Suggestions & Tips on Proposal Writting
I believe that everyone has unique ideas which if implemented can truly change the world in solving its suppressing problems. The fun (few says problem) begins when ideas are to be expressed in the form of project proposal.
So……… how do we write a convincing Project Proposal??? What are the ingredients of a good project proposal and how do we integrate them? These are the common questions that one is likely to come across when writing a project proposal. Below are few suggestions/tips from my experience of proposal writing.
-Problem Statement:
The problem statement depicts the problem you are trying to address. It is vital to be crystal clear about the problem and its scope, as the solution must mirror it. For example: if the problem is “unaffordable, inaccessibility and poor quality healthcare in rural areas of Pakistan ” then our solution shall be “affordable, accessible and quality healthcare to rural areas of Pakistan”. It should be precise, focused and to the point.
- Background and Introduction :
This heading usually requires the research on the background of the problem and then introduces the solution to address the problem. The background information must justify the problem statement. Remember to talk in NUMBER rather than words. Your funder is only interested in authentic statistics and not assumptions or word of mouth. For example: stating the statistics on maternal and infant mortality rate , types of healthcare problems, death occurred due to unavailability of proper health-care system etc shall support the problem statement.
In introduction describe the proposed solution in one to two paragraphs. Try avoiding saying “We will……….”, instead say “We propose……. or we plan………”, stating “We will” confirms that you will achieve it and it’s not the case all the time.
- Goals and Objectives:
The section shall state the goals and objectives that the proposed solution will fulfill. Make sure that the goals are realistic, achievable and compliment the solution. For example: stating that you plan to “completely eradicate poverty from the world” is a highly UNREALISTIC goal and will taken as a non-serious attitude by funder. Stay focused on a particular niche and DON“T PROMISE anything undo able.
- Outputs State the expected outputs of the project in this section. For example, number of patients expected to be treated, training sessions, number of volunteers, and number of workshops to be conducted etc.
-Outcomes
“Change” is the key word for outcomes. This section shall summaries the outcomes in the form of impact/change the project will make on particular group. Impact can be long term, short term as well as socio-economic. For example: The healthcare project will bring awareness about health issues to the community.
- Methodology and Approach
In this section, you will comprehensively describe the approach and methodology that is to be followed for the proposed solution. You must walk the user through all the steps for the implementation. If needed draw flow charts or other visual information for user to fully comprehend the implementation flow.
- Monitoring and Evaluation
It is a critical section of the proposal document as it reflects the progress of the project for future. This section shall state the ways the project will be monitored, measured and evaluated throughout its life. For example, conducting surveys, using project management tools, meetings, evaluation tools etc.
Wish you Good Luck for the project proposal.
