you can also include additional information such as the anticipated risks and steps you would take to overcome them, a communications plan , and milestones to help track progress.  

In order to make this section more reader-friendly, you can present all this information using an action plan . 

04. Outline the project costs

This section focuses on the estimated cost of the proposed project. It should include an itemized budget for the project. 

The purpose of this section is to help the investors get an idea as to whether the project costs can fit into their own budgets, therefore make sure that the calculations are as accurate as possible.

05. Conclude your proposal 

Provide a brief review of all the key points discussed throughout the proposal. As this is the last section, it’s also the last chance you have to convince your stakeholders; therefore reinforce your solution and why your stakeholders should care about it while ensuring that your proposed method is in the best interest of the organization.

06. Add an appendix 

This section is reserved for the reference documents, charts , graphs, etc. that were referred to when writing the project proposal.  

07. Revise and refine 

In order to substantiate your professionalism and win over your stakeholders, you must present an error-free project proposal. 

Proofread your proposal to check for any spelling mistakes and grammatical errors. Often a fresh pair of eyes helps detect mistakes easily; either get a colleague to review the document or wait 1-2 days and review it anew yourself. 

Project Proposal Templates 

A detailed, well-structured project proposal will help you stay focused and stay on track by offering you the necessary instructions throughout the project, which is certainly better than picking things out from your memory or conversations you had with your team during that meeting a few weeks back. 

To make it easy for everyone, you can have a standard project proposal template that they can refer to when documenting their project idea. 

Following are a few project proposal templates that you can share with the team.

One Page Business Project Proposal

You can edit this template online and share the link with your team or the stakeholders online so they can collaborate on it too. Connect with them via Creately in-app video conferencing and walk them through each section of the proposal. Alternatively, using in-line commenting, they can also leave their feedback on the proposal.

Project Proposal Template

What’s Your Process for Writing a Business Project Proposal? 

Creating a project proposal can sometimes be a mini project in itself.  Using a proper process checklist or a standard template can help you accelerate things. Before writing your project proposal, follow the preliminary steps mentioned above first. Keep your target stakeholders in mind and make a compelling case for your proposal. 

Want to share your thoughts on how to write a proposal for a project ? Let us know in the comments section below. 

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How to write a project proposal (examples & templates).

Senior Content Marketing Manager

July 13, 2023

Have you ever left a doctor’s appointment feeling uncertain about the treatment plan? It stinks—no one likes being left in limbo when it comes to things that matter to them. 

Clients feel the same type of frustration when they receive unclear project details from agencies. Reassure your customers with a strong project proposal—a statement that clarifies what your agency will do to help the client meet their goals. 

This proposal is basically a “diagnosis” and a “treatment plan.” It shows the client you understand their situation and outlines what project deliverables your agency will create to help the customer meet their objective. 

Boost clients’ confidence in your projects with this guide. It’s packed with proposal writing best practices, project proposal examples, and more to help you strengthen your pitches.

What is a Project Proposal?

Types of project proposals, step 1: research your prospective client’s product and industry, step 2: brainstorm with your internal team, step 3: define deliverables and determine the required resources, step 4: write the project proposal, step 5: add design elements to the project proposal, step 6: present it to your prospective client, step 7: follow up with the prospective client.

A project proposal is a document that outlines what deliverables your agency will create and the objectives you plan to meet through the work. It should describe your diagnostic and prescriptive approach to getting them where they want to be.

Project Proposal Example Outline

A good project proposal should include the Who, What, Where, When, and How of the solution you provide. Specifically, your project proposal needs to include:

• Table of Contents : An index of what’s to come in the project proposal and page numbers
• Executive Summary : A statement that describes the project background and gives a brief overview of what’s to come in the proposal
• Goals : The long-term outcome the client wants to achieve
• Problem Statement : A summary of the obstacles standing in the way of the client’s goals
• Value Statement : A summary statement of how your agency’s services and expertise will solve the problem statement and benefit the client
• Strategy : The high-level proposed solution for how you will reach the client’s goals
• Project Scope : The services that will be included in your agency’s project approach
• Project Deliverables : Individual tasks within the services you provide that contribute to the project objective(s)
• Measures of Success : Metrics that will be used to measure project success (KPIs)
• Timelines : A roadmap of when the client can expect project deliverables and key milestones along the way
• Case Studies : Success stories and testimonials from clients you’ve worked with on similar projects
• Budget : The monetary resources required to complete the project proposal . Include more than one package with a range of pricing to fit different project budgets and goals).
• Project Summary : A concrete takeaway that summarizes the key details of the project proposal.
• Next Steps : Don’t forget your call to action! Tell the client how to get started working with you.!

Not sure how to tie all of this together? Don’t worry; we’ll cover that later!

There are a few different situations where you would submit a project proposal to a client:

• Solicited project proposal : A prospective client approaches you with a Request For Proposal (RFP) , and you submit a proposal in response.
• Unsolicited project proposal : You identify a prospect in your CRM that fits your ideal customer profile (ICP) and submit an unsolicited project proposal to start a contracting conversation without the prospect reaching out first. 
• Informal project proposal : A more conversational approach to a proposal or one that wasn’t specifically requested.
• Renewal project proposal : An existing client is up for renewal. You send this proposal as a prerequisite to resigning so you can reevaluate your current relationship and set new goals.
• Continuation project proposal : Remind or convince current clients to continue the project or provide details about any outstanding or new tasks that might be needed to complete the project.
• Supplemental project proposal : You identify the need to expand an existing project’s scope of work and redefine the client relationship.

Related: Business Proposal Templates

The benefits of writing proposals for projects 

A well-written project proposal is a powerful tool for showing clients why hiring your agency is their best chance for success. 

Specifically, project proposals have a few key benefits:

• Credibility: Provides you a platform to establish your expertise with the prospect
• Differentiation: Give the prospect something concrete to take to internal stakeholders to compare and contrast your services with others competing for the project and get buy-in from their decision-makers.
• Alignment: Aligns internal and external teams on what the goals and vision are for the project proposal from the very beginning.

How to Write a Project Proposal in 7 Steps

A project proposal can either be a big selling point or a missed opportunity; the difference comes down to your process for developing one. Before you begin writing a project proposal, centralize your team communication . Then you can establish a clear planning process so nothing falls through the cracks.

Bonus: Project Planning Tools

Your prospective client doesn’t want an impersonal project proposal. They want a statement that shows you understand their history, branding, industry, and customers.  Show the client you get them and what matters to them by conducting research for your project proposal.

While conducting your research, consider the following:

• What are your customer’s objectives that are driving this project? 
• What gaps in industry knowledge does your agency have that you need to explore during market research ? 
• How long will you have to conduct your research?
• What form of data collection will you use? 
• Will you conduct a competitor audit, client surveys, or an organizational gap analysis?
• Once you collect the data, how will you analyze it? 
• Are there limitations to your research that need to be considered during your planning?
• Do any themes rise to the top as you conduct your research?  
• What resources did you use in developing your research?
• Are the sources credible?
• Are the sources diverse enough to accurately represent the industry?

Don’t forget to document all of your findings in ClickUp’s User Research Plan Template so you can easily reference your analysis in the following steps of your project proposal!

Armed with your research, rally the troops! It’s time to collaborate with your internal team on how you can solve the client’s needs before you put it on paper. 

Brainstorm together using the mind mapping methodology— a visual diagram of ideas connected by a central concept.  It’s an easy way for your teams to brain-dump ideas and talk through each of their unique perspectives on the project – ultimately coming up with the best ideas. 

For example, developing concepts for a marketing campaign requires inputs from multiple teams in your agency. Using ClickUp’s Mind Map will help subject matter experts from across the agency weigh in on the best approach while keeping the client’s goal as the central concept. 

Corral all that genius in one room with ClickUp’s template for project mapping ! With this resource, you can easily brainstorm and organize ideas visually to identify connections between them quickly.

Once your team has identified the best approach to the project, it’s time to outline the specifics of the solution in a project plan . This includes identifying phases of the project, defining deliverables, and filling in the details of each task. 

Using a project management tool, work with your team to assign the timeline, project budget , and task owners for each deliverable to determine the project’s overall scope. Here are a few ClickUp  project management tools that will help you communicate each of these details:

• Custom Fields: ClickUp’s custom fields enable you to assign unique values to tasks like budgets, task owners, due dates, and so much more.
• Gantt Chart: It’s easy to define timelines when you look at tasks in ClickUp’s Gantt chart view , where you can define dependencies between tasks and layout project deliverables in sequential order.
• Checklists: Sometimes, you just need a simple to-do list to make sure you’ve assigned each piece of the project; that’s where checklists are super handy! Easily tag in task owners, set due dates, and notify the project team of completion with a single click.

Now that you have all the project’s internal details, it’s time to organize them into a concise, personalized proposal statement. Collaborating on all of the ideas in a project proposal whiteboard makes it easy to define your proposal as you go.

Once you have outlined the key concepts on ClickUp’s Whiteboard , it’s time to tag in your copywriting team to round out those ideas and write a cohesive proposal Doc. The copywriting team should reference the Whiteboard, project map, and research document as they write to make sure it’s as personalized to the client as possible.

The copy needs to be definitive, concise, and measurable as possible. Once the copywriters are done, give your internal project team a chance to review and surface any revisions needed before sending the project proposal on to the next step.

Make sure you clearly define the project budget as well. The last thing a client wants is to see various costs from initial conversations.

Now for the fun part! Tag your creative team to translate that project background document into a beautifully designed project proposal (a.k.a. make it pretty!). If you don’t have an internal design team, there are several drag-and-drop design templates from services like Pitch and Canva . 

Consider standardizing your proposal in a template regardless of whether you have an internal design team or are using one of these services. Your team can simply adapt ClickUp’s Project Proposal Whiteboard Template for each new client to maintain brand consistency and save time.

You did it!

The day has finally come—you get to wow your client with your genius. Whether you meet in person or via zoom, send a meeting agenda and a copy of your project proposal via email to your client prior to the proposal presentation.

Providing the proposed project and meeting cadence beforehand will give the client time to consider the proposal, form any questions, and potentially add notes to the meeting agenda. 

CLICKUP PRO TIP Make this step quick, easy, and consistent across teams by developing a standardized email template in ClickUp .

During the meeting, keep detailed meeting notes and assign follow-up tasks immediately so nothing falls through the cracks post-meeting. Easily take notes and assign action items in real-time with the ClickUp Meeting Minutes Template to create the best project proposal.

Make sure to keep your proposal presentation to the point and as brief as possible. You don’t want to bore your audience before they get to the end.

At the end of the presentation, reiterate the next steps you’ve outlined in the proposal and note how much lead time your team will need if the client chooses to sign on. After presenting the project proposal, answer as many questions as possible, and follow up via email with any answers you don’t immediately have.

We’ve all been there. One minute an agency is promising you the world, and the next, they’re ghosting you for the next best client. Don’t let prospects slip through the cracks.

Keep track of every stage of your project proposals so you know who is responsible for reaching out to the prospect, and when your team last contacted them. 

Tracking the client lifecycle in real-time is easy in ClickUp with custom fields. You can define the stages of your project proposals through custom fields, assigning roles, setting due dates for routine follow-ups, and tagging team members. You can also send client emails and comments right from the task window, giving you a clear audit trail of each customer communication.

Related Project Proposal Resources:

• Project Proposal Templates
• Professional Services Template
• Creative Project Plan Template
• Creative Agency Proposal Planning Template
• Consulting Project Plan Template
• Grant Proposal Template
• Consulting Templates
• RFQ Templates

Use ClickUp for Your Next Project Proposal

At the core of successful project proposals, there’s a team that collaborates effectively. And that’s exactly what ClickUp enables your agency to do.

We bring all of your tools, documents, teams, dashboards, budgets, and workflows into one project management software. This is all in an effort to put an end to context-switching and siloed workflows from working within multiple tools.

What’s better?

We have over 1,000 app integrations and a full library of free templates built by project management experts that make workflow building easy. You no longer have to spend your precious time creating every process and procedure from the ground up.

It’s already here, just waiting for you in ClickUp. Get started today— completely for free —and see why so many agencies are switching to ClickUp.

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Project Proposal Writing Guide (8 Easy Steps For Success)

Secure buy-in with our step-by-step guide on how to write a project proposal. Use templates optimized for engagement to create your best project proposal yet.

9 minute read

helped business professionals at:

Short answer

What is a project proposal?

A project proposal is a detailed plan presented to stakeholders, outlining the objectives, strategies, and timeline of a project. It's designed to secure buy-in by clearly demonstrating the project's value and feasibility.

Is your project proposal strong enough to win approval?

Right now, your project proposal is just one in a pile on a decision-maker's desk, and there's not enough money to fund them all. If your proposal doesn't stand out, your project might not happen. It's that simple.

Other projects are competing for the same attention and resources, and if they make a stronger case, they'll be the ones moving forward, not yours.

Feeling the heat? Let’s turn that into action.

I’ll show you how to write a winning project proposal. Let’s dive in!

What does a successful project proposal look like?

A successful project proposal takes the form of an interactive deck, blending sharp text with dynamic visuals, charts, and videos to weave your project's narrative.

This format allows stakeholders to easily navigate through the proposal, focusing on parts most relevant to them, and interact with the content, such as clicking through to detailed appendices or external resources.

By making your proposal an engaging, interactive journey, you boost its chances of success.

Here’s what a successful project proposal looks like:

NOTE: If you want to see more successful decks in action, check out our post containing the best project proposal examples .

What to include in a project proposal?

Title page: Set the stage with the project's title, the date, and the names of the proposal writer and project manager.

Executive summary: Offer a concise overview that highlights the project's objectives, the problem it aims to solve, and the proposed solution, serving as an engaging snapshot for stakeholders.

Problem statement: Clearly articulate the issue or opportunity at the heart of your project, establishing the need for your proposed solution.

Project objectives: Detail the specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals that the project aims to achieve.

Project scope: Define what the project will and will not include, setting clear boundaries and expectations for project deliverables.

Background information: Provide context and rationale for the project, including relevant historical data or research that supports the need for your proposal.

Solution: Describe your proposed solution in detail, explaining how it addresses the problem identified and why it is the best option.

Project plan and methodology: Explain the strategies, approaches, and methodologies that will be employed to accomplish the project's objectives, showcasing your planning and execution strategy.

Timeline: Outline the project's major milestones and deadlines, presenting a clear roadmap of how and when the project will be completed.

Budget: Detail all projected costs associated with the project, providing a transparent and accountable financial plan.

Risk management plan: Identify potential risks and outline strategies for their mitigation or management, demonstrating proactive problem-solving and planning.

Evaluation and monitoring plan: Establish criteria and methods for assessing the project's progress and success, ensuring that the project remains on track and achieves its goals.

Call to Action: Conclude the proposal by incorporating a direct call to action, urging stakeholders to move forward with the project.

How to write a proposal for a project?

A well-written proposal not only navigates your team and stakeholders through the project's journey but also convinces them to embark on this adventure with you. Let's dive into the art of proposal writing in several easy steps.

Here's a great video on how to write a project proposal:

1) Start with the perfect introduction

The introduction is your first handshake with the reader, and like any first impression, it needs to be impactful.

Engage immediately: Begin with a compelling statement or question that directly addresses the reader's interests or the problem at hand. This draws the reader in and sets the tone for the proposal.

Briefly outline the solution: Introduce your solution early but succinctly, providing a teaser of what's to come. This helps to frame the reader's expectations.

Highlight the proposal's value: Make it clear why the reader should care. Whether it's a return on investment, a solution to a pressing problem, or an opportunity for innovation, ensure the value is front and center.

And here's what a project proposal introduction looks like:

2) Write the executive summary

The executive summary is arguably one of the most critical sections of your proposal. It should provide a concise overview of what the project entails, including its objectives, the problem it aims to solve, the solution, and the expected outcomes.

Prioritize clarity: Use clear, straightforward language to ensure your summary is accessible to all readers, regardless of their familiarity with the project's subject matter.

Emphasize key benefits: Focus on the benefits of your project, making a strong case for why it deserves support and resources. This is where you want to highlight the impact and the difference your project will make.

Keep it concise: While it's tempting to include every detail, remember that this is a summary. Aim for brevity while ensuring you're providing a complete overview of the project's most compelling aspects.

Here's what an executive summary looks like:

3) Provide the project background

The project background is where you build your case. It's about providing context and persuading the reader of the necessity of your project.

Detail the problem: Go beyond stating the problem. Explore its nuances, its impact on stakeholders, and why it has persisted. This depth shows your understanding and frames your project as a necessary intervention.

Leverage previous work: Use existing studies, projects, or data to build credibility. Showing awareness of the field positions your project as a thoughtful contribution rather than a redundant effort.

Connect the dots: Make it clear how the background leads to your project. This narrative should feel like a natural progression, logically leading the reader to your proposed solution.

Here's what a project background slide looks like:

4) Include a project write-up

A project write-up is a detailed description of your project, including its objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. It's the core of your proposal, where you elaborate on how you plan to achieve your project's goals.

Methodology: Detail your approach with clarity. Whether it's research, development, or a community project, explain how you'll achieve your objectives. This isn't just about listing steps but about showing your strategic thinking.

Timeline and milestones: Be specific about your project timeline. Include milestones and checkpoints. This shows planning and provides a roadmap for project execution.

Expected outcomes and deliverables: Clearly articulate what success looks like. Define your metrics for success and how you'll measure them. This sets expectations and also shows your commitment to accountability.

Here's what a project write-up looks like:

5) List resources and create an action plan

Begin by listing the human, financial, and material resources required for your project. Then, transform your resource list into a dynamic guideline for project execution.

Define milestones: Set clear, achievable milestones that mark significant progress points throughout the project.

Assign tasks: Link each resource to specific tasks, ensuring every team member knows their responsibilities.

Timeline: Establish a realistic timeline, aligning tasks and milestones with specific dates and durations.

Risk management: Identify potential risks and outline strategies for mitigation, ensuring you have contingency plans in place.

Monitoring and evaluation: Detail how progress will be tracked and measured against objectives, specifying tools or methods for assessment.

Communication plan: Describe how information will be shared among stakeholders, including regular updates and feedback mechanisms.

This structured approach ensures that every resource is accounted for and strategically deployed, paving the way for smooth project execution and success.

Here's what an action plan slide looks like:

6) Detail your financial plan

A detailed budget is a critical component of your project proposal. It should transparently outline all costs associated with the project, ensuring stakeholders understand where their investment is going.

Itemize expenses: Break down costs into categories such as labor, materials, equipment, and overheads.

Justify costs: Provide explanations for major expenses, demonstrating their necessity for the project's success.

Include contingencies: Factor in a contingency budget to cover unexpected costs, showing that you've planned for all eventualities.

Show value for money: Connect your budget back to the project outcomes. It's not just about the cost but about the return on investment. Make it clear how each dollar spent brings the project closer to its goals.

Here's what a financial plan slide looks like:

7) Tailor your proposal to your audience

Understanding your audience is crucial in tailoring your proposal to their interests and concerns.

Speak their language: Adjust your language and emphasis based on who you're writing for. A proposal for a scientific grant will look different from one for community funding.

Address specific interests: Highlight aspects of your project that align with the priorities of your audience. Whether it's innovation, community impact, or financial return, make those connections clear.

Anticipate questions: Think from the perspective of your readers. What objections might they have? What clarifications might they need? Address these proactively in your proposal.

8) End with a clear next step

The conclusion is more than just the final paragraph of your project proposal; it's a strategic element designed to convert interest into action.

Embed your calendar: Include a link to your calendar for stakeholders to schedule a discussion or presentation. This reduces barriers to taking the next step.

Include direct links: Provide direct links to detailed project plans, additional documentation, or a video pitch. This offers immediate access to deeper insights.

Add an Accept button: If your proposal is digital, include an "Accept" button for stakeholders to endorse the proposal instantly. This can significantly speed up the approval process.

Remember, the end goal is to make it as easy as possible for your readers to say "yes" to your proposal.

Here's a great example of a next step slide:

Now that you know how to write a project proposal, check out our blog post on how to design a project proposal , so you have all it takes to create your best deck yet.

What is the best project proposal writing format?

The most effective project proposal writing format shifts from traditional, text-heavy documents to concise, interactive decks.

Unlike dense proposals that can bury important details under pages of text, interactive decks prioritize clarity and engagement.

They leverage expandable text sections and content segmented in tabs, allowing stakeholders to dive deeper into specifics without overwhelming them upfront.

This approach makes the proposal more navigable but also enhances the presentation of visuals and charts.

By structuring information in an interactive, easily digestible format, your proposal stands out, making a compelling case for your project by telling a story that captures and holds attention, ultimately increasing the likelihood of winning approval.

Project proposal presentation templates

Starting your project proposal with the right foundation is crucial for crafting a compelling narrative that captures and retains your audience's attention.

Interactive project proposal templates provide a structured yet flexible framework that can be customized to fit your project's unique story.

They’re built with all the best practices in mind and optimized for engagement, so you can be sure you’re putting your best foot forward.

Just grab one!

Mistakes to avoid when creating a project proposal

Creating a project proposal is like navigating through a maze; it's easy to take a wrong turn if you're not careful.

Despite everyone's best efforts, certain common slip-ups can sneak into proposals, potentially turning an otherwise solid plan into a less convincing pitch.

In his book titled “Persuasive Business Proposals: Writing to Win More Customers, Clients and Contracts” , Tom Sant refers to these pitfalls as the “seven deadly sins” of proposal writing.

Let's walk through these, and understand why steering clear of them can make your proposal shine.

7 common mistakes to avoid:

Overlooking the client's needs: The heart of any proposal is how well it addresses the client's specific challenges and the benefits it brings. Remember, your proposal should scream, "I understand exactly what you need and how to make your life better!"

Dumping information without persuasion: A proposal isn't just a collection of facts; it's your pitch. It needs a storyline that persuades the reader, step by step, why your project is the one they've been looking for.

Blending into the crowd: If your proposal doesn't stand out, it's just another document on the pile. Highlight what makes your approach special and why it's the perfect fit for the client's needs.

Presenting a weak value proposition: Your proposal should make the client think, "We absolutely need this." Ensure your value proposition is strong, clear, and compelling, showcasing the unique benefits your project offers.

Hiding the good stuff: Don't let your key points get lost in a sea of text. Make them pop! Use bullet points, bold text, or other methods to ensure these critical pieces of information catch the reader's eye.

Forgetting who you're talking to: Jargon and technical language can be confusing or off-putting. Keep your proposal clear, concise, and tailored to your audience's level of understanding. It's about them, not showcasing industry lingo.

Letting mistakes creep in: Typos, grammatical errors, or using the wrong client name can seriously dent your credibility. These mistakes suggest a lack of attention to detail, which might lead clients to question your project's quality.

How to prepare a proposal for a project?

Before diving into writing your project proposal, setting the stage correctly is crucial for crafting a document that resonates with stakeholders.

Research your audience: Understand the needs, preferences, and challenges of your stakeholders to tailor your message effectively.

Identify the problem: Clearly define the issue or opportunity your project will address, ensuring it aligns with stakeholder priorities.

Develop a solution concept: Sketch out a preliminary solution that your project will offer, considering feasibility and impact.

Gather essential information: Collect data, studies, and any relevant information that will support your proposal and demonstrate thorough preparation.

Outline your objectives: Define what your project aims to achieve, ensuring these goals are specific, measurable, and aligned with stakeholder interests.

Estimate resources needed: Make a preliminary assessment of the budget, personnel, and other resources required to achieve your project goals.

Consult with key stakeholders: Engage potential supporters or critics early to gain insights, feedback, and build internal support before formal submission.

Draft a proposal outline: Create a blueprint of your proposal structure, including all the sections you plan to cover, to guide your writing process.

Taking these preparatory steps ensures that when you start writing your project proposal, you have a clear direction, a strong foundation of support, and all the necessary information at hand to make a persuasive presentation .

What are the main types of project proposals?

Navigating the world of project proposals is crucial for turning your ideas into reality. Each type of proposal serves a unique purpose, guiding you closer to securing the necessary approval and resources.

Let's break down the main types of project proposals you might encounter.

6 key types of project proposals:

1) Solicited

Created in response to a Request for Proposal (RFP), these proposals are competitive, requiring thorough research and persuasive writing to stand out.

2) Unsolicited

These are proposals you send without a direct request, aiming to spark interest in your project where there may not have been an explicit demand.

3) Informal

Often a response to a casual inquiry, these proposals are less about formalities and more about pitching your idea in a conversational manner.

Aimed at existing clients or stakeholders, renewal proposals seek to extend or renew a project, emphasizing past successes and future potential.

5) Continuation

These proposals remind stakeholders about ongoing projects, focusing on progress and future steps rather than persuasion.

6) Supplemental

Sent to request additional resources for a project already underway, these proposals must convince stakeholders of the need for further investment.

Project proposal vs. Project charter

A project proposal is a persuasive document aimed at gaining approval and support for a project, outlining objectives, strategies, and benefits.

A project charter , however, is a formal agreement that defines the project's scope, objectives, and stakeholders after approval.

Project proposal vs. Business case

A project proposal is crafted to secure initial approval for a project, highlighting its objectives, benefits, and feasibility.

Following approval, a business case is developed to detail the financial and strategic rationale, aiming to secure additional funding and support for the project.

How to present a project proposal?

Crafting and presenting a short proposal is an art that combines clarity, precision, and persuasion. It's about making a compelling case in a concise format, ensuring your audience grasps the essence of your project and is motivated to act.

Drawing on insights from Jennifer Bridges , a seasoned PMP and executive coach in project management, here's how to make your short proposal stand out:

Start with the end in mind: Clearly envision your project's goals and outcomes. This helps you structure your proposal to lead directly to your desired conclusion.

Understand your audience: Know the preferences, decision-making styles, and priorities of those you're presenting to. Tailoring your proposal to their expectations increases its impact.

Set a vision: Paint a vivid picture of what success looks like. A compelling vision can inspire and motivate your audience to support your proposal.

Define success criteria: Be clear about what success means for your project. This sets tangible goals and shows your commitment to achieving specific outcomes.

Secure buy-in and sign-off: Aim to get agreement and approval during your presentation. Be prepared to answer questions and address concerns to facilitate immediate decision-making.

Don'ts:

Lack of preparation: Going into a proposal presentation unprepared undermines your credibility and the viability of your project. Invest time in rehearsing and refining your pitch.

Asking for solutions: Present yourself as the expert with a well-thought-out solution, rather than looking to your sponsor to solve the problem. This demonstrates your initiative and understanding of the project's needs.

Overwhelming with options: Providing too many choices can lead to decision paralysis. Focus on presenting the best solution to keep your proposal clear and decisive.

Leaving without next steps: Don't conclude your presentation without outlining clear next steps. This ensures everyone knows what's expected moving forward and maintains momentum.

You can watch the full video here:

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How to Write a Proposal for a Project (With Examples)

An excellent project proposal should address the client’s main concerns and goals, sell your unique approach, and clarify the project process.

If the project is crystal clear to both you and your client, you can reduce confusion, scope creep , and complaints.

In this guide to writing proposals for projects, we dive into what this type of proposal must include and how to write one. Plus, we showcase excellent examples to copy and data-driven best practices to follow.

What’s in this guide:

What is a project proposal?

What to include in a project proposal, how to write a project proposal.

Examples of project proposals

Tips for writing a project proposal

Looking for proposal templates, automated follow-ups, and closing insights? Get a custom Proposify demo .

12 min. read

A project proposal is sent by a design, consulting, or other type of firm to a potential client in order to present important project details like deliverables, timelines, expected outcomes, and costs. When the terms of service are included, a signed project proposal can double as a contract for the legal protection of both parties.

A project proposal is not to be confused with a request for proposal (RFP), which is sent by a corporation or government agency to multiple consulting firms in order to receive the maximum amount of proposals and pricing options for a project that they’ve already defined internally.

A project proposal, on the other hand, is created as part of a consultative selling process and can benefit a client even if they don’t move forward with the work because of the helpful project breakdown.

Types of project proposals

There are many different types of project proposals, from different lengths to fee structures.

Project length:

Short, one-time project

Longer, phased project

Retainer or ongoing project

Paid discovery or audit project

Payment type:

Hourly with estimated hours

Hourly with min and max hour range

Hybrid flat rate and hourly (common in interior design, event planning, and other fields with hard costs and hourly costs)

Industries:

Website design

Graphic design

Architecture and engineering

Construction and property services

Commercial leasing

Interior design

Event planning

Software subscriptions

Administrative management

Payroll and HR management

Market research and analysis

Software development

Product development

Solicitation types:

Solicited proposals sent in response to an RFPs

Unsolicited proposals sent without a prior RFP

A successful project proposal will include all or most of these important sections. You can mix and match them with your own templates or AI writing tools to craft the perfect project proposal outline.

The cover page is the easiest page to write.

It typically includes:

Your company’s name

The client’s name or project name

A photograph or graphic design

You might also choose to include your contact information on the cover page, but this is usually reserved for the About Us page or a dedicated contact page.

Executive summary or letter

The executive summary is where you offer an overview of your methodology and the proposed project. Consider it elevator pitch. Shoot to write approximately 75 - 200 words.

Use this free AI-enabled character counter to help both get through writer's block as well as make sure your executive summary is the right length.

Many other parts of the proposal will be written as bullet points or very short phrases, so use this section to really paint the full picture of the project with language that is on-brand.

Goals or objectives

You can include the project goals and objectives of the client in the executive summary, in the project summary, or in a section dedicated just for this purpose.

You might write 75 - 150 words describing the goals, or utilize a bulleted list of 3-8 goals.

The approach section can go by a lot of different names, such as “solution” or “methodology.” In this section, you’re describing the strategy behind your approach. It sets the stage for the project details and budget to follow.

This is particularly important when winning over new clients who aren’t familiar with what sets your business apart from the competition.

A catering company might use this proposal page to talk about the sort of experience or quality of food they provide.

Meanwhile, a marketing company might include its brand ethos or core beliefs here.

Project summary and deliverables

While the previous section is about the strategy, this section is all about the specifics. Spell out exactly what you’ll do for the client.

Here’s what you might include in the project summary:

A quick description of the project

A list of project deliverables

A description of project phases with their own deliverables

A project timeline or roadmap

Your project management process

The collaboration or communication software you plan to use

Measurable or specific milestones in the project

A description of the project team and the talent included

About the company

You can write an About Us page, an Our Team page, or both. An About Us page should include a description of what your company does, your target audience, and the results you provide. An Our Team page will feature bios of important people on your team.

You need to spell out the project costs. Depending on the nature of your business, you might show a flat rate project total, your hourly rate alongside the number of estimated hours , or a variety of package options for the client to choose from.

Terms and conditions

Next up: terms and conditions. When using a proposal management software with e-signatures , your proposal can work as a binding contract. Include your master service agreement and allow the project summary to serve as the statement of work.

Social proof and samples

Prospective clients will need some reassurance to help them trust your business.

Consider including:

Testimonials

Star rating averages

Portfolio pieces

Work samples

Mini case studies

Ready to pitch a new project? Here’s a step-by-step process to create a winning project proposal.

1. Discover the client’s needs

The first step is to understand the client’s current challenges and goals. As part of your discovery process, you might conduct a single sales call, or several.

Some companies actually charge for a longer discovery or audit process, and use a proposal to sell that introductory service. They will then later upsell that client on a project based on their findings with a custom proposal. However, most firms conduct the discovery process for free and then make project recommendations in their first proposal.

2. Define their core problem and goals

Next, you’ll want to distill everything the client has shared with you. You might take some time to gather your notes, talk it through with a colleague, and then determine the most important objectives. These project objectives will guide all further decisions.

3. Determine the best approach to serve them

Now it’s time to decide which method or approach will lead to project success. If you have a templatized project process and always serve similar clients, you can offer your usual solution.

But if you offer custom work unique to each client, then you’ll need to decide on the approach. For example, an event planner might decide to offer event marketing, registration, setup, and breakdown services if a client doesn’t have any in-house resources, but they might only offer setup and breakdown if the client has in-house marketing and ticketing specialists.

4. Breakdown the project into deliverables, timelines, etc.

Now that you’ve done your research and decided what to pitch to the client, it’s time to break the project down.

Determine the project costs or pricing options, break up work into phases, and clarify deliverables. You can jot this down on a piece of paper or work directly inside of a proposal template .

5. Add all necessary sections and details to your proposal

Write out your proposal and make sure that you’ve covered all of the bases. It’s worth noting that longer isn’t necessarily better. Through our analysis of 1 million proposals, we found that winning proposals have 7 sections and 11 pages on average .

The most common proposal structure is:

Executive summary

Approach or solution

Deliverables

Keep in mind that you can alter and rename these sections to match your services and unique brand voice. Leverage an AI writing generator to help brainstorm content while you work on the sections of your proposal.

6. Send the proposal to the client (with e-signatures)

Now it’s time to send the proposal. You can save time and reduce your software needs by using one software for both proposals and contracts. Just make sure that you’ve included your terms and conditions.

Proposals with e-signatures assigned to both the sender and recipient have a 426% higher closing rate. And if you sign the proposal first (before the client opens it), you’ll increase your chances of closing by a further 36.8%.

7. Handle change requests promptly

Be on hand to make changes per client requests, whether they want to change the project scope or adjust contractual language because of their picky legal team.

Being asked to revise a proposal isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, proposals that are revised a couple of times are more likely to close.

5 examples of proposals for a project

Need some inspiration? These project proposals offer examples of exactly what to include in your next pitch.

1. Printing project with optional items

This printing proposal offers an excellent example of how to clearly communicate your pricing and offer interactive options. When we analyzed 1 million proposals sent with our platform, we found that proposals with fee tables have a 35.8% higher closing rate than those without and that proposals with editable quantities have an 18.5% higher closing rate.

You can use this proposal template with your free trial of Proposify and easily customize it for your unique business offerings.

This example project proposal template includes these sections:

Our Services

Sample Work

Your Investment

2. Marketing proposal with project timeline

A project timeline is an important part of any project proposal. This marketing proposal template offers a great example of how to share this timeline in a simple format.

Break your project down into distinct steps so the client knows exactly what to expect.

This example proposal template includes the following sections:

Overview & Goals

Scope of Services

3. Accounting project with goals and batches of work

Our next example is an accounting proposal .

This proposal stands out because it includes the client’s goals in the Project Summary section. See those short and sweet bullet points? They serve as a smart way to let the client know that you understand their goals and will be able to satisfy them.

This proposal also includes a breakdown of work that is categorized into four different batches, or chunks: QuickBooks Startup, Data Migration, QuickBooks Data Build, Overall (throughout the project). You can use this example when breaking down a project into different stages or services.

Access this accounting proposal template with a paid subscription or a free trial of Proposify.

The template includes the following sections:

Project Summary

Work Proposal

4. Construction project with project summary and exclusions

Do you need to include exclusions in your proposals? If the type of work you offer is contingent on other service providers or lends itself to complications, then you might want to start adding exclusions. This can help protect your business from the many risks associated with project scope confusion or misaligned expectations.

This construction proposal template , available inside of Proposify, offers a perfect example of an exclusion section, which follows what is included in the project.

The project proposal template includes the following sections:

Cover Letter

Meet Our Team

Previous Projects

Project Schedule

5. Event management project with hourly work estimates

Event planning is complicated—that’s exactly why the event industry serves as a great example of how to charge for both hourly work and fixed costs at the same time.

You can access this event planning proposal template with your Proposify account (check it out with a free trial ).

In the Budget section, the proposal kicks things off with a fee table including all of the hourly costs .

This project proposal also has a second fee table to estimate the hard costs , such as catering and photography, and the hourly costs and hard costs are then added up for the full project total.

This template includes the following sections:

Introduction

Our Understanding of Your Needs

Writing a great proposal is a lot of work.

Here are some project proposal best practices that will help you save time and get better results:

Create templates for different services, projects, or clients. The faster you send a proposal, the more likely it is to close. Try creating a few different templates to make it easy to generate a new proposal based on the clients’ unique needs. And of course, you can always speed up the process by beginning with one of our templates .

Get the client’s opinion on your plan before you turn it into a proposal. Try pitching your project idea to the client at the end of the sales call. Check to see their reaction. If they love what you’ve suggested, turn that into your proposal. If not, ask what they have in mind. This way, you’ll create a proposal that is more likely to close.

Ask the client what they want the proposal to include. If your client has given you a detailed RFP , you’ll know exactly what to include in your proposal. If not, don’t be afraid to ask. Especially when working with large corporations and government agencies, your main point of contact should be able to share what all stakeholders will expect to see in the project plan.

Offer dynamic pricing options. Proposals with both optional rows and editable quantities have a 20.2% higher close rate. Consider add-ons and options that will cater to decision-makers while customizing and perfecting the project scope. Clients should be able to select the options directly in the business proposal to create an accurate project total in real-time and then sign off on it.

Include multimedia content in your proposal. Proposal content shouldn’t just be in a written format. Accompany your writing with mages and videos to help them visualize the project. Proposals with images are 72% more likely to close and proposals with videos are 41% more likely to close. Try including pictures of your team and your previous work and illustrations of your process or typical ROI.

Write and automate follow-up emails. Proposals with just one automated follow-up email are 35% more likely to close. If you use Proposify, you can easily turn on automated follow-ups for every proposal. You can use our follow-up email templates, or create your own templates for different types of clients or projects.

Next steps: write your own project proposal

An excellent project proposal should include the project roadmap, milestones, budget, and any supplemental information that will help the client really understand the value of the project and secure buy-in.

To make any proposal more likely to close, make sure you include multimedia content, pricing options, and e-signatures.

Proposify’s proposal templates , automated follow-ups, and viewing analytics can take your proposal closing game to a whole new level. Book a demo today.

Winning Proposal Structure Tips (What The Research Says)

June 21, 2022

4 Tips That Will Make Any Proposal More Likely to Close

July 12, 2022

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Home » How To Write A Proposal – Step By Step Guide [With Template]

How To Write A Proposal – Step By Step Guide [With Template]

Table of Contents

How To Write A Proposal

Writing a Proposal involves several key steps to effectively communicate your ideas and intentions to a target audience. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each step:

Identify the Purpose and Audience

• Clearly define the purpose of your proposal: What problem are you addressing, what solution are you proposing, or what goal are you aiming to achieve?
• Identify your target audience: Who will be reading your proposal? Consider their background, interests, and any specific requirements they may have.

Conduct Research

• Gather relevant information: Conduct thorough research to support your proposal. This may involve studying existing literature, analyzing data, or conducting surveys/interviews to gather necessary facts and evidence.
• Understand the context: Familiarize yourself with the current situation or problem you’re addressing. Identify any relevant trends, challenges, or opportunities that may impact your proposal.

Develop an Outline

• Create a clear and logical structure: Divide your proposal into sections or headings that will guide your readers through the content.
• Introduction: Provide a concise overview of the problem, its significance, and the proposed solution.
• Background/Context: Offer relevant background information and context to help the readers understand the situation.
• Objectives/Goals: Clearly state the objectives or goals of your proposal.
• Methodology/Approach: Describe the approach or methodology you will use to address the problem.
• Timeline/Schedule: Present a detailed timeline or schedule outlining the key milestones or activities.
• Budget/Resources: Specify the financial and other resources required to implement your proposal.
• Evaluation/Success Metrics: Explain how you will measure the success or effectiveness of your proposal.
• Conclusion: Summarize the main points and restate the benefits of your proposal.

Write the Proposal

• Grab attention: Start with a compelling opening statement or a brief story that hooks the reader.
• Clearly state the problem: Clearly define the problem or issue you are addressing and explain its significance.
• Present your proposal: Introduce your proposed solution, project, or idea and explain why it is the best approach.
• State the objectives/goals: Clearly articulate the specific objectives or goals your proposal aims to achieve.
• Provide supporting information: Present evidence, data, or examples to support your claims and justify your proposal.
• Explain the methodology: Describe in detail the approach, methods, or strategies you will use to implement your proposal.
• Address potential concerns: Anticipate and address any potential objections or challenges the readers may have and provide counterarguments or mitigation strategies.
• Recap the main points: Summarize the key points you’ve discussed in the proposal.
• Reinforce the benefits: Emphasize the positive outcomes, benefits, or impact your proposal will have.
• Call to action: Clearly state what action you want the readers to take, such as approving the proposal, providing funding, or collaborating with you.

Review and Revise

• Proofread for clarity and coherence: Check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
• Ensure a logical flow: Read through your proposal to ensure the ideas are presented in a logical order and are easy to follow.
• Revise and refine: Fine-tune your proposal to make it concise, persuasive, and compelling.

Add Supplementary Materials

• Attach relevant documents: Include any supporting materials that strengthen your proposal, such as research findings, charts, graphs, or testimonials.
• Appendices: Add any additional information that might be useful but not essential to the main body of the proposal.

Formatting and Presentation

• Follow the guidelines: Adhere to any specific formatting guidelines provided by the organization or institution to which you are submitting the proposal.
• Use a professional tone and language: Ensure that your proposal is written in a clear, concise, and professional manner.
• Use headings and subheadings: Organize your proposal with clear headings and subheadings to improve readability.
• Pay attention to design: Use appropriate fonts, font sizes, and formatting styles to make your proposal visually appealing.
• Include a cover page: Create a cover page that includes the title of your proposal, your name or organization, the date, and any other required information.

Seek Feedback

• Share your proposal with trusted colleagues or mentors and ask for their feedback. Consider their suggestions for improvement and incorporate them into your proposal if necessary.

Finalize and Submit

• Make any final revisions based on the feedback received.
• Ensure that all required sections, attachments, and documentation are included.
• Double-check for any formatting, grammar, or spelling errors.
• Submit your proposal within the designated deadline and according to the submission guidelines provided.

Proposal Format

The format of a proposal can vary depending on the specific requirements of the organization or institution you are submitting it to. However, here is a general proposal format that you can follow:

1. Title Page:

• Include the title of your proposal, your name or organization’s name, the date, and any other relevant information specified by the guidelines.

2. Executive Summary:

•  Provide a concise overview of your proposal, highlighting the key points and objectives.
• Summarize the problem, proposed solution, and anticipated benefits.
• Keep it brief and engaging, as this section is often read first and should capture the reader’s attention.

3. Introduction:

• State the problem or issue you are addressing and its significance.
• Provide background information to help the reader understand the context and importance of the problem.
• Clearly state the purpose and objectives of your proposal.

4. Problem Statement:

• Describe the problem in detail, highlighting its impact and consequences.
• Use data, statistics, or examples to support your claims and demonstrate the need for a solution.

5. Proposed Solution or Project Description:

• Explain your proposed solution or project in a clear and detailed manner.
• Describe how your solution addresses the problem and why it is the most effective approach.
• Include information on the methods, strategies, or activities you will undertake to implement your solution.
• Highlight any unique features, innovations, or advantages of your proposal.

6. Methodology:

• Provide a step-by-step explanation of the methodology or approach you will use to implement your proposal.
• Include a timeline or schedule that outlines the key milestones, tasks, and deliverables.
• Clearly describe the resources, personnel, or expertise required for each phase of the project.

7. Evaluation and Success Metrics:

• Explain how you will measure the success or effectiveness of your proposal.
• Identify specific metrics, indicators, or evaluation methods that will be used.
• Describe how you will track progress, gather feedback, and make adjustments as needed.
• Present a detailed budget that outlines the financial resources required for your proposal.
• Include all relevant costs, such as personnel, materials, equipment, and any other expenses.
• Provide a justification for each item in the budget.

9. Conclusion:

•  Summarize the main points of your proposal.
•  Reiterate the benefits and positive outcomes of implementing your proposal.
• Emphasize the value and impact it will have on the organization or community.

10. Appendices:

• Include any additional supporting materials, such as research findings, charts, graphs, or testimonials.
•  Attach any relevant documents that provide further information but are not essential to the main body of the proposal.

Proposal Template

Here’s a basic proposal template that you can use as a starting point for creating your own proposal:

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I am writing to submit a proposal for [briefly state the purpose of the proposal and its significance]. This proposal outlines a comprehensive solution to address [describe the problem or issue] and presents an actionable plan to achieve the desired objectives.

Thank you for considering this proposal. I believe that implementing this solution will significantly contribute to [organization’s or community’s goals]. I am available to discuss the proposal in more detail at your convenience. Please feel free to contact me at [your email address or phone number].

Yours sincerely,

Note: This template is a starting point and should be customized to meet the specific requirements and guidelines provided by the organization or institution to which you are submitting the proposal.

Proposal Sample

Here’s a sample proposal to give you an idea of how it could be structured and written:

Subject : Proposal for Implementation of Environmental Education Program

I am pleased to submit this proposal for your consideration, outlining a comprehensive plan for the implementation of an Environmental Education Program. This program aims to address the critical need for environmental awareness and education among the community, with the objective of fostering a sense of responsibility and sustainability.

Executive Summary: Our proposed Environmental Education Program is designed to provide engaging and interactive educational opportunities for individuals of all ages. By combining classroom learning, hands-on activities, and community engagement, we aim to create a long-lasting impact on environmental conservation practices and attitudes.

Introduction: The state of our environment is facing significant challenges, including climate change, habitat loss, and pollution. It is essential to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to understand these issues and take action. This proposal seeks to bridge the gap in environmental education and inspire a sense of environmental stewardship among the community.

Problem Statement: The lack of environmental education programs has resulted in limited awareness and understanding of environmental issues. As a result, individuals are less likely to adopt sustainable practices or actively contribute to conservation efforts. Our program aims to address this gap and empower individuals to become environmentally conscious and responsible citizens.

Proposed Solution or Project Description: Our Environmental Education Program will comprise a range of activities, including workshops, field trips, and community initiatives. We will collaborate with local schools, community centers, and environmental organizations to ensure broad participation and maximum impact. By incorporating interactive learning experiences, such as nature walks, recycling drives, and eco-craft sessions, we aim to make environmental education engaging and enjoyable.

Methodology: Our program will be structured into modules that cover key environmental themes, such as biodiversity, climate change, waste management, and sustainable living. Each module will include a mix of classroom sessions, hands-on activities, and practical field experiences. We will also leverage technology, such as educational apps and online resources, to enhance learning outcomes.

Evaluation and Success Metrics: We will employ a combination of quantitative and qualitative measures to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. Pre- and post-assessments will gauge knowledge gain, while surveys and feedback forms will assess participant satisfaction and behavior change. We will also track the number of community engagement activities and the adoption of sustainable practices as indicators of success.

Budget: Please find attached a detailed budget breakdown for the implementation of the Environmental Education Program. The budget covers personnel costs, materials and supplies, transportation, and outreach expenses. We have ensured cost-effectiveness while maintaining the quality and impact of the program.

Conclusion: By implementing this Environmental Education Program, we have the opportunity to make a significant difference in our community’s environmental consciousness and practices. We are confident that this program will foster a generation of individuals who are passionate about protecting our environment and taking sustainable actions. We look forward to discussing the proposal further and working together to make a positive impact.

Thank you for your time and consideration. Should you have any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me at [your email address or phone number].

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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How to write a project proposal in 2023 (+ examples & templates).

Updated on April 26, 2024 by Jeffrey Kagan

Published on March 20, 2023 by Jeffrey Kagan

Coming up with a project and completing it successfully is hard work. This hard work does not happen overnight, either. It takes tons of careful planning and strategic implementation from ideation to completion. But it all starts with a project proposal .

Writing an effective project proposal can place any project in the fast lane toward success. But figuring out how to write a project proposal can be daunting. But it doesn’t have to be.

In this article, we’ll show you six types of project proposals, five key tips for writing one, and how to write a project proposal for project success. But let’s get the definition out of the way first.

What is a project proposal?

A project proposal is a document that describes a project, includes a timeline, budget, objectives, and goals, and answers every question that may arise concerning it. 

The proposal outlines everything stakeholders need to know about the proposed project, including;

• Project goals or what the project aims to achieve
• Objectives or the problem(s) the project aims to solve
• Timeline within which the project will be implemented
• Budget of the resources to be used in project implementation  

The project proposal gives the stakeholders a glimpse into what you intend to achieve through the project. 

The goal of a project proposal can be to secure project funding, gain stakeholder buy-in, or build excitement and momentum for the project. 

Here’s an example.

One of the best answers to “ how to write a project proposal ” is to write it clearly and confidently. That way, your confidence in the project will be transferred to the stakeholders. 

If you’re not confident about your project, it will show in the proposal and compromise your desired outcome.

6 Types of project proposals

When creating a project proposal, you’ll come across six types of proposals. As a project manager, you need to understand each type. 

1. Solicited

A solicited project proposal is written or prepared in response to a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a Request for Application (RFA). Sponsors and stakeholders use these requests to get proposals from businesses and other institutions.

A Request for Proposal is used to announce a project in detail for qualified teams to prepare proposals and bid for project funding. 

Therefore, do in-depth research and write persuasively to win the bid. Keep in mind that you are competing against other companies for project funding. 

2. Unsolicited

Unlike a solicited project proposal, an unsolicited proposal was not requested by the sponsors or stakeholders. It is defined as a proposal written to a government agency but not requested by the government. 

It often proposes a public-private partnership submitted by a private company to enter an agreement with the government agency.

With unsolicited project proposals, you’re not under any competition with other companies. However, you must still be convincing enough to get the stakeholders you are pitching to interested in your project. It’s important to note that verifying the email of the stakeholders beforehand can also help ensure that your proposal reaches the right people and doesn’t end up in their spam folders.

3. Informal

This short document (only a few pages long) is formatted as a memo or a letter and gives general details concerning a project. It has fewer sections than a formal proposal. 

These sections are the introduction, background, plan, project team structure , budget, and authorization.

Your client can send you an informal request for a proposal. When this happens, you reply by preparing and sending them an informal project proposal. The rules are less strict when writing this kind of proposal.

Project managers need to learn how to write a renewal proposal. A renewal project proposal is written to the client after an ongoing project has contractually ended. 

The proposal is prepared to request the client to renew the contract for a similar project. Here’s an example.

This proposal is written to clients or project sponsors with the hope that they will extend their engagement with your company. 

For instance, let’s say you run a SaaS marketing agency. You can write a renewal proposal including why SaaS marketing is different from traditional strategiesto convince your clients to continue working with you. 

Take time to emphasize your past results, milestones , and achievements that you’ve helped the client to achieve. This may persuade them that you’re the right fit for them to achieve even more success in the future.

5. Continuation

There’s no need to persuade or convince the stakeholders when writing a continuation proposal. It is simply a reminder to them that the project is kicking off. 

This proposal is key to getting stakeholders to release the project funds they already approved. Here’s an example.

It can also act as a progress report and budget breakdown before they release additional funds for the project to continue. 

However, keep in mind that continuation proposals can only be written for budget years that were already approved by the sponsors in the original award.

6. Supplemental

A supplemental project proposal is written to request increased support for a proposal already written, approved, and funded. The requested resource increase may result in the broadening of the project scope . 

Additionally, a new budget must be written to include the supplementary resources included in this new arrangement. 

Persuasion is vital when writing a supplementary proposal because you must convince the stakeholders of the importance of the additional resources you’ve requested.

5 Essential tips for writing a project proposal

A few important tips will guide you on how to write a project proposal effectively. Let’s look at the five top tips you should follow.

1. Know your audience

Your project proposal will have a positive impact on your stakeholders if you have a good understanding of who they are and what they’re looking for. 

Get to know how familiar they are with the proposed project. This will guide you on how to communicate your idea to them. 

It’ll also help you decide whether to provide supplemental information or materials to the stakeholders. 

Remember to adjust the information and formalities you include in the proposal to suit each stakeholder and their preference. You may, therefore, need to write more than one version of the project proposal for each stakeholder.

2. Keep it simple

It’s advisable to use language that is easy to understand when writing a project proposal. Try and avoid jargon to ensure you don’t lose your audience in the process of trying to make an impression. 

Remember also to use simple sentences and an easy-to-follow format to enhance the readability of your proposal further. Consider using a good content generator to help you with this. These content writing tools can help you detect complex sentences and words that can be simplified for your audience.

Additionally, keep the proposals short. Even if you’re the best writer in your region, you can only sustain your readers’ attention for so long. So know your limit and ensure your project proposal is not any longer than it needs to be.

3. Be persuasive

When talking about how to write a project proposal, persuasion is an invaluable asset to have. It helps you get the stakeholders to act favorably toward the project. 

There are several persuasive tools that you can use to grab your sponsors’ attention. Use;

• Historical data from similar projects in the past
• Marketing predictions from trusted institutions
• Survey results from reputable sources
• Testimonials from previous studies
• Case studies from studies done in the past

Don’t be shy to highlight your past achievements and qualifications too. This will help instill confidence and trust in your readers, leading them to take action on your project proposal.

4. Do your research

Facts, graphs, figures, charts, and numbers are very important in helping you substantiate your project proposal. These also help prove that the project is a worthwhile investment for your sponsors.

So get your hands dirty and dig for all the information you can get about past projects. Look at both successful and unsuccessful projects alike. This data will serve as evidence and examples that you can follow to craft a convincing project proposal for your stakeholders and sponsors.

5. Use a template

You know what they say; when in doubt, use a template. 

Okay, I made that up. But you get the point.

Templates help your company establish a consistent way of creating proposals while preventing anyone from missing any critical details. Here’s an example.

Templates also save time since anyone using them will know what details should be included and where each section should appear in the final draft.

6 Steps to writing a project proposal 

Even though you need to customize each proposal for the intended audience and project in question, these six steps can act as guidelines to ensure you create a compelling project proposal.

1. Write the executive summary

Like an essay introduction or a report abstract, the executive summary briefly describes your project. 

The executive summary is meant to give the reader an overview of the project and persuade them to keep reading until the end. 

A great executive summary should include:

• The challenge or problem that your project seeks to solve
• The proposed solution to that problem
• The positive impact your project will have after solving the problem
• Who will benefit from the project outcome, and how
• The needed project resources, timeline, and budget
• How project success will be measured

The summary should be just a few paragraphs long. Remember, it’s not meant to be a detailed description of the project. You’ll get the chance to discuss the project in-depth later on in the proposal.

2. Explain the project background 

When considering how to write a project proposal, a background check is an essential element to capture. 

Here, make sure to write about the specific problem your project is looking to address and what is already known about it. 

Include who has addressed the problem before, their research findings, and why this data is insufficient. 

Here’s an example of a project background.

This is where you use your research data and statistics to bolster your project proposal. These numbers go a long way in convincing readers that your project and the problem you’re addressing are worthwhile undertakings. 

In the end, let this section be about a page long (or less).

3. Introduce a solution

Since you’ve presented a problem in the project background section, it’s only logical that you present a solution in the next section. 

This section provides an opportunity to reveal your project approach in more detail. 

In this section, include;

• Your vision and mission statements
• Project scheduling and key milestones
• Project responsibilities and roles
• Project deliverables
• A risk register detailing how you’ll mitigate the risks
• The reporting tools to be used till the end of the project

This might turn out to be the longest section of your proposal. That’s because you need to explain everything involved in achieving your proposed solution in detail. 

It’s also worth noting that you may not need all the items stated above in your solution statement. So depending on your project scope, you can choose what to include and what to leave out.

4. Define the project deliverables 

Every stakeholder wants to know what the results of the project will be. Use this section to show them what their resources will ultimately achieve. 

Project deliverables should include the final product or projected outcome, SMART goals that align with your deliverables, and a project timeline.

As important as the problem and solution statements are, stakeholders visualize the project more easily when the deliverables are clearly defined.

5. List what resources are required 

By this point, every project manager hopes they’ve convinced the stakeholders that the project is worthwhile and needs to be implemented immediately. So the next natural step is to list what resources you need to undertake the project. 

For example, this software development project proposal presents a breakdown of the costs required for the project.

One of the key points on how to write a project proposal is to be clear about the resources you’ll need to deliver the desired products. So be sure to include:

• A detailed project budget
• A breakdown of the costs
• A resource allocation plan

It’s recommended that you save this section for the end of the project proposal to avoid bombarding and overwhelming your sponsors with requests too early. 

Give your idea time to float and convince them of the project’s value before stating the costs. 

6. Include a conclusion

The concluding section should give an overview of all the points discussed within the proposal . Make sure to write a persuasive and confident conclusion because this is your final chance to convince your reader to invest in the project. 

Here’s a nice example.

You can restate the problem your project seeks to solve, the proposed solution, and the impact the solution will have in the end. Just like a traditional essay, keep it relevant to the proposal.

If you are pitching or proposing the project to someone via email, we recommend going for plain text formatted email rather than spending time and designing email templates from scratch.

3 Examples of project proposal templates

Now that you know how to write a project proposal, let’s look into three templates you can use for your next proposal.

Business proposal template from Nifty

A business proposal is a written document aimed at helping a business gain clients and partners. This is done by describing the products and services offered, the potential outcomes of using the services, and the costs associated with them.

A business proposal template will help guide you into writing an effective proposal that is likely to win the approval of the intended sponsor.

Financial proposal template

A financial proposal is prepared to help organizations and businesses get funding from investors. It can also be used to suggest some changes in the budget and how much time is needed for the changes to be made. 

Here’s a great example.

When using a financial proposal template, be sure to detail all the resources needed, why you need each resource, and how they will be used to achieve the desired outcome. 

Since most of the financial proposals are to be sent in person, you can try experimenting with multiple formats like a Half-Fold template, trifold brochure template , or Gate-Fold, as these templates make reading the proposal a bit easy.

Nonprofit project proposal template

A nonprofit project proposal acts as a pitch letter that shows grantors the benefits of funding a nonprofit organization for a specified project. These grant proposals can be used to ask for funding from within the organization or from grantors outside the organization. 

These kinds of proposals can be very detailed. Therefore, a nonprofit project proposal template (like the one shown above) can come in handy in ensuring you don’t miss any crucial details.

In this article, we have shown you how to write a project proposal effectively. You have learned about the six types of project proposals and the five essential tips to apply when writing a project proposal.  

More importantly, you saw the six steps to writing a successful proposal. You can also use the three examples of project proposal templates for guidance. 

You’re now equipped to write a winning proposal for all your subsequent projects. Remember to do lots of research into your chosen topic and add data and numbers to your proposal. This will further convince your sponsors and stakeholders to invest in the project. All the best!

Use Nifty to ease up the process. Sign up , it’s free forever!

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How to Write a Proposal and Get What You Want (Free Templates)

A proposal has a lot of different purposes, but there’s only one good way to write one: the way that pulls together all of the information in a concise and persuasive way and helps you get what you want … whether that’s a whole new software system, or just a tweak to your marketing strategy.

This Process Street article isn’t about a business proposal — also known as a quote — but instead about the document required when formally pitching an idea for action and execution by managers or department heads .

To explain how to write a proposal document and get what you want, we’ll go through the following:

Free proposal writing template

When are proposals necessary, why are proposals important, examples of proposals, how to write a proposal: step-by-step, last steps before submitting the proposal, more free proposal writing checklists, even more free proposal writing checklists, customize your proposal checklists with process street.

Let’s get started.

If you fancy taking a quick look at a free interactive template, that will help you write your proposals right away, feel free to dive straight into this!

Writing a Proposal: Step-by-Step Guide

There are more templates, like this one, further down in this post, so stick around.

Any project you don’t have the clearance or authority to start without a higher-up’s approval, you need to submit a proposal for.

According to SSWM , a proposal is “a detailed description of a series of activities aimed at solving a certain problem”.

That problem  could be anything, from:

• Process improvement
• Cost reduction
• A new marketing strategy

If it’s an idea you need to ask permission to execute, or to get action on, it needs a proposal.

A proposal is a way to pitch an idea and state your requirements, so it’s important for supervisors because they can get information in writing (not casually in the elevator), and be able to act knowing the full implications of their decision.

They’re also a chance for you to make a structured, logical argument and lay down everything in favor of your idea. A well-written proposal shows your manager you care about the cause, and it’s not just a mid-meeting whim you blurted out.

To write a top proposal you need to scrutinize it before you present it.

It’s a broad topic, but it’s best explained with examples.

• Proposal for Process Improvement
• Proposal for Server Replacement
• Proposal for Cost Savings

Below is a simple proposal example with some basic sections.

Now let’s take a look at how to write a proposal — whether it’s as simple as the one above, or more complex.

Here’s the general structure of a proposal:

As you can see, a proposal generally consists of:

• Introduction : A brief overview of the problem, solution, costs, and benefits.
• Issue : The main definition of the issue, including subject, purpose, main argument, background information and importance.
• Solution : The main definition of the solution, including your step-by-step plan, the benefits, and how potential obstacles will be overcame.
• Qualifications : Overview of the personnel required, experience.
• Conclusion of the costs and benefits, and wrap-up : Balance the cost against the benefit, reinforce your point one last time.

1. Identify and define your reader

Just like with any kind of persuasion, it helps if you understand how to appeal to your audience. Who will be reading your proposal and deciding if it’s accepted or rejected? What do they care about? What kind of language and benefits would resonate with them? This is the first step because it’s an important thing to keep in mind as you go along and as information that informs the way you write from here on.

2. Define the problem your proposal will solve

Who : Who will the proposal affect?

What : What’s the reason for you to write the proposal in the first place? Explain the current situation and the problems that come with it.

3. Define the solution

How : How are you going to solve the problem? Explain step-by-step in detail.

Who : Identify the personnel you need, along with their prior experience to add persuasion to the proposal

4. Conclusion: costs, benefits and wrap-up

Reiterate : The purpose and main argument

Costs : Break down the projected costs involved for different elements of the project

Benefits : Break down the benefits to the organization, monetary and non-monetary, to persuade the reader there’ll be a return on investment

Thanks : Thank the reader for their time.

Contact information : Where can the reader get in touch with you? Make sure to be crystal clear to make the details easily discoverable.

Clear writing is your best friend when you’re trying to write persuasively. For that reason, there are a few checks to run before you submit your proposal.

Remember, what’s clear to you might not always be clear to other people.

1 .Check for jargon (then destroy it)

Although jargon is popular in the business world, not everyone shares the equal love for it. It’s terms like right-size, blue sky (verb), turn-key, and synergize. They might mean something to you, or make you feel intelligent, but there are simpler alternatives that will help people understand what you mean !

2. Change the passive voice to the active voice

The passive voice is defined as :

“The noun or noun phrase that would be the object of an active sentence (such as Our troops defeated the enemy) appears as the subject of a sentence with passive voice (e.g. The enemy was defeated by our troops).”.

It’s a long-winded way of expressing something that could be expressed in simple terms:

The passive voice sounds distant and even deceptive, and, since the reader might even just be skimming your proposal, you don’t want to add extra words to cloud your point.

3. Proofread the proposal

Install a tool like Grammarly and check the proposal in an online text editor. Grammarly will manage to pick up on anything that is grammatically incorrect and sometimes even flags up stylistically poor phrases. Poor spelling and grammar will only discredit the value of what you’re saying and could be a problem that leads to your proposal being rejected.

As promised, check out the below five templates that have each been designed by the team at Process Street — makers of the finest remote work software for processes around — to help you write winning proposals.

Proposal Template Checklist Process

This proposal template is a checklist that should be used alongside the proposal document you are planning to submit. Use it to make sure that all the elements have been considered, that the proposal contains everything it needs to and that it meets all set requirements.

Click here to access the Proposal Template Checklist Process!

Business Proposal Template Checklist

Whether your business proposal is solicited or unsolicited, use this business proposal template checklist to ensure you include all the required information in your proposal and cover key areas such as these the problem the organization is facing, the proposed solution, the budget, and a key CTA.

Click here to access the Business Proposal Template Checklist!

How to Write a Grant Proposal Checklist

Use this template to make sure your grant proposal includes all the relevant information, that it contains everything it needs to, and that it meets all stated RFP requirements.

Click here to access the How to Write a Grant Proposal Checklist!

Research Proposal Example Checklist

Use this template to convince others that you have a worthwhile research project and that you have the competence and the work-plan to complete it.

Click here to access the Research Proposal Example Checklist!

Project Proposal Template Checklist

Use this template, alongside the proposal document you are planning to submit, to set the project vision, define the project requirements, describe the deliverables, and specify the deadlines.

Click here to access the Project Proposal Template Checklist!

If you’re looking for more inspiration, give these alternative proposal writing templates a go too.

• Bid Proposal Template Checklist
• Budget Proposal Template
• Construction Proposal Template Checklist
• Consulting Proposal Template Checklist
• Continuation Project Proposal Template
• Contractor Proposal Template Checklist
• Event Proposal Template Checklist
• Marketing Proposal Template Checklist
• Project Proposal Template
• Renewal Project Proposal Template
• Simple Proposal Format Checklist
• Sponsorship Proposal Template Checklist
• Supplemental Project Proposal Template
• Website Proposal Template Checklist

If the above templates don’t quite fit your company, industry, or the proposal document you are writing, don’t worry!

Process Street to the rescue!

Process Street is super-powered checklists . We are a super-charged, state of the art BPM SaaS platform which allows you to create templates and run individual checklists from these. You can check tasks off as you work through them, set deadlines, request approvals, assign various tasks , and work through your proposal workflows with ease.

Watch this to get an idea about who we are and what we do:

To help you customize your proposal writing template, and make your proposal wriitng easier, you can use all these different types of Process Street features:

• Dynamic due dates
• Task permissions
• Conditional logic
• Approval tasks
• Embed widget
• Role assignments

You can also connect your templates to thousands of apps through Zapier , webhooks, or API access to automate your proposal processes and workflows.

If you’re unfamiliar with process automation, what it means, and the benefits it can bring to your business, watch this Process Street webinar on automation:

Remember, if you want to get access to any of our proposal writing checklists, just click the links above and they will be added to your Process Street account where you can use them over and over again. Or, if you haven’t yet signed up for a Process Street account, click here and start your free trial.

Has this guide helped you out? I’d love to hear about it in the comments.

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Benjamin Brandall

Benjamin Brandall is a content marketer at Process Street .

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How to Write a Project Proposal with Template

Writing a project proposal feels a lot like making cookies. We might all start with the same basic ingredients. But the finished product can vary widely depending on taste preferences, mixing order, baking time, and even the sprinkles you use.

And being in the midst of the pandemic means you’re likely facing the added pressure of a shifting industry that’s impacting the sales process. That’s why it’s so important to get just the right thing cooking and really nail it with every project proposal. 

What is a project proposal?

A project proposal—also sometimes called a business or work proposal—is a document that defines the approach needed to execute a solution that meets a given set of project requirements and constraints .

This document might be the first (or only) time a prospective client hears from your team about how you’d approach the project. It’s your chance to show who you are, what you’ve accomplished, and why you’re the best fit for this project. In other words, a work proposal should make you stand out above others!

On a more practical level, a project proposal is also a written commitment of what you plan to execute if you win the contract. Your proposal document must walk the balance of selling yourself while making clear commitments to scope, timeline, and budget.

What to include in a proposal template

While each situation might call for something different, investing time upfront to format a proposal template will make it easy for you to create iterations quickly as requests arise. 

Here are 7 sections you should consider including in your project proposal template.

Section 1: Executive summary

The executive summary provides a quick overview of the proposal at hand. Be sure to touch on 3 main items in this brief introduction:

• State the problem, showing an understanding of what needs to be solved.
• Touch on your unique ability to solve this problem.
• Thank your prospective client for selecting you to submit a work proposal.

If you’ve drafted a long proposal, consider adding a table of contents right before or after this section.

Section 2: About

Use this space to tell the reader about your company. Share your mission, values, and/or qualifications. Showcase key team members who’ll be working on the project, along with their qualifications.

Section 3: Scope and approach

This section is the heart of any project proposal, as it’s where you lay out the how and why of your plan. 

Start by stating your understanding of the client’s needs. This is a great place to highlight specific things you heard from your conversations or learned in your research. For example, show how this approach will address their growing mobile audience or how you’ll bring stakeholder voices into the process.

Next, outline the phases and steps you plan to take to complete your proposed solution. Be sure to explain what each step involves and why it’s part of your approach. 

Section 4: Budget 

The budget should include costs for all requested items, plus any additional options you recommend. List these out separately so your potential client has clear choices to make. 

As you draft your proposal budget, determine whether a fixed number, hourly rate, or cost range is best. Typically, it depends on how much you know about the client and project scope and how comfortable you feel with risk. 

You might also want to highlight costs they’ll need to consider that aren’t part of your budget (e.g., hosting, fonts, animation, long-term maintenance).

Section 5: Timeline

Timelines can be tricky because you’re never sure when the project will actually start and what resources you’ll have available. 

That’s why I recommend creating a month-by-month timeline that doesn’t put dates to deliverables. This way, the potential client can get a clear sense of how long things take without focusing on real dates that might be obsolete by the time the project really starts. 

Of course, many proposals require dates. In that case, why not use a tool to save time? For instance, TeamGantt gives you the ability to make an initial gantt chart , then quickly adjust the timeline for future proposals.

You can even share the project timeline with a client as a view-only link or PDF export.

Section 6: Experience

While I recommend showcasing your credibility throughout the proposal, this section is a great place to include a logo wall, list of clients, and/or case studies. 

Take time to build a backlog you can choose from. Then, create a new one with each site project you think is proposal-worthy. Of course, don’t forget to include references with direct contact information.

Section 7: Conclusion

Now it’s time to wrap up your project proposal. Hit the high points with a brief recap of the problem and your solution. And don’t forget to recommend continuing the conversation.

Lay a clear path to success with a visual plan that’s easy to understand, and keep everyone in sync with flexible workflows and team collaboration.

Different types of proposal responses

Even after all your hard work creating the perfect proposal template, you still might find it’s not always the right fit for every response. When that happens, it’s important to recognize why the situation is different and identify how to shift your submission to meet the recipient's needs.

So let’s take a moment to review different types of project proposals you might be asked to prepare.

Request for proposal (RFP) response

An RFP can sometimes be accompanied by a strict, closed process that offers little-to-no interaction with the potential client. You may also be up against a large pool of applicants, with quite lengthy response requirements. 

When deciding how to respond to an RFP, consider the following questions: 

• What’s the probability you’ll win this project?
• Have you worked with another part of this organization? 
• Do you know someone within the organization? 
• How many people are going to submit a response?
• Is the prospective client an ideal fit for your team? 
• How often do you win RFPs? 

Based on your answers, determine how much time and effort you want to put into customizing your template. 

Partial project response

Some proposal requests only ask for part of your skills (e.g., discovery and design, but no development). But that doesn’t mean you can’t still sell your entire capabilities. After all, the potential client may change their mind about what they need for this project or a future one. 

Any partial project proposal should also touch on how you plan to effectively work with another team to create a smooth transition. 

Current client response

We’ve all worked with clients who have stayed with us long enough to ask us to do it all over again. Sometimes they require you to go through a formal selection process. But many times, the process becomes as informal as a handshake. 

Even if your client doesn’t require a proposal, formalize the process  by giving them, at minimum, your template response. It’s important for each side to have a conversation about what’s needed this time around and create a written recommendation for the scope, budget, and timeline.

“Tell me about yourself” response

Before a formal proposal request arrives, you may be asked to tell the potential client a little bit about yourself. While a quick email response can work, consider going bigger since this is a perfect opportunity to sell yourself. 

Take your core project proposal and break it down into a 1-2 page document, sharing key items like your values, core focus areas, people you work with, and visual samples of your work. Ideally, you’ll follow up with a full project proposal soon after, so don’t give away all the good stuff or create a shorter duplicate.

5 key ingredients for good proposal writing

An RFP might dictate what sections go into your proposal. But the visuals, content, and presentation make all the difference when it comes to whether or not your work proposal is actually effective.

These simple guidelines can help you sharpen your proposal writing skills.

1. Understand your recipient

It’s critical to understand who will be reviewing the business proposal on the client’s team, as well as the industry they work within.

Set up meetings and do market research to get to know what challenges they face, how they’re positioned against their competitors, and where they could see growth with this project. A small amount of research will go a long way in showing you understand the client and their needs.

2. Recommend the right solution

A request for proposal often dictates what the solution should be. Once you dig in further and learn more about the client’s needs, you may find they need a different solution. 

Never shy away from sharing the right solution and approach—even if the budget and timeline run up against it. Potential clients often guess at their needs. As experts, we should share our recommendations vs. selling the solution short.

If you do veer away from what the client asked originally, make sure to acknowledge that request while recommending the different solution. That way they know you heard them.

3. Put your best foot forward

Everything you place in front of potential clients will help form their opinion about your work. Take time upfront to create a work proposal template that’s heavily branded with first-class writing. The proposal should feel unique to you and meet the quality of the work your entire team does.

4. Don’t underestimate the value of credibility

Outside validation of your work is important and should never be underestimated. Think carefully about which clients you plan to showcase for each business proposal and what message that conveys to your prospect. 

Is it a client similar to them? Is it a north star for them? Is it technically complicated or visually stunning? Try to choose case studies that tell a full story of your capabilities.

Also, don’t hesitate to infuse the validation throughout the proposal. Any good product website shows you social proof early and often.

5. Showcase your team

People like to know who they’ll be working with—the humans behind the screen. Find clever ways to incorporate visuals of your team and highlight their skills throughout the project proposal.

Plan and track project proposals with our free template

Sending the right document is just as important as making sure it’s done on time. I’ve spent too many nights and last-minute trips to the post office over my 20+ years to know that having a clear process—and tool to track it—is essential for avoiding panic at the eleventh hour, not to mention angry staff members. 

Outline your workflow from the first contact to the deal completion (ideally with a win!). When critical steps are mapped out in a plan, it’s easy to see where things are falling behind and what needs to happen to hit key proposal deadlines on time.

Using a collaborative project management tool like TeamGantt can help you get all your team members on the same page around tasks and deadlines. We’ve created a free project proposal process template for you in TeamGantt so you can jump right in!

Here are a few simple ways you can use this template to plan and manage your RFP response process.

Easily schedule proposal tasks and deadlines in Gantt view

Scheduling important proposal tasks and due dates is as easy as dragging and dropping tasks—or entire task groups —into their new rightful place. Click and drag the edges of each taskbar to set a new task duration.

Monitor and manage multiple RFP schedules in Calendar view

Toggle to Calendar view to see your RFP response schedule laid out as a monthly calendar. This is a great way to see how all your project proposal tasks and deadlines stack up over time.

Collaborate on tasks and share important proposal documents 

Chat with your team directly from a task’s Comments section, or upload the latest draft of your project proposal to get input from your team.

Ready to get started?

With TeamGantt, you can create an interactive project plan without the tedium. You’ll have all the features you need to ensure projects finish on time and budget. And it all comes with a simple and intuitive interface that’s easy for anyone to use.

Sign up for a free TeamGantt account, and save time with this free template!

How to Write an Successful Project Proposal

Learn how to create a compelling pitch for your next project and get it approved by the stakeholders.

Being able to successfully present your ideas is a vital skill for getting your projects approved.

Giving a convincing elevator pitch is often not enough – you need to create a formal, structured document that explains why your ideas are worth being executed and addresses the stakeholders' concerns before they had a chance to voice them.

Let's dive deeper into what a project proposal is and how to write it.

What is a project proposal?

Project proposal example, how to write a project proposal, project proposal template, tips for creating a persuasive project proposal.

A project proposal is a document that outlines your project’s core value proposition and sells it to the stakeholder. Simply put, it establishes what the project is, what you are aiming to achieve with it, how you plan to get there, and why it's a worthwhile endeavor. Writing it is the first step in the project management process .

A project proposal may include a list of activities or tasks that will be associated with the project, but it doesn't go into the same level of detail as a project plan .

There are many reasons why you might what to create a formal proposal for your project – to win a new client, to secure funding, to convince your manager to allocate resources to your initiative, and many more. In any case, a well-written, clear, and detailed document is usually the best way to approach it:

A project proposal helps you get a buy-in at your organization.

It creates clarity about the goals, priorities, and requirements of the project.

It forces the project initiator to think through the project details before pitching it.

After the project proposal is approved by all the stakeholders, it becomes the foundation of the project plan .

No two project proposals are alike, and depending on the nature of your project you may want to follow a different format. There are various types of project proposals:

Internal or external (intended to get buy-in from internal or external stakeholders)

Solicited or unsolicited (created in response to an official request for proposal or written ad-hoc)

Continuation (an update to an ongoing and already approved project)

Renewal (put forward to restart a terminated project)

Supplemental (used to request additional resources for an existing project)

The amount of detail in your project proposal can also vary significantly. In some cases, a simple and brief one-pager proposal would suffice, while in others, you would need to cover every point in great detail, creating an extensive document spanning many pages.

Here's what a project proposal example can look like in Nuclino :

Nuclino is a unified workspace where you can not only manage your projects and collaborate on project documentation , but also build your internal knowledge base , onboard new employees , take meeting minutes , and more. It works like a collective brain, allowing you to bring all your team's work together in one place and collaborate without the chaos of files and folders, context switching, or silos.

Nuclino also offers built-in visual collaboration and allows you to add an infinite collaborative canvas to any project document. You can use it to create diagrams and flowcharts, brainstorm ideas using sticky notes, build moodboards, and much more.

Include an executive summary

The executive summary is the first and most important part of your project proposal and should be written last. If it fails to capture the attention of your readers and make a compelling point, it may doom your proposal right then and there. Think of it as the elevator pitch for your project and focus on describing what success would look like.

Here are some guiding questions to help you get started:

What problem does your project aim to solve?

Why is it important to solve it?

How will it help solve it?

Include the project background

Include a section where you go into more detail about the problem you are solving. Prove to your readers why they should care about this project and back your claims with relevant references and statistics.

Consider providing answers to the following questions:

What is the history of the problem? How long has it existed?

How is solving it related to the business goals of your organization?

Explain your solution

After you have described the problem, it's time to lay out the proposed solution:

How will you solve the problem you described?

Why will the proposed solution be effective?

Why is the proposed solution better than alternatives?

What would it take to make it happen?

Define the deliverables and success criteria

Make it clear how the success of your proposed project will be measured:

What will be the project deliverables?

What are the SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound) objectives of the project?

List the required resources

Be realistic and detailed when you estimate your project budget requirements. Include the supplies, tools, ad spend including cost per click , salaries , and whatever else would be required to successfully deliver the project.

A detailed financial breakdown will signal to the stakeholders that you've done your research and assure them that there wouldn't be many unexpected costs down the road. If you're working on a project for an external client, a good way to avoid any surprises would be to provide them with a formal cost estimate and get their approval.

You may want to conclude the document with a brief conclusion. Reiterate the points you made and remind your audience why they should approve your proposal, without introducing any new information.

As previously mentioned, there is no one-size-fits-all format. But this simple project proposal template can be a great starting point:

Using a good template does not guarantee the success of your project proposals. Following a clear structure is important, but that alone is not enough.

There are several noteworthy best practices that can help you make your proposal as compelling as possible.

Understand your audience and write for it

No matter how great and innovative your initiative is, it will fail to persuade your readers if you don't convey it in a way they would understand.

Try to answer the following questions as you write:

What is the background of your readers – specifically, the decision-makers? Would they understand specialized terminology or would it be better to use simpler language?

What would they find more convincing? Data? Visuals? User feedback?

What tone of voice is likely to resonate with them? Formal or informal?

Keep it brief and simple

There is probably a lot you can say about your project – you have likely been thinking about it a lot. But is all that information relevant to the point you are trying to make? Focus on what would strengthen your pitch and provide as much detail as needed, not as much as possible.

Make your solution SMART

Avoid vague goals such as "increase MRR" or "optimize a process". Make sure your proposal clearly defines the success criteria of your project and keeps it SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound).

Anticipate questions and objections

Be prepared to defend your solution. Don't wait for the stakeholders to voice their objections – address them directly in your project proposal.

Writing formal project proposals may seem like a hassle, especially when you are confident in your idea. But not all great ideas get approved or funded – in many cases, whether your initiative sees the light of day depends on how effective and convincing your proposal is.

Nuclino : Your team's collective brain

Nuclino brings all your team's knowledge, docs, and projects together in one place. It's a modern, simple, and blazingly fast way to collaborate, without the chaos of files and folders, context switching, or silos.

Create a central knowledge base and give your team a single source of truth.

Collaborate in real time or asynchronously and spend less time in meetings.

Manage and document your projects in one place without losing context.

Organize, sort, and filter all kinds of data with ease.

Integrate the tools you love , like Slack, Google Drive, Figma, Lucidchart, and more.

Ready to get started?

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How to Write a Budget Proposal (+ Free Template)

Published: May 29, 2024

The first time I was assigned to write a budget proposal, I stared anxiously at a blank spreadsheet, wondering where to begin. What was a budget proposal supposed to include? Was there a specific structure to follow? How could I ensure it met all the necessary criteria?

My early attempts at writing a proposal taught me the challenges of building a convincing plan that turns rough ideas into fundable projects. I had to learn to align proposal details with business objectives and articulate the potential benefits in a way that resonated with stakeholders.

It was an overwhelming task at times — but with a strategic approach and a bit of guidance, my ability to synthesize financial data and communicate value gradually became second nature.

In this article, I'll guide you through how to write a simple budget proposal that delights your audience and secures funding. I’ll also provide practical tips, templates, and sample projects to streamline your planning process.

So, let’s get started.

Table of Contents

What is a budget proposal, and why is it important?

The anatomy of a budget proposal, how to create a simple budget proposal, building my own basic budget proposal, 8 budget proposal best practices.

A budget proposal outlines the financial plans for a project or initiative, detailing the expected costs and resources needed for successful completion.

Budget proposals also show potential funders or stakeholders how their money will be spent and the tangible benefits their investment will achieve.

While the content of your budget proposal will change depending on your project’s parameters and specific goals, a well-crafted plan leads to benefits like:

• Stakeholder buy-in. Providing a transparent breakdown of anticipated expenses instills confidence and trust, encouraging stakeholder support or investment.
• Efficient resource usage. Outlining a clear resource allocation plan ensures that funds are directed to the areas where they are needed most.
• Risk mitigation. Applying a risk management framework helps proactively identify potential costs and contingencies, ensuring that the project remains on track and within budget constraints.
• Project tracking. Identifying key project milestones and benchmarks promotes informed decision-making, maintaining efficient and agile progress.

Free Business Budget Templates

Manage your business, personal, and program spend on an annual, quarterly, and monthly basis.

• Personal Budget Template
• Annual Budget Template
• Program Budget Template

You're all set!

Click this link to access this resource at any time.

Before you begin drafting your budget proposal, it's helpful to first familiarize yourself with its key components and overarching structure.

Knowing which strategic points to emphasize — and the order in which to present them — improves your ability to create a logical and compelling argument, while also ensuring you effectively communicate your project’s feasibility.

So, let's examine five critical sections found in every effective budget proposal, drawing on the structure used in Hubspot’s Free Budget Proposal Template .

7. Build a story.

Weave in a strong storytelling narrative that provides context, explains assumptions, and addresses any potential concerns or questions. This adds depth to your proposal and helps guide readers through the document.

Pro tip: Incorporate data visualization techniques, such as graphs or infographics, to complement your narrative and enhance the clarity and persuasiveness of your budget proposal.

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• Fundraising

How To Write a Perfect Grant Proposal In 8 Steps

By Colin Hunter on May 29, 2024

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Securing funding for your projects is important for many organizations, and writing a grant proposal is often a key part of that process. However, writing a strong grant proposal can be challenging. It can make the difference between getting the funds you need and missing out on valuable opportunities.

This guide will show you how to write a perfect grant proposal in 8 easy steps. We'll take you through the process, offering practical tips and insights to help you create a clear and compelling proposal. 

What Is a Grant Proposal?

A grant proposal is a formal request for financial support, typically directed to organizations that grant funds, like governments, corporations, or foundations. 

It's structured to clearly explain the need for funding and how it will be used to achieve specific outcomes. The request outlines your project's scope, goals, and plans to convince the funder that your initiative is worthy of support.

Types of Grants

• Foundation Grants: These are issued by both private and public foundations and charities.
• Corporate Grants: Businesses and corporations provide these grants to promote social responsibility and increase community involvement. 
• Federal Government Grants: These grants are provided by government bodies at the national level. 
• State Government Grants: Similar to federal grants, these are distributed by state governments and usually focus on projects that benefit residents within the state​.
• Local City Government Grants: These are smaller grants that address local community needs and are distributed by city or local government bodies.

Should I Apply For a Grant?

Deciding whether to apply for a grant should involve a few considerations. 

First, assess whether your project's goals match the grant's objectives. It's crucial to ensure that your mission and the potential grant's purpose are compatible​​. 

You should also consider the potential impact of your project, your organization's capacity to complete the project within the grant's terms, and the likelihood of sustaining the project after the grant period ends. 

Remember, applying for grants is competitive and requires a significant effort to prepare a compelling proposal that gets noticed.

A Simple Guide To Write a Grant Proposal

Step1: start with  a cover letter.

The cover letter is your first chance to make a good impression. It should be concise, on a formal header, typically no more than one page, and must include key elements to catch the funder's attention.

Start by clearly stating your name, the name of your organization, and your contact information at the top of the letter. Make sure this information is accurate to avoid any confusion.

If possible, address the cover letter to a specific person. Use a formal salutation like "Dear Mr./Mrs." followed by their name to personalize the communication.

Quickly explain what your organization does. Clearly state the purpose of your request in the first few sentences. Describe your project and why it aligns with the funder’s goals. 

Specify the amount of funding you are requesting and briefly overview how it will be used. 

End with a statement that invites further communication, such as a request for a meeting or a site visit, and express your anticipation for discussing the project in more detail.

• While it's important to be professional, avoid overly stiff language that might come across as insincere or robotic.
• Use clear language. Assume the reader is not familiar with your field and avoid using specialized terminology without explanation.
• Personalize your cover letter to each funder. Generic cover letters are easy to spot and can suggest a lack of effort or genuine interest.

Step 2: Add Executive Summary

A cover letter and an executive summary serve different purposes in a grant proposal. The cover letter is your chance to make a personal introduction, express your interest, and briefly mention what the grant will support. It's personalized and addresses the funder directly. 

On the other hand, the executive summary provides a comprehensive overview of your project. It details the problem, your solution, and the outcomes you anticipate. 

Begin with a compelling statement or statistic that highlights the urgency or importance of your project. Grab the reader's attention and set the stage for the details that follow.

Clearly define the issue your project addresses. Be specific about how this problem affects your community or field and why it needs immediate attention.

Briefly describe your proposed solution. Explain how it addresses the problem and why it is effective. Include any innovative aspects of your approach that make your project stand out.

Detail the positive changes or results your project aims to achieve. Be specific about how these outcomes will benefit the target community or field. 

End with a summary of the overall impact of the project. Emphasize how the expected outcomes will advance broader goals or align with the funder's mission.

• Provide specific information about the problem and your solution. General statements are less compelling and can make your proposal seem unfocused.
• While it's important to be thorough, the executive summary should not discuss every aspect of your project. Leave the finer details for the main body of the proposal.
• Ensure the summary is logical and flows smoothly from one section to the next. It should be easy to follow and build a strong case for your project.

Step 3: State the Need (Problem Statement)

Writing a strong problem statement is the key to capturing the essence of what your project intends to address. 

Start by clearly identifying the specific issue your project will tackle. It should be relevant and significant enough to justify the need for funding. For example, rather than broadly addressing "education," focus on a specific issue like "reducing dropout rates among high school students in underserved communities."

Next, provide context by describing the circumstances that have led to or exacerbated the problem. Include data and evidence to support the existence and impact of the problem, making it relatable and urgent. 

Detail who is affected by the problem and how, and discuss the consequences of not addressing the issue.

Propose a brief outline of your potential solution, indicating how it addresses the problem. Show that your project is not only about identifying issues but also about providing feasible solutions.

Finally, describe the impact of the problem and the positive change your project aims to achieve. This part of the statement should match the funder's objectives.

• Data or credible sources should back every statement about the problem's significance.
• Customize the problem statement to align with the funder’s interests and show how your project supports their goals.
• Focus on a specific issue rather than trying to tackle a problem that is too wide or multifaceted for the scope of a single project.

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Step 4: Describe Clear Goals and Objectives

Make sure that your goals and objectives are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. 

• Specific: Clearly define what you aim to achieve. Instead of a broad goal like "improve health," specify what aspect of health you intend to improve and in which population or community.
• Measurable: Ensure that your objectives can be quantified or have clear indicators of success. For example, instead of just aiming to "increase participation," state a specific number or percentage by which participation will increase.
• Achievable: Set objectives that are realistic and attainable within the project's timeframe and with the available resources.
• Relevant: Align your goals and objectives with both the needs identified in your problem statement and the funder’s priorities to demonstrate the impact and necessity of your project.
• Time-bound: Include specific deadlines or time frames for achieving your objectives to provide a clear timeline for project implementation and evaluation.
• Avoid generalities that make your objectives difficult to understand or measure. Be precise about what you are aiming to achieve.
• While ambition is good, setting unrealistic goals can undermine the credibility of your proposal.
• Failing to specify when each objective will be achieved can leave your proposal looking under-planned.

Step 5: Provide a Realistic Budget

Creating a realistic budget for your grant proposal is important to demonstrate your organization's financial planning and accountability. 

Begin by thoroughly understanding what the funder requires in a budget proposal. Includes the format, categories, and specific financial details they want to see. 

Break down your costs into clear, defined categories such as salaries, equipment, supplies, and overheads. Be specific about each item and ensure that all costs are justified within the context of the project. T

Make sure to include both direct costs (specific to the project) and indirect costs (general organizational overheads). Some funders allow a percentage of the total budget to cover indirect costs, but your proposal should clarify and justify this.

Use detailed, current market rates for items and services you plan to procure. Avoid approximations. Instead, use quotes and estimates from vendors to substantiate your figures. 

Ensure your budget reflects and supports the narrative of your proposal. 

• Ensure all costs are realistic and account for potential variations in market rates.
• Each budget item should be specific and clearly linked to project activities.
• Consider all aspects of project implementation, including less obvious costs like maintenance or unexpected contingencies.

Step 6: Mention Evaluation Strategy

Evaluation strategy is another key part of your grant proposal. It's essential to include both formative (process) and summative (outcome) evaluations to assess the effectiveness of your project comprehensively.

• Formative Evaluation: This ongoing evaluation helps monitor the project’s progress toward achieving its objectives. It allows for adjustments and improvements in real-time, ensuring the project stays on track.
• Summative Evaluation: Conducted at the end of the project, this evaluation assesses the overall impact and outcomes against the initial goals. It is crucial for demonstrating the project's success and value to funders.

Define what you will measure and how. Make sure these metrics connect with your project’s goals. Specify whether the focus is on direct outputs (e.g., number of people served) or broader impacts (e.g., long-term community changes).

Outline the methods for gathering and analyzing data. Decide on the tools and techniques you will use, such as statistical software for quantitative data or content analysis for qualitative data. 

Describe how the results of the evaluations will be reported and used. Include plans for internal use, such as improving the program, and external use, such as sharing successes and lessons learned with the community and stakeholders​.

• Clearly specify what will be measured and how.
• Engage those affected by or interested in the project in the evaluation process.
• Be open to adjusting your evaluation methods as the project evolves.
• Ensure your evaluation methods respect participants' rights and privacy.

Step 7: Share Strategies To Ensure Sustainability

The next step is to show funders that your project has the capacity to endure beyond the initial funding period. Funders are increasingly interested in projects that address immediate needs and demonstrate long-term viability and impact.

To ensure ongoing support, plan to diversify your funding streams. Plan to secure future grants, establish partnerships with businesses for corporate sponsorships, and initiate community fundraising efforts. 

Include a detailed projection of ongoing costs for at least five years. Cover daily operations, maintenance, potential growth, and even decommissioning if applicable. Include inflation factors, the need for specialist skills, and ongoing training to maintain project efficacy and relevance over time​.

Explain how the project will be managed in the long term. This includes establishing robust management practices, securing essential resources, and potentially increasing your organizational capacity to handle expanded operations or services as the project grows​.

• Avoid overly optimistic projections that may not be realistic or achievable.
• Avoid vague statements. Be specific about how sustainability will be achieved.
• Do not ignore potential risks or challenges that could impact long-term sustainability.

Step 8: Final Review and Submission

• Ensure that every section of your proposal meets the specific requirements set by the funder, including format, content, and length​.
• Double-check your budget calculations for accuracy and ensure they align with the project narrative. Include all required documentation and justification for the funds requested​.
• Read through the entire proposal to make sure it is clear and logical. Look for any sections that might be confusing or ambiguous and clarify them.
• Perform a thorough spell check and grammar review. It can be helpful to have another person review the proposal as well to catch any errors you might have missed​.
• Confirm that all necessary compliance forms are included and that every required section is complete. This might include conflict of interest forms, human subjects protections, and other regulatory documents.

Tips on Submitting the Proposal and Following Up with Funders

• Follow the funder's specified process for submission, which may include online submissions through portals like Grants.gov or other digital platforms. Make sure all electronic forms are filled out completely and accurately.
• After submitting, ensure you receive an acknowledgment receipt from the funder. If the submission is through an online system, you might receive an automatic notification​.
• After submission, keep track of the review timelines and be proactive in responding to any requests from the funder for additional information or clarifications​.
• Whether your proposal is accepted or rejected, request feedback from the funder. It can be invaluable for improving future proposals and understanding the funder's priorities​.
• Keep a copy of the submitted proposal and all correspondence with the funder for your records. This documentation will be helpful for future applications and may be required for institutional or compliance reasons.

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About Colin Hunter

Colin Hunter is the cofounder of BetterWorld , where he leads initiatives to expand reach and impact. Previously, he cofounded and served as CEO of luxury custom menswear brand Alton Lane. Colin’s experience as a consultant with Bain & Company, working with Global 1000 companies, shaped his approach to leadership and growth. He holds a BA from the University of Virginia and studied in Oxford, England. Colin lives in Scottsville, Virginia with his wife and three daughters.

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How to Write a Grant Proposal (Steps, Strategies, Sample Template)

May 3, 2024 by Chinny Verana Leave a Comment

Securing funding through grants can truly transform aspirations into reality, offering vital resources to fuel vision. Yet, for many nonprofits, small businesses, or individuals, the process of applying for a grant can seem overwhelming. Where should you start? 

That’s where this guide steps in. Here, we provide a comprehensive resource, breaking down the complex task of writing a grant proposal into manageable steps and actionable strategies. Whether you’re experienced or new to this, our guide gives you what you need to write a great proposal.

What are grants?

Grants are non-repayable funds or products disbursed by grant makers, typically government agencies, foundations, corporations, or nonprofit organizations. They are provided to individuals, organizations, or communities to support specific projects, programs, research, or initiatives that align with the grant maker’s priorities and objectives.

Unlike loans, grants do not need to be repaid, but they often come with certain conditions or requirements for how the funds are used and accounted for.

What is a grant proposal?

A grant proposal is a formal request for funds from a grant-making entity, such as a government, corporation, foundation, or trust. In the nonprofit sector, these funds are vital for sustaining operations and launching new projects. The proposal outlines the organization’s needs, how the funds will be used, and the expected outcomes. It aims to convince the funder to provide financial support for a specific project or initiative.

Factors to Consider Before Writing a Grant Proposal

Before writing a grant proposal, it’s important to identify and understand your audience. Familiarize yourself with the funders who will be reviewing your proposal. What are their interests, priorities, and procedures for reviewing grant proposals? This insight will help you customize your proposal effectively, ensuring it aligns with their expectations and resonates with their objectives.

Alignment with Your Mission

Make sure the project you’re asking for money fits well with your organization’s goals and long-term vision. In order to show funders that your project is an extension of your existing efforts, clearly explain how your project contributes to your organization’s mission.

Eligibility

Verify that your organization meets the eligibility requirements of the funder. Carefully review the eligibility criteria set by the funder. These can include the type of organizations that can apply, geographical focus, thematic areas of interest, and the size of grants awarded.

Stay informed about the application deadline and other important dates during the grant process. Plan your proposal development carefully to allow enough time for drafting, revising, getting internal approvals, and submitting well before the deadline. This organized approach ensures that you can handle any unexpected issues and submit a polished proposal on time.

Budget Needs

Understand your project’s financial requirements in detail. This includes both the total budget and how funds from the grant will be allocated. Ensure that your budget is realistic and aligns with the funder’s guidelines for allowable expenses.

Funder’s Priorities

Each funder has specific areas of interest or priorities that guide their funding decisions. Make sure your project addresses these priorities clearly and convincingly, showing how it contributes to the funder’s goals.

Competition

Consider the level of competition for the grant you’re applying for. If it’s highly competitive, you may need to create a more detailed and compelling proposal. Researching past projects that received funding can provide valuable insights into what the funder is seeking, helping you tailor your proposal accordingly. This strategic approach increases your chances of success by aligning your proposal with the funder’s preferences and expectations.

Make sure your proposal is easy to understand, short, and interesting. Avoid using complicated words that might confuse someone who doesn’t know much about your organization or the field you’re working in. This way, even people who are new to the topic can see why your project is important and how it could make a difference.

Assess the resources, both human and financial, that your organization will need to dedicate to the proposal writing process, as well as to the project’s implementation. Make sure you have the capacity to manage the grant if awarded.

10 Steps on How to Write a Grant Proposal

Write a cover letter.

Start with a compelling cover letter. It should introduce your organization, briefly outline your project, and highlight the alignment between your project’s goals and the funder’s objectives. The cover letter sets the tone for the proposal, so make it engaging and concise.

Here’s an example of a cover letter:

Summarize the Proposal in an Executive Summary

The executive summary is a snapshot of your grant proposal, providing a concise overview of your project and its objectives, the problem it aims to solve, and the impact you anticipate. This section should be clear and compelling to encourage the reader to delve into the details of your proposal.

Here’s an executive summary example:

Outline Organizational Information

Provide a comprehensive overview of your organization, including its mission, history, key achievements, and any other details that establish your credibility and capacity to execute the proposed project successfully.

Define Goals and Objectives

Clearly articulate the specific goals and objectives of your project. This section should outline what your project aims to achieve and how these aims support the funder’s priorities or interests.

Present a Problem Statement

Describe the issue or need your project intends to address. This should be supported by relevant data, research, and analysis that underscore the significance of the problem and your organization’s capacity to address it effectively.

Detail the Project Description

Offer a comprehensive description of your project, including its methodology, activities, timeline, and staffing. This section is the core of your proposal, outlining how you plan to achieve the objectives you’ve set.

Prepare a Detailed Budget

Provide a clear, itemized budget that outlines how the grant funds will be allocated. This should include all expenses related to the project, demonstrating financial prudence and transparency.

Develop an Evaluation Plan

Detail how you will measure the success of your project and the impact of the grant funds. This plan should outline the metrics and methods you will use to evaluate the project’s outcomes.

A comprehensive evaluation report will be compiled at the mid-year and final stages of the program to summarize key findings, lessons learned, and recommendations for future program development and replication.

Include a Financial Sustainability Plan

To keep your project financially healthy after your first grant ends, you need a strong financial plan. This plan should think about different ways to earn money like donations , selling products, offering services, or organizing events.

At the same time, it’s important to strategize to keep your costs low, which not only safeguards your project’s financial stability but also for long-term success.

Wrapping Up Strong with Your Team Information

Briefly recap the main points of your proposal. Highlight the problem you’re addressing, your proposed solution, and the expected outcomes. Emphasize the significance and importance of your project. Remind the funder why your proposal is essential and why it deserves funding.

Discuss the potential impact of your project. Highlight the positive changes it can bring about in the community or field it serves. Convey confidence in the success of your project. Assure the funders that you and your team are capable of executing the proposed plan effectively.

At the same time, clearly state what you need from the funder whether it’s for financial support, resources, or collaboration. Offer your contact information for any further questions or clarifications. Make yourself available to discuss the proposal in more detail if needed. And don’t forget to include your and your organization’s details for any further questions or clarifications.

Alternative for Grant Funding

1. crowdfunding.

Crowdfunding is a fundraising method that uses online platforms (Kickstarter, GoFundMe, Indiego) to raise a small amount of money from a large number of people. 

Key considerations when utilizing crowdfunding platforms include:

• Engagement : Requires active promotion and regular updates to attract and maintain backer interest.
• Rewards : Many crowdfunding campaigns offer rewards or incentives to donors as a way to encourage contributions. 
• Platform Fees : Be aware of the fees charged like transaction fees and percentage of funds raised by the platform to help you budget and plan your campaign.

2. Corporate Sponsorships and Partnerships

Corporate partnerships and sponsorships can serve as alternatives for several reasons:

• Direct Financial Support: Instead of seeking a grant proposal, organizations can ask corporations for funds to support their projects. In return, the corporations might get recognition or other benefits.
• In-kind Contributions : Corporations can offer non-monetary support, services, or expertise instead of money, which can help the organization and lessen the need for grants.
• Brand Visibility: Partnering with corporations can give both parties good visibility. Companies might sponsor events in exchange for having their logo displayed or being recognized in promotions.
• Employee Engagement : Corporate partnerships can include activities like volunteering or mentoring by employees. This helps the project and makes employees feel good about their work.

3. Fundraising Events

Another alternative to grant proposals is organizing fundraising events ( galas , silent auctions , or community activities ) which can help you bring in money for your initiatives. However, success depends on a few important things:

• Planning : These events need a lot of planning and resources to make them happen. Everything from where it’s held to what happens during the event needs careful thought and organization.
• Promotion : Through social media, email campaigns, and traditional advertising, you can generate buzz and maximize attendance.
• Cost : While fundraising events can help you allocate more money, you need to consider the expenses in organizing such events compared to how much you think you’ll raise. 

4. Individual Donations

Individual giving is a great alternative to grant funding because it diversifies income and reduces reliance on limited grants. Donations from individuals are more flexible and come with fewer restrictions. In 2022, individual donations made up $499.33 billion of all charitable giving in the U.S., which shows a decline of 3.4 percent in 2021 to 2022. 

Additionally, individual donors build community and ensure consistent support while making it a reliable and adaptable funding strategy.

5. Social Enterprises

Social enterprises offer nonprofits a way to increase their funding while staying true to their mission. Take a thrift store run by a nonprofit, for instance. Not only does it generate revenue, but it also provides affordable goods to the community and creates job opportunities.

Similarly, publishing services can produce materials that promote the nonprofit’s cause while bringing in income. Training programs not only educate but also empower individuals, all while contributing to the organization’s financial stability.

6. Planned Giving and Bequests

Bequests are gifts made through a person’s will or estate plan to support charitable organizations after their passing. This alternative can greatly benefit nonprofit organizations by providing them with reliable and potentially significant sources of funding. One notable example of a bequest that made an impact is the story of the late Oseola McCarty, a washerwoman from Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

Despite her modest earnings, she managed to save a large sum of money over her lifetime. She decided to leave a portion of her life savings to the University of Southern Mississippi to fund students who can’t afford to go to college.

In 1995, it was announced that McCarty had set aside $150,000 from her savings to establish the Oseola McCarty Scholarship Fund . Her remarkable gift gained national attention, showcasing how anyone, no matter their financial situation, can make a lasting impact through a bequest. And her legacy continues through the successful students who benefited from her scholarship, spreading her positive impact even more.

7. Government Contracts and Funding

For nonprofits providing services that align with government priorities, securing contracts can be a stable funding source. These often require detailed proposals and compliance with specific requirements but can cover costs for extensive programs.

• Regulations : Be prepared to comply with government regulations and reporting requirements.
• Competitive Bidding : Government funding often involves a competitive bidding process.
• Sustainability : Government funding can provide stable, long-term support.

8. Foundation and Corporate Grants

While similar to grant funding, foundation, and corporate grants can provide nonprofits with targeted funding opportunities. To make the most of these opportunities, it’s essential to conduct thorough research to identify foundations or corporations aligned with your organization’s mission. Building relationships with program officers or corporate giving managers can also enhance your chances of securing grants. When crafting proposals, ensure they are tailored to address the priorities and guidelines of these potential funders.

For instance, if your nonprofit focuses on environmental conservation, seeking funding from a foundation dedicated to environmental causes like the National Geographic Society could be a strategic move. This approach increases the likelihood of successful grant applications and fosters mutually beneficial partnerships.

9. Membership Programs

For some organizations, membership programs can be an effective way to generate income. Members pay a fee in exchange for benefits, such as access to exclusive content, events, or discounts. This not only helps financially, but it also creates a sense of belonging among members who share the organization’s goals. Plus, members can provide valuable feedback and ideas for making the program even better.

10. Loans and Investment

Nonprofit organizations have different ways to get funding for their projects, and two important options are loans and investments. Loans are like borrowing money that you have to pay back, and they can come from special places or regular banks. Investments are when people give money to support a project and hope to make a profit in return.

These options have their pros and cons, but if used wisely, they can give nonprofits the money they need to do important work. Whether it’s starting a new program, launching a business, or growing existing services, loans and investments can help nonprofits make a positive impact in their communities.

How to Handle Rejection and Feedback in Grant Writing

Stay positive and professional.

Receiving a rejection can be disheartening, but it’s essential to maintain a positive and professional attitude. Remember that rejection is a normal part of the grant writing process and does not reflect your worth or the value of your project. Keep in mind that there are always more opportunities out there, and a positive mindset will help you stay motivated and resilient.

Request Feedback

After receiving a rejection, don’t hesitate to reach out to the funder and request feedback on your proposal. Politely ask for specific insights into why your proposal was not selected and what you can improve on in future submissions. Constructive feedback from funders can provide valuable insights into areas of weakness and help you refine your approach.

Analyze the Feedback

Take the time to analyze the feedback you receive from funders carefully. Look for common themes or areas of weakness mentioned across multiple rejections. Pay attention to the strengths and weaknesses identified in your proposal and any specific suggestions for improvement. Use this feedback as a roadmap for revising and strengthening your future proposals.

Learn from the Experience

Rejection can be a valuable learning experience if you approach it open-mindedly. Use the feedback you receive to identify areas where your proposal fell short and consider how you can address these shortcomings in future submissions. Reflect on your overall approach to grant writing and look for opportunities to refine your strategy based on what you’ve learned.

Revise Your Proposal

Based on the feedback you’ve received and your own analysis, revise your proposal to address any identified weaknesses or areas for improvement. Be strategic in your revisions, focusing on strengthening the sections of your proposal that were identified as weaknesses while preserving the elements that were well-received. Take the time to thoroughly review and refine your proposal before resubmitting or applying to other opportunities.

Seek Additional Options

In addition to revising your proposal, consider exploring alternative funding sources or opportunities. Look for grants that may be a better fit for your project or consider other avenues for financial support, such as crowdfunding, sponsorships, or partnerships. Keep an open mind and be proactive in seeking out new opportunities that align with your project goals and objectives.

Continue Learning and Improving

Grant writing is a skill that can be honed over time, so don’t be discouraged by rejection. Instead, view each rejection as an opportunity to learn and improve. Take advantage of resources such as workshops, webinars, and online tutorials to enhance your grant writing skills. Stay informed about best practices in grant writing and continually seek out opportunities for professional development.

Don’t Give Up

Above all, don’t give up in the face of rejection. Persistence is key in grant writing, and many successful projects have faced multiple rejections before ultimately securing funding. Stay focused on your goals, remain resilient in the face of setbacks, and keep pushing forward. With perseverance and a willingness to learn from each experience, you can increase your chances of success in grant writing.

Now, it’s time to put this knowledge into action in your upcoming grant proposal. By focusing on the details, maintaining persistence, and clearly illustrating how your project matches the goals of the funder, you’re setting yourself up for success. If this guide has been useful to you, consider passing it along to others who might find it valuable as well. We’re always eager to hear about your experiences and successes, so feel free to share them with us. Let’s create positive change together, one grant at a time.

And if you’re looking to streamline your event planning or fundraising efforts, remember to explore Event Smart . Our platform can be a powerful tool in your arsenal, helping you manage events that may arise from your successful grant proposals. Sign in with Event Smart or start our free 14-day trial today and see how we can help elevate your projects to the next level.

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• How to Write a Contract

How to write a request for proposal

8 tips to write a request for proposal

Detail the project and what your organization needs, write an executive summary, include vendor qualifications and the project budget, be transparent about the selection process, provide timelines, format for readability, have the expertise, detail the job but not how to do it.

A request for proposal, commonly known as an “RFP”; is a document governments and large corporations typically issue when seeking qualified vendors and contractors for large projects. Writing a request for proposal is challenging and requires detailed plans.

Organizations issue a request for proposal to attract the largest pool of qualified bidders to compete against each other for a contract. The goal is not simply to get the lowest bid but the lowest qualified bid.

Because the request for proposal is a public document that initiates an open bidding process, it’s important for organizations issuing an RFP to write it carefully in order to adequately detail both the project and the bid requirements. The Jotform request for proposal template is a useful guide for writing a detailed proposal that includes all the important requirements.

Follow these steps to write a request for proposal for your next big project.

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State what the project is — construction of a high-rise corporate headquarters, renovation of an apartment complex, development of a new information management system, etc. — and the capabilities vendors must demonstrate. If you expect the vendor to oversee the work and file progress reports, say so. List where the project will be, the timeline for completion, deliverables, and any penalties for missing deadlines and bonuses for finishing ahead of schedule.

Use this to guide your writing of the request for proposal so that you don’t overlook or omit something.

A request for proposal for a large project — such as building a high-rise office tower in a city center or a cloverleaf freeway interchange — is likely going to be a lengthy document. Use the executive summary at the beginning of the RFP to state what the project is, what you need from the vendor or contractor for the project to succeed, and what you require from the bidders in terms of capabilities, management skills, relevant experience, and so forth.

Make clear what you seek from the vendor. This, of course, means actual capabilities — such as experience working with tower cranes if you’re building a high-rise building — but also a track record of workplace safety or fair hiring practices. State the project budget so vendors considering whether to bid can calculate whether they could make a profit.

You know what you’re looking for, from a vendor both in terms of demonstrated capabilities and compatible culture. Make all of this clear in the request for proposal. Explain what you require from the winning bidder and what will disqualify a proposal. List the priorities of your company. Transparency helps vendors determine if they’re a good match and write more informative responses.

Replying to a request for proposal can be as time-consuming as writing it. Give respondents adequate time to complete their responses, but set a strict deadline for submitting. State when the project will begin, when the contractor must obtain permits (if applicable) and begin work, which milestones you will contractually mandate, and when the contractor must complete the project. State all potential penalties and bonuses.

Use ample subheadings and bullet points to make your request for proposal easy to read. A well-written RFP provides a guide for bidders to write detailed responses. A well-organized request for proposal lists what qualifies as an acceptable response, keeping in mind some bidders might be responding to a formal RFP for the first time. Your goal is to get responses from all qualified bidders, not just the established players.

Don’t expect someone with little experience in construction to write a request for proposal for contractors to build a massive new building. The same is true for a brand-new group of programmers when you’re looking to contract with someone to revamp your company’s data management system.

Whoever writes your request for proposal should have expertise comparable to that of the contractors you’re seeking. You’ll also need this same expertise from your evaluators, who will review responses and select the best contractor for the best price.

A good request for proposal details what work you need someone to accomplish — a building of this many floors, a hospital with a certain number of operating theaters, an information management system capable of this volume of data flow — but it doesn’t dictate how a contractor will accomplish the job.

You may not be up to speed on the most recent technology, techniques, or materials available. Write your request for proposal to encourage bidders to offer creative responses for achieving your goals.

While it’s standard procedure for the government at all levels to issue requests for proposals for all major projects, the process is too time-consuming for small businesses in many instances. Nonetheless, working through your project mentally and listing what you need is still a good practice, even if you don’t issue a formal request before hiring a contractor.

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Use a signature collection tool

Using a signature collection tool like Jotform Sign will make the proposal process much easier on you and your potential future vendors. Jotform Sign keeps your contracts, signatures, and audit trail all in one place. The decision-making process will be much more streamlined because your proposals will automatically become part of an approval flow when you send them out for signature. You can also designate a signing order to make sure the proposal goes through all the proper channels. 

When you decide on a vendor, you can send them a contract made with one of our many templates. Additionally, when you sign up for Jotform Sign, you have access to the rest of Jotform’s products so you can create surveys and RFPs all in one place.

AS ALWAYS, CONSULT AN ATTORNEY BEFORE RELYING ON ANY FORM CONTRACT OR CONTRACT TEMPLATE. THE CONTENT ABOVE IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.

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1 Comments:

More than a year ago

After reading this and this article from Bridgit, I think it's safe to say I understand requests for proposals and am now ready to be able to write and take them on myself! I'm grateful for articles like these that can teach others how they work.

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White House makes push for large nuclear reactors

By Zach Bright, Nico Portuondo | 05/30/2024 06:44 AM EDT

A $35 billion nuclear expansion in Georgia shows how project costs have escalated and chilled potential development.

Two units of Plant Vogtle in Georgia are pictured. Georgia Power

The White House wants to “reestablish U.S. leadership” in the nuclear power industry and jump-start a new generation of reactors that can be built more quickly and on budget.

Touting last month’s completion of the most expensive nuclear construction project in American history — the Plant Vogtle expansion in Georgia — the Biden administration pledged Wednesday to bring more federal support to nuclear megaprojects and the deployment of small-scale reactors.

President Joe Biden includes nuclear in a portfolio of carbon-free technology the administration has gotten behind to help meet its goal of eliminating climate pollution from the power sector by 2035.

Still, nuclear power in the United States has been virtually at a standstill for decades. Last decade, it was eclipsed by a surge in natural gas production that went to new gas-fired power plants. This decade, combinations of gas, wind, solar and energy storage projects are meeting the nation’s rising electricity demand. The industry has faced an uphill battle to keep plants operating in competitive electricity markets.

“Recognizing the importance of both the existing U.S. nuclear fleet and continued build-out of large nuclear power plants,” the White House said, “the U.S. is also taking steps to mitigate project risks associated with large nuclear builds and position U.S. industry to support an aggressive deployment target.”

To tackle vexing issues such as high costs and build times for modern reactors, the Biden administration announced the creation of a working group led by the White House Office of Domestic Climate Policy, the White House energy innovation team led by John Podesta, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and the Department of Energy.

The White House said it is also exploring the use of advanced reactors to power Army sites. The Army plans to release a request for information soon to “inform a deployment program,” according to an administration fact sheet. Additionally, the White House showcased the Idaho National Laboratory’s release of a new tool designed to help lower the escalating cost of new nuclear builds.

Nuclear today accounts for roughly 20 percent of U.S. electricity generation. What looked like a steady nuclear decline a couple years ago is turning into a resurgence of interest in states where electricity demand is increasing. Some states also see nuclear as a path to meeting their own clean energy and climate targets.

Push to accelerate

Critics of Plant Vogtle, a project by Georgia Power, point to its seven-year delay and $35 billion price tag — more than double its initial $14 billion estimate. That cost will be absorbed by utility ratepayers.

The Plant Vogtle megaproject was built with support from $12 billion in loan guarantees from the Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office. DOE has also supported the revival of the Palisades plant in Michigan — which Holtec International aims to make the first U.S. nuclear plant to restart operations after shutting down.

Westinghouse Electric Co., which developed the AP1000 reactor used in Georgia, is competing globally with Russia and China for contracts to build nuclear plants.

“We’ll probably have some announcements in the not too distant future regarding additional projects in North America for the AP1000,” David Durham, president of energy systems at Westinghouse, said Wednesday.

The White House said the Pentagon could bring on smaller reactors and microreactors to build its capacity to keep the energy flowing in the event of a cyberattack on the grid or blackouts due to extreme weather.

Federal subsidies and support for research and development are helping to maintain momentum in the turbulent business of small modular reactors. But the small modular reactor industry is in its infancy. Regulators are creating new standards. The industry is dealing with cautious investors.

Nuclear companies are also wrestling with the supply chain, particularly for fuel. And the White House said it’s working on streamlining licensing processes for building new reactors and extending the life of existing reactors — long, cumbersome processes that can be a gantlet.

Republicans on Capitol Hill and nuclear advocates, meanwhile, are working to ensure Biden and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission do not slow the advancement of reactors through new permitting and safety regulations.

Energy leaders have been working to get the “ Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy (ADVANCE) Act ,” to the president’s desk for months. The legislation, a compromise agreement between the House Energy and Commerce and Senate Environment and Public Works committees, aims to help the NRC boost nuclear deployment by increasing hiring at the agency, streamlining the licensing process for advanced reactors and promoting the development of fusion technology.

The House has already passed the bill. The Senate has come close to obtaining a unanimous consent agreement for passage.

If the Senate doesn’t pass it separately, the package has a good chance to hitch a ride on a larger must-pass bill. That could be the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act.

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