Good Planning:

• A clear, compelling, and honest explanation of the problem and proposed solution
• A well-thought out workplan with realistic steps and timelines
• Indication of initial steps taken to begin addressing the problem
• Homework done to explore solutions - e.g. consultant or product research

• Clear identification of what "break-through" in capacity would result
• Proposed activity set in the context of a coherent plan for developing the organization
• Sense of a compelling growth or learning moment in the organization, increasing the likelihood of the agency's receptivity to learning and advice
• Good timing in terms of the organization and the environment in which they work

• Reasonableness of budget items and consultant fees
• Leveraging of additional funds from the agency or outside sources

• Board leadership and involvement in carrying out the plan
• Strong staff leadership skills and commitment
• The proposal involved the appropriate group of stakeholders

• Successful follow-through on previous grant or learning opportunities such as a prior strategic plan, Corporate Fund award, board self-assessment, board training, or other consultant projects
• Previous success in fundraising to implement plans

• The organization has planned for sustaining proposed changes both financially and organizationally
• The organization has shown resourcefulness in getting assistance that is appropriate and cost-effective

Here are examples of proposals from organizations that received Corporate Fund grants in 2006, along with a list of the features that make those proposals particularly strong. We present these models to give applicants a sense of what proposals can look like in articulating an organizational challenge and a proposed solution. It should be noted that no proposal is perfect. Rather, these models were particularly effective in some aspect of proposal writing such as: describing the organization, articulating the problem, developing a possible solution, or showing evidence of planning and readiness. While we hope that it is useful to learn from these examples, we encourage prospective applicants not to think of them as "templates" for writing their own proposals.

Some examples of proposals that were particulartly strong are available to download. These proposals are categorized by development type and listed below:

• Board & Organization Development
• Fund Development
• Marketing Development