Good proposal writing. What it takes, why it matters.

Almost exactly seven years ago I wrote my first Short Takes article, Good Writing Matters: Making the Case for Quality. In it I considered approaches for stand-out fundraising documents that:

• Clear away the clutter to get and keep the attention of busy readers. 
• Use straightforward, energetic writing to increase enthusiasm for your proposal. 
• Demonstrate that your program is a top priority for your organization. 

It takes cooperation, patience, and most of all time to get the job done, and done well. Writing proposals is about a lot more than just writing. 

Engage. Strong proposals benefit from multiple perspectives to inform ideas, set priorities, and build investment.

Plan. Use a simple planning document like this one to clarify tasks, deadlines and responsibilities, and facilitate the production of quality proposals well within the deadline. 

Think. Allow time to read, absorb, and select the best data to inform your proposal. This is where the brain gets to work on conceptualizing a compelling case for support.  

Draft and edit. Plan on multiple drafts. Adding reviewers and integrating new thinking can extend the editing process. Go with it. Your document will likely be better and more competitive. 

Embrace the process.  Good writing can be rigorous. It takes time to integrate what can be voluminous amounts of material, synthesize multiple points of view, and demonstrate expertise in a carefully synchronized document that tells a compelling story. 

Don’t scrimp. Quality writing helps the reader quickly understand your goals and how you will achieve them. It can help get you to “yes” in a crowded field, and provide you with a template for future documents. It’s well worth the time it takes.