Introduction to Proposal Writing

Are you new to proposal writing or want a quick refresher? If so, you don't want to miss one of our most popular classes!

This class will provide you with an overview of how to write a standard project proposal to a foundation. It will include:

• The basic elements of a proposal
• The "do's" and "don'ts" of writing and submitting a proposal
• How to follow up whether the answer is yes or no
• 30-minute hands-on exercise to develop a proposal outline (in-person classes only)

Upon completion of this course, you'll be able to:

• Understand how to write a standard project proposal to a foundation.
• Know how and when to follow up with funders after submitting a proposal.

Looking for sample proposals?

• Our Sample Documents gallery has samples of actual winning proposals recommended by grantmakers.

For more on proposal budgets, see our free class, Introduction to Project Budgets.

Philanthropy Institute -- an alliance of the Tri-Valley Nonprofit Alliance (TVNPA), Three Valleys Community Foundation (3VCF) and Las Positas College (LPC) -- is a member of Candid’s Funding Information Network, a consortium of partners that provide local nonprofit communities with access to funding databases, nonprofit trainings, and the opportunity to connect with like-minded social sector professionals.

This class is one of a series being offered through May 2022, which include:

• Is Starting a Nonprofit Right for You? Dec 1, 2021
• Introduction to Finding Grants Jan 5, 2022
• Introduction to FDO Feb 2, 2022
• Introduction to Proposal Writing Mar 2, 2022
• Introduction to Project Budgets Apr 6, 2022
• Introduction to Corporate Giving May 4, 2022

• 2-page handout
• Project outline worksheet and sample