Writing a successful proposal when seeking funding

After Veronica Muthoni decided to quit formal employment last year, she had no idea what lay ahead. She expected opportunities to come her way, but that wasn’t the case.

In her pursuit of new ventures, she discovered numerous funding opportunities to explore.

Muthoni spent ten months submitting proposals for start-up funding with no success. 

"Within the ten months I had sent out over 50 proposals since I had decided to send ten proposals per month before I decided to be intentional with the proposals," she says.

However, after receiving training on how to craft effective proposals, her luck changed.

Within three months of completing the training, Muthoni successfully secured three funding applications.

Here, Muthoni shares her tips on crafting a winning proposal:

Authenticity

Authenticity can significantly impact how your message is received. Be genuine, transparent, and passionate about the work you're proposing.

Be Honest About Your Capabilities

Avoid over-promising. Ensure that what you’re offering is achievable within the given constraints.

"Clearly outline what you can do. If there are limitations or challenges, address them upfront and explain how you plan to overcome them," she advises.

Highlight Your Values

Muthoni emphasizes the importance of showcasing your core values and how they influence your approach to work, aligning with the organization's values.

Research, Research, Research

"I cannot overemphasize this. Research helps avoid unnecessary effort during proposal preparation by allowing you to tailor it to what is needed," she notes.

Bold the Most Important Details

If the proposal requires a cover letter, bold key details such as years of experience, skills, or other significant information.

"Most people don't have time to read a 300-word letter, so bolding the important details helps guide the reader to the necessary information," Muthoni suggests.

Be Yourself

Whether through a written proposal or an in-person pitch, let your personality shine. Organizations are more likely to connect with you as a person.

Also, acknowledge that while you’re confident in your abilities, you’re eager to learn.

Be Relatable

Reference common experiences or challenges in their industry. For example, if you’re pitching to a start-up, acknowledge the pressures of rapid growth and limited resources.