How to write a winning proposal

OverviewOverview Thinking about the proposed work

(the who, the what and the when) Creating the plan (identifying steps,

assigning tasks) Writing the proposal Challenges to consider Tips and suggestions as you move

forward

Why write a proposal?Why write a proposal?

To communicate your interests and ideas

To create a plan for action To use as a “contract” to

guide your work

Thinking about the proposed workThinking about the proposed work

Who will be involved? What will you do? When will you do the

things you want to do?

The “who”:The “who”:Thinking about the key playersThinking about the key players

Who will be involved?• From the organization• From the community• From the field more broadly

What role will each person/group play?• The lead• The working group• The advisors

The “what”: Clarifying the purposeThe “what”: Clarifying the purpose Two different evaluation grants, both

designed:• To build capacity for evaluation within an

organization• To enhance collaborative practice• To provide time/resources for evaluation-

related activities for existing programs relevant to child and youth (ages 0 – 18) mental health

The Evaluation Capacity Building Grant (ECBG)• To create an evaluation framework consisting

of: ◦ A program logic model, and ◦ An outcomes, indicators and measures

chart

The Evaluation Implementation Grant:• To use an established framework to conduct

the evaluation (i.e., the program logic model and evaluation plan)

• To collect and analyze process- and/or outcome-related information

• To collaborate with other organizations and stakeholders to share information about the experience of implementing the evaluation project

When stating the purpose…When stating the purpose… You should provide:

• An introduction• Relevant background information on the topic

area and program• A clear purpose statement and set of goals for

the proposed work

Example: To evaluate our anger management program in order to:1. Verify that we are delivering the program in the way we intended, and2. Identify particular outcomes associated with involvement in the program.

The “when”:The “when”:Planning the proposed activitiesPlanning the proposed activities

Based on the goals outlined, sketch out a plan of action

Consult with stakeholders (both formally and informally) for suggested activities

Think about resources ($, time, and personnel)

Writing the proposalWriting the proposal

ECBG applicants: Program overview Relevance statement Internal/external partnerships Evaluation practices Budget and justification Value added

EIG applicants: Program overview Relevance statement Overview of proposed evaluation Current evaluation practices Internal/external partnerships Budget and justification Knowledge exchange and

dissemination Sustainability Value added

Common shortcomings of proposals: Common shortcomings of proposals: Pitfalls to avoidPitfalls to avoid

The proposed work is unclear The questions being addressed

have been addressed elsewhere There is no rationale for the

proposed work The proposed activities are

unrealistic There are errors in grammar,

spelling, and punctuation

Tips for writingTips for writing Avoid awkward, rambling, and run-on

sentences Avoid sentence fragments Use the right word in the right place

• “Principal Investigator” or “Principle Investigator”?

Use clear, plain language• “use” or “utilize”?• “In view of the fact that…” or

“Because…”? Always use examples to support your

point

Use an active voice• “The program is delivered by social workers

with a specialization in CBT” or “Social workers specializing in CBT deliver the program”

Have a colleague read through to check for spelling mistakes and flow

Forget “style”—focus on clarity Write, re-write, and write again!

Suggestions as you move forwardSuggestions as you move forward

Be sure to read through the guidelines Make sure the title of your proposed work is

clear and concise• E.g. An evaluation of the Anger Management

Program at Any Organization Ensure that the goals and objectives of the

proposed work are concrete and relevant

Provide a strong rationale for the proposed work

Make sure the activities are reasonable and achievable within the time frame allotted

Speak with Centre consultants if you have questions or need information clarified

Questions?Questions?

Dr. Purnima Sundar

Research and Knowledge Exchange Consultant

613.737.7600 Ext. 3485

psundar@cheo.on.ca