Writing Successful Funding Proposals
The following notes and suggestions are based on ACTCOSS' experience in writing funding proposals, as well as our reflections from being involved in Healthpact application assessment committees in recent years.This paper lists some basic principles to think about when preparing project funding proposals. Although some of them are specific for Healthpact proposals, most of them are relevant when preparing submissions to any funding agency;
- Understand the criteria of the funding agency. Healthpact has a charter to support 'health promotion' initiatives. While Healthpact is open to a reasonably wide range of interpretations about what constitutes 'health promotion', it is important that applications clearly articulate how their project will contribute to this central objective.
- Explain the need and background for your project. Always provide clear information about the context and background to the project. How has the idea for the project evolved and who has been involved in the process? Also describe (with as much supporting evidence as possible) what specific problems or needs your project seeks to address, and how these have been identified. Don't assume that the reader will know this!
- How are the 'beneficiaries' involved? It is important to explain how the proposed project target group, or beneficiaries, have been consulted and involved in the development of the project. Some proposals read as if the project will 'do' things 'to' a particular target group, without providing any information about what role that group has had in defining the problems or solutions, or what role they will have in implementing the project.
- Community development. If your project aims to use a community development approach, try to ensure that this philosophy is reflected in the way you describe your implementation plan. Community development requires meaningful involvement by consumers and service users, and where possible the project should be driven by the consumers rather than by an organisation. Describe the process used to consult with the community. How will stakeholders be consulted and involved throughout the project cycle? How will the project generate ownership by those it seeks to assist?
- Management / Implementation. Some proposals list planned activities without explaining how they will be carried out, or who will be responsible for project coordination, staff supervision, monitoring and management. Be specific in describing each activity which will be implemented, who will be responsible and the time-frame. Be practical and realistic. Demonstrating that the approach and methodology has been thought through gives the funder more confidence that project objectives can be achieved.
- Strategic Partnerships. Working in partnership with other relevant groups and organisations can often be a way of maximising the impact and reach of a project. Partnerships are also a positive way of demonstrating that your project has the support and cooperation of other groups working on similar issues.
- Counterpart contributions. It is helpful to clearly explain how your organisation will support and contribute to the project. This can be in the form of actual funding or in-kind contributions such as expertise, networks and membership, or the organisation's reputation. These resources, often undervalued by organisations, are an appropriate indication of commitment to an initiative.
- Don't leave any questions unanswered! If you don't think a question is applicable to your project, you should at least explain why.
- Get someone else to read the proposal. It's a good idea to ask a trusted colleague or peer to critically read and comment on your proposal - they will often be able to draw out some important features of the proposal which you may not have included. It is also advisable to always get another person to proof-read through your proposal to check for accuracy and typos - and to make sure that it makes sense. Getting input from other people in your organisation will not only contribute to producing a better proposal, but will also generate greater ownership and excitement about the project.
Good luck for the proposal writing process!
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