How can you design a social impact funding proposal that stands out?

2 Define your problem and solution

The next step is to clearly define the problem you are addressing and the solution you are offering. What is the social or environmental issue you are trying to solve? What is the root cause and the scope of the problem? How does it affect your target population and stakeholders? What is your proposed solution and how does it address the problem? How is your solution different from existing or alternative solutions? What are the expected outcomes and impacts of your solution? Defining your problem and solution will help you demonstrate your relevance and value proposition to your funders.

3 Show your evidence and credibility

The third step is to show your evidence and credibility. How do you know that your problem and solution are valid and feasible? What data, research, or testimonials do you have to support your claims? How do you measure and evaluate your progress and impact? How do you ensure quality and accountability in your work? What are your qualifications, credentials, and track record in your field? Showing your evidence and credibility will help you establish your trustworthiness and legitimacy to your funders.

4 Outline your budget and timeline

The fourth step is to outline your budget and timeline. How much money do you need and how will you use it? What are the main cost categories and items in your budget? How do you ensure cost-effectiveness and transparency in your spending? What are the main milestones and deliverables in your timeline? How do you manage risks and contingencies in your project? How do you report and communicate your results and learnings to your funders? Outlining your budget and timeline will help you show your feasibility and efficiency to your funders.

5 Highlight your benefits and differentiation

The fifth step is to highlight your benefits and differentiation. Why should your funders choose you over other applicants or options? What are the unique benefits and advantages of your solution and approach? How do you align with your funders' goals, values, and interests? How do you create positive and lasting change for your target population and stakeholders? How do you leverage your strengths and resources to maximize your impact? Highlighting your benefits and differentiation will help you show your attractiveness and suitability to your funders.

6 Use clear and engaging language

The sixth and final step is to use clear and engaging language. How do you write and present your proposal in a way that captures and holds your funders' attention and interest? How do you use simple, concise, and precise words and sentences to convey your message? How do you use headings, subheadings, bullet points, tables, graphs, images, or other visual aids to organize and illustrate your content? How do you use stories, examples, quotes, or anecdotes to make your proposal more relatable and memorable? Using clear and engaging language will help you communicate your proposal effectively and persuasively to your funders.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?