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Question: I'm writing a proposal to a not-for-profit school in hopes of identifying funding to pay for a position that I may become their development director. What ideas do you have to make it a winning proposal?
Answer: The #1 thought here is to write your proposal to meet the needs of the school, and particularly the people at the school who will be reading what you have to say. So far, it seems that they have functioned without a development director. What added value can you then give to them? What specific benefits can you provide? And what, in their view, might be the possible downsides of their bringing you on? In other words, you always want to keep their point of view in mind ? to show them very clearly and specifically how you will improve the school and make their lives better, and also to counter any possible objections they might have. You have an advantage here, in that you presumably know the people involved. Who are they? What are they about? What is likely to persuade them (e.g., your track record?; your plans?; your knowledge of the school? your contacts?) and what might not? Be guided accordingly. You may also wish to consult Chapter 42, Section 4 of the Tool Box for some more general elaboration on these points, and Chapter 42, Section 5, on the mechanics of writing a grant. We hope these thoughts may be helpful to you. Thank you for writing to us at the Community Tool Box, and all best wishes for success in your important work.
Question Date: Fri, 03/16/2007