Writing proposals

A proposal should relate to a clear, powerful, urgent and unambiguous cause with which the donor can identify. Fundraising is not dissimilar to asking for a loan - if you were a bank manager which customer would you give money to:

Mr Live-in-hope: 'I seem to keep losing my job, perhaps it's got something to do with my odious personality and lack of qualifications. I want to borrow £25,000 to buy a Mercedes sports car for promoting my new 'Trepanning for Pleasure and Profit' business.'

Mr Thought-it-out: 'I have been marketing director for five years and have a track record of property acquisition and management. I have spent a year researching this opportunity and can provide a mass of evidence and a business plan with endorsements from the council and five local businesses. I have backers who will provide £50,000, I will put in £25,000 of my own money and I want to borrow £25,000 to be repaid as follows...'

Your proposal

Should be concise (maximum two pages), factual and unemotional. It should be personally addressed to the right person and contain the following information:

• Background - when and why your organisation was set up.
• The need which your organisation is addressing.
• How your organisation is meeting the need - achievements and future plans.
• What it will cost - itemised requirements, evidence that the project is viable, details of how it will operate and who will benefit.
• Conclusion - a brief résumé of the needs and benefits of the project and a specific request for support.
• Supporting materials - normally no more than two or three pages.

Also specify how you will follow up your proposal, for example that you will be in contact within the next two weeks to discuss this further or to arrange a meeting.

Find out more about other fundraising issues and examples in the In more depth section.