• Use your outline to write the proposal.
    • Follow exactly the format requested in the RFP for goals, project design, timetable, evaluation, and other required components. This includes limits on pages and supplementary material and the names of sections.
    • Identify sections from past proposals that can be used (if any); contact the Manager of College Grant Relations for assistance.
    • State clearly and specifically what you will do and how you will do it:
      • What are the goals and objectives?
      • Why is the project important?
      • How does it fit the RFP and the mission of the funding agency or foundation?
      • Why should you be funded to do this work?
  • Follow your timetable carefully (see Proposal Development Checklist).
    • Determine completion dates for each section. If multiple authors:
      • Assign deadlines for sections to each author.
      • Assign development of budget.
      • Assign preparation of appendices and other required attachments.
      • Solicit letters of support and commitment, if needed.
    • Meet established deadlines for:
      • Animal or human subjects reviews, if necessary.
      • Review by colleagues.
      • Editing.
      • Development of budget: see Proposal Budget Checklist.
      • Preparation of appendices and other required attachments.
      • Submission of proposal: see Proposal Submission Checklist.
  • Contact the program officer or agency for assistance if necessary and to clarify issues related to the development of the project and writing the proposal. Do not hesitate to make the contact. Also, some program officers will review proposal drafts and return comments, if the proposal is provided early enough. Establishing a good working relationship with the program officers can prove very beneficial, as agency personnel can provide valuable advice and insight into their programs.
  • Draft the budget, with assistance from the Manager of College Grant Relations, after first draft of text is written.
  • Review the RFP to ensure that the content of the draft meets the requirements of the RFP and addresses all questions in the RFP.
    • Develop appendices and other applicable materials.
    • Obtain any remaining letters of support.
  • Refine the proposal while working simultaneously on the budget and other details.
    • Edit and spell-check to ensure that the proposal is written well. Lack of clarity is a major reason for rejection of proposals.
    • Make sure the budget is accurate and complete.
    • Make sure the budget accurately reflects the narrative.
  • Give the draft to trusted colleagues to review.
    • Provide the draft early enough to allow for careful reading.
    • Request substantive and editorial suggestions.
  • Send budget items to the Manager of College Grant Relations at least three weeks before the complete proposal is forwarded.
  • Plan to complete the proposal with the budget, appendices, and other required attachments at least two weeks before the due date to ensure plenty of time for unexpected events.
  • Submit the proposal to the Manager of College Grant Relations at least five days before the due date for administrative processing and submission to the funding agency or foundation. However, additional time is encouraged in case unexpected events occur.