PROJECT PROPOSALS - ten steps to writing persuasive project proposals

1. Set clear aims and objectives 
- aims = what you're actually trying to chance - impact
- objectives = methods and activities to achieve change - measurable
- impact, impact upon whom or what, how, outcomes, outputs: need to knows this upfront

2. Be SMART
Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Realistic
Time scale

3. Use words from your brief
- original brief, need to pull in elements from this
- the ten most important/key words within your brief

4. Justify the need for your proposal
- show what research you have already done
- talk to your target audience

5. Describe your audience
- demographics
- location
- lifestyle
- industry
- values
- why will they engage with it?

6. Describe your motivations
- goals
- ambitions
- success criteria?
- what are your values?
- political, environmental, social and economic factors

7. Consider the reader
- professional template
- appropriate tone
- don't repeat yourself
- check grammar and spelling

8. Eliminate vagueness
- be assertive
- get rid of any meaningless words
- be concise, be clear, be specific

9. Visualise the ending
- what is the outcome/product/proposal
- begin with your vision of the ending in mind

10. Assume nothing
except...
- that the reader of your proposal knows nothing about you, your skills or the context of the project
- explain EVERYTHING