What is a proposal?
A proposal is a document that outlines a detailed plan on a project that NGOs propose to a donor seeking funds to implement it. Usually, the donors that provide funding to NGOs request proposals in a pre-set format. Although this format can vary from one donor agency to another, it usually has a standard framework.
Proposal writing can be a complex job. Even if you are proposing just one page concept note about your project idea, you need to be prepared with your full proposal at least in your mind. A proposal is not just a document you submit to a donor agency. More than that it is an exercise for you to understand your own idea, your own project so that you are clear in what you wish to do and you can easily respond to donor questions about it.
You can get answers to other basic questions on proposal writing below:
- What should be the size of a proposal? How long or short should a proposal be?
- How can I start writing a proposal?
- Whom should you involve in planning and writing a proposal?
- Is it important to know about a donor agency before writing a proposal to them?
- How can I get inputs for my proposal from the donor agency?
- What is a project rationale in a proposal?
- How should the goals and objectives be written in a proposal?
- What is the difference between Strategies and Activities in a proposal?
- What is the best way to identify and plan activities for a project in a proposal?
- What is a Gantt chart?
- In defining project results in a proposal, what is the difference between outputs and outcomes?
- What are indicators, risks and assumptions in a proposal?
- What is the best way to develop a monitoring and evaluation plan?
- What is matching contribution in a budget and how can NGOs arrange it?
Also check out our latest guide: A Proposal Writing Guidebook for Grassroots-based NGOs/CBOs/CSOs
