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Whew—Your proposal is drafted and it’s almost ready to go. There’s just one more step. Once you have a strong first draft, the next phase of creating an outstanding proposal begins.

Good editing can make the difference between an adequate proposal and an eye-catching document the reader can’t put down. Good editing:

• Produces a clear, crisp proposal that sharpens the reader’s understanding of your program.
• Gives you time to consider whether you’ve made the best possible case.
• Engages key players in your organization as editors while building their commitment to your program.
• Lets your donors know you value them and their potential role in your work.

It’s a process
Allow time for editing. Start by identifying editors who can review your proposal’s substance, style, tone, and grammar. Let them know when to expect your draft – and when you need it back. Know how your editors give feedback and plan accordingly. Do they use track changes, email their comments, or prefer to discuss their changes with you? Are they likely to have just a few edits or extensive feedback?

Avoid last minute editing. Swapping just one word for another can alter the meaning of a sentence or even an entire paragraph and require substantial changes. This risks last minute typos or spelling errors. Don’t take the chance.

Tips and suggestions

• Keep it simple to avoid confusion about what you’re trying to say.
• Say it once. Avoid repetition to keep your document crisp and your readers happy.
• Use grammar tools to spot typos, redundancies, misused words, and other errors.
• Let it sit. Your proposal will benefit if you take a breather before your final edit.
• Pay attention to detail. Don’t give the funder an excuse to eliminate your proposal from the competition because of an easily fixable mistake.

A word about words

• Use plain language. It’s easy to read, helps make your case, and fits better within pesky word limits.
• Less is more. Eliminate unnecessary words and get to the point. For example, change Dan is working on gathering other potential sources of qualitative data, to Dan is gathering qualitative data.
• Words matter. Take the time to find the right words to convey your meaning with impact. “Life is stark in the neighborhood” is brief, but creates a compelling visual.

Editing can be gratifying
I love editing. It means I’m over the hump with a solid first draft and can proceed without the clutter and distraction of all the documents that informed the proposal and filled up my writing space. It’s the home stretch, the chance to polish your proposal and add pizzazz. Plus, the more you edit the better you get. You might even enjoy it.

Anyone can write a proposal, right?  That’s true.
I can write it today and submit it tomorrow, right?  Also true, but you may risk quality.
It doesn’t really matter how well it’s written, right?  Wrong! I’ve actually heard this!

Here’s how I think about it. A proposal—or a report, letter of intent, or case statement— requires careful, strategic writing. It’s a business document. Make it easy for busy funders by keeping your proposal crisp, concise, and compelling. Clear away the clutter and get to the point. Nothing fancy. Your donors will thank you for it.

Get their attention by telling a convincing story that aligns with funder priorities and promotes your experience. Make it memorable. Even one sentence can make a proposal come to life: “The program provides real-time access for local doctors to medical experts worldwide who consult on the care of patients with debilitating disease.”

Don’t forget the big idea
Excite the donor and build confidence by integrating big ideas as drivers of change and program success. Funders want to know their investment matters. Help them understand the link between your program and your vision. Here’s an example: “This initiative will help transform global health delivery to a worldwide movement with the power to save lives and strengthen the health and economies of entire communities.”

A few tips

• Create a work plan, stay on schedule, and get feedback. Typos, disjointed transitions, or confusing language may reduce your competitiveness.
• Answer every question in the proposal guidelines. Pay attention. Sometimes there are questions within questions.
• Avoid long sentences and lengthy paragraphs that bog the reader down.
• Say it once. If you’ve said it well you don’t need to say it again.
• If you get stuck, try moving or deleting words or phrases. You might not need them.
• Allow time for a careful edit. It can elevate your proposal from good to great.

My pet peeves
Limit acronyms to one or two. They can be distracting to the reader. And please, don’t use jargon. Words that make sense to you may mystify the reader. Try replacing leverage  with maximize or influence. In one  project, a writer discussed the upstream issues that lead to health disparities. Try using underlying instead.

Very important
Thank the funder. You’re asking for selection from a crowded field. Don’t overdo it, but let donors know you’re grateful for their consideration and role in solving some of society’s most intractable problems. They’ll appreciate it.