Building Sustainable Development Oak Island Resort, NS November 18-19, 2005 How to Write a Successful Proposal Lynn Langille Atlantic Health Promotion Research Centre Dalhousie University

Overview Common proposal pitfalls A good grant proposal is…. Pre-proposal writing activities Key sections of a proposal Tips for success

Common Proposal Pitfalls The writers have not: Followed the Request for Applications (RFA) instructions carefully Demonstrated their understanding of the funding agency’s priorities Included all information required Demonstrated they have thought through the implementation of the project

A good grant proposal…. Targets a specific audience Describes an original idea Is clearly written Provides a strong rationale for addressing the problem and for the proposed approach Involves stakeholders from the beginning Describes an appropriate and detailed methodology

A good grant proposal…. Describes the strengths of the applicant(s) Contains a knowledge mobilization plan Addresses ethical issues Is focused Has well defined outcomes Tells a story

Pre-proposal Writing Activities Target the most appropriate agency (mandate, type and size of grant) Confirm your choice (talk to the program officer) Read the application guidelines thoroughly Be clear about what you want to accomplish Establish a timeline for writing and submitting the proposal

Position your work It is important to situate your work in relation to activities in other disciplines and sectors. Indicate how your project: Will extend previous work Will avoid previous errors Will create stronger collaborations Is unique Connects with the funder’s goals

Key Sections of a Research Proposal Rationale Purpose & Objectives Research Design & Methods Sample & Recruitment Data Collection, Analysis & Interpretation Strengths of the Applicant(s)

Key Sections of a Research Proposal (cont’d) Partnerships Project Management Anticipated Outcomes Knowledge Mobilization Evaluation Budget & Budget Justification Sustainability

Clarity of Writing is Critical Write in the first person Use the active voice Good writing comes from re-writing

Tips for Success Write with your reviewers in mind Tell the whole story – the proposal should be a self-contained document Your title should accurately describe what your proposal is about Avoid jargon, acronyms & wordiness Use the language/terminology of the funding agency Repeat the same information, ideas or themes consistently

More Tips for Success Follow the application instructions carefully Demonstrate your understanding of the funding agency’s priorities Justify the course of action to be taken Be realistic about what you can achieve Tone of the proposal should reflect “modest self-confidence” Ask “outsiders” to critique your proposal

A Comprehensive Proposal… Enables the reader to visualize the implementation of the project Clarifies partner roles and responsibilities Aids in budget preparation Provides a framework for coordination of the project Illustrates the likelihood that the objectives of the project will be reached

Resources for Proposal Writing Guidelines for Preparing Research Proposals: Navigating the Road to Success, The internet! Community Tool Charity charityvillage.com/