Toolkit: Proposal Writing and Fundraising

The Global Development Network (GDN)

This toolkit provides tips and practical suggestions for applying for funding and proposal writing. It is based on interviews with experienced research fundraisers. This toolkit is divided into six sections. This page provides a brief description of each section.

1.Before you start
This section provides a list of things to consider before you start. Key points are grouped under what you should know about the potential donor and what you should know about yourself and your organization.

2.Writing the proposal
This section provides a checklist of things to consider when writing a proposal, such as style, structure and clarity. Some useful links on proposal writing are also listed.

3.Budgeting
Budgeting is a critical element of a proposal, and conveys to the donor whether an organization has the capacity to manage and account for monies in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

4.Guide to donors
Most funding requests, estimated at 90 percent, are declined immediately, either because they fall outside a donor's stated interest areas, or because they are inadequately prepared and do not reflect the organization's expertise and its ability to carry out the project's objectives. This section helps you to judge which donor to approach and how best to approach them, starting with general points followed by more detail on individual donors.

5.Institutional insights
The case studies in this section has been compiled from researchers and institutional bodies in developing and developed countries. They provide useful insights and advice on many aspects of the proposal process, highlighting the reality of fundraising and key issues that should be considered by researchers and institutions alike.

6.Networking
This section provides a guide to networking with donors and funders, highlighting the importance of forging and maintaining relationships.

The following links may be useful in providing further information. Remember, always ensure that your application reflects what the donor is asking for but do not repeat back to the donor information that they have provided to assist you.

·Funders Online: Funders online provides various background information and guides to the funding process. http://www.fundersonline.org/ [2]

·ESRC Grant Application Process Guide: The ESRC grant application process guide, whilst written specifically with the UK residents in mind, provides helpful hints for proposal applications that may be applied more generally http://www.esrcsocietytoday.ac.uk/ESRCInfoCentre/Support/research_award_holders/FAQs2/index1.aspx [3]