Following are the basic steps to writing a successful proposal. Please keep in mind that the following is a general outline.

 

Obtain the proper forms.

Obtain the proper application forms and the formatting specifications from the Pre-Award office, Office of Sponsored Programs, the sponsoring agency, and/or online at http://tram.east.asu.edu/forms/index.html

The Proposal Clearance Form can be found on the web page at http://www.montana.edu/wwwvr/propprep.html

Important items to check include:

  • application deadline (postmarked or received)
  • required format
  • minimum and maximum number of proposal pages per section
  • number of copies required
  • mailing address for proposal
  • number of years of support allowed by sponsor
  • maximum budget allowed
  • special budget forms
  • table of contents requirements
  • special assurance forms
  • checklists
  • appendix materials allowable (and format for)
  • required matching/cost sharing (in-kind) contributions and percentages
  • facilities and administration costs allowed and percentages
  • certification documents
  • IRB approvals

A good proposal has, as its core, a good idea; it takes considerable time and effort to transform a good idea into a solid proposal. In general, a proposal will take the following format:

Title Page
Abstract
Project Narrative
Evaluation of the Available Resources
Bibliography
Budget
Appendices

In addition, you may wish to consider the following in your proposal preparation:

  • Will any subcontracting occur? (Requisition and sole source forms may be required.)
  • Does the proposal include permission for extra compensation? If not included in the project budget, it will not be allowed unless written approval is gained from the sponsor.
  • Does the proposal contain any entertainment expenses? (Specific permission required from federal sponsor.)
  • Do the travel budget amounts agree with approved State of Montana rates?
  • Is tuition shown as a separate line item?
  • Will human subjects, animals or hazardous materials be utilized? If so, the Institutional Review Boards must be contacted, they will need to review and sign off on the Proposal Clearance Form.
  • Numerous Articles are available on the web offering proposal writing assistance. Please go to: http://www.montana.edu/wwwvr/propwrit.html.

The next step is to organize and develop a draft. It is advisable to have a colleague(s) critique the proposal and then have the appropriate comments and suggestions incorporated into the second draft. Prepare the final proposal.

The Office of Sponsored Programsmust review your proposal and receive the Proposal Clearance Form at least 24 hours prior to your submission date to the agency.

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