Proposal writing · Updated
Grant proposal writing resources
Everything you need to write a fundable grant proposal, free: a step-by-step guide, how to write each section, outlines for ten sectors, a submission checklist, a glossary of funding terms, answers to 50 common questions and a builder that turns your answers into a Word or PDF proposal.
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- How to write a grant proposal: a step-by-step guideHow to write a grant proposal in 10 steps, from reading the guidelines to submitting: structure, evidence, budget, outcomes and the mistakes reviewers reject.
- Grant proposal checklist: 40 checks before you submitA free grant proposal checklist with 40 checks on eligibility, content, budget, attachments, formatting and submission, so no proposal is rejected for a missing detail.
- Grant proposal glossary: 50 funding terms explainedPlain-English definitions of 50 grant and proposal terms, from logframe and theory of change to indirect costs, in-kind contribution, LOI, RFP and due diligence.
- Grant proposal writing: 50 questions answered50 answers on grant proposal writing for NGOs and charities worldwide: covering letters, problem statements, baselines, outcomes, budgets, governance and submission.
How to write each section
Guidance, examples and common mistakes for every part of a grant proposal.
- How to write a grant proposal cover letterHow to write a one-page grant proposal cover letter: what to include, a three-paragraph structure, an example and the mistakes that make funders stop reading.
- How to write an executive summary for a grant proposalHow to write a one-page executive summary for a grant proposal: the five things it must say, a structure that works, an example and common mistakes.
- How to write a problem statement for a grant proposalHow to write a grant proposal problem statement (statement of need) backed by evidence: structure, sources, a worked example and the mistakes reviewers notice.
- How to write goals, objectives, outputs and outcomesHow to write SMART objectives for a grant proposal and tell goals, outputs, outcomes and impact apart, with examples, indicators and a simple logframe.
- How to write the methodology section of a grant proposalHow to write the methodology or project description of a grant proposal: activities, approach, evidence, uniqueness and a theory of change, with an example.
- How to write a grant proposal budget and budget justificationHow to write a realistic grant proposal budget and budget justification: cost categories, quantity × rate, overheads, co-funding, currency and common mistakes.
- How to write the monitoring and evaluation sectionHow to write the monitoring and evaluation section of a grant proposal: indicators, data collection, baseline, evaluation criteria, reporting and learning.
- How to write the risks and mitigation sectionHow to identify implementation risks in a grant proposal, rate their likelihood and impact on a risk matrix, and write credible mitigation measures.
- How to write a sustainability and exit planHow to write the sustainability and exit strategy section of a grant proposal: what lasts, who pays, handover steps and how to show results will continue.
- How to write the organisation profile (NGO background)How to write the organisation background of a grant proposal: history, vision and mission, track record, governance, legal status and success stories.
Proposal templates by sector
Outlines, example indicators and typical budget lines for ten common kinds of project.
- EducationFree education grant proposal template: section-by-section outline, example objectives and indicators, typical budget lines and what makes education proposals stand out.
- HealthFree health grant proposal template for NGOs: outline, example outcomes and indicators, budget lines and how to align with health systems and national priorities.
- Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH)Free WASH grant proposal template: outline for water, sanitation and hygiene projects, service-level indicators, budget lines and how to plan operation and maintenance.
- Environment and climateFree environment and climate change grant proposal template: outline for adaptation, mitigation and conservation projects, indicators, budget lines and safeguards.
- Livelihoods and economic empowermentFree livelihood and economic empowerment grant proposal template: outline, income and employment indicators, budget lines and how to show market demand.
- Women’s empowerment and gender equalityFree women’s empowerment and gender equality proposal template: gender analysis, outline, indicators, budget lines and safeguarding.
- Disability inclusionFree disability inclusion proposal template: twin-track approach, outline, disaggregated indicators and accessibility budget lines.
- Corporate (CSR) fundingFree CSR proposal template for NGOs approaching companies: outline, alignment with company priorities and CSR rules, impact reporting and employee engagement.
- Agriculture and food securityFree agriculture and food security grant proposal template: outline, yield, income and nutrition indicators, budget lines and climate-smart approaches.
- Child protectionFree child protection grant proposal template: outline, safeguarding requirements, indicators, budget lines and how to put the best interests of the child first.
Made by Gachi Foundation, a non-profit in Jharkhand, India, for organisations writing proposals anywhere in the world.