The monthly ReachUp! intern training meetings have been a learning opportunity not just for the interns but for me as well. Last month we had a guest speaker, Sylvia Oyugi – the Resource Mobilization Manager at Computers for Schools Kenya, who trained us on ‘Proposal writing’. I would like to share one aspect of the training that I found particularly interesting and informative. There is a lot to learn about proposal writing. The following list of do’s and don’ts is just icing on the cake. The points will ensure that your proposal is up to the mark and will make the reader/funder choose your proposal from a pile of other proposals.

Things we should always remember:

1. Do your research. Get information about the funding body that would inform the proposal you write to them. Know the kind of business ventures they typically fund, do they have preferred proposal formats, when in their fiscal year do they accept proposals etc. This would also help you know how your project/business venture fits into the potential donor’s areas of focus.
   
2. Use simple and clear language. Avoid jargon and explain abbreviations used in the proposal.
   
3. Use diagrams, charts and photographs to pass the message across. The adage ‘ a picture is worth a thousand words’ also applies in proposal writing.
   
4. Get your facts right. Ensure the references quoted are true and the facts correct.
   
5. Demonstrate your ability, as the writer(s), to address the problem stated.
   
6. Have a human story. A case study for example, can be used to clearly depict the current situation the writer is seeking to address.
   
7. Stress on how funds will be used. Write a Comprehensive budget to address this and you can also use the project methodology section to expound on the same.
   
8. Most of the MFI’s and funding bodies (especially those in Kenya) insist on doing a SWOT analysis before funding any business venture. Ensure this is done by looking at the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats involved the project or business venture.
   

Things we should never do:

1. Do not sound desperate.
   
2. Do not submit a proposal that has spelling mistakes. Use the spell check option available in Word Processor applications.
   
3. Never give up. Some proposals take time before they are approved – be patient. If your proposal is rejected, try to find out the reasons so that you can correct the mistakes in your next proposal.
   

This list is by no means exhaustive but it can aid our progress towards excellent proposal writing.

Check out the following books:

• World Wide Fundraiser’s Handbook by Alan French et al.
  
• Project Proposal Writing Handbook by John Chikati