What is a project proposal?
A project proposal describes what you want to achieve, the objectives, and how you intend to achieve them. Typically, a project proposal gives the reader some context about the project, explains why it is important, and lists the actions you will take to complete it.
Project proposals have multiple uses. Often, companies use project proposals to gain external approval from a donor or external stakeholder. But many companies also develop project proposals to gain internal buy-in.
What should I include in a project proposal?
A project proposal must be comprehensive to be effective. It is not only important to include what is to be done, designed, or executed, but also to show why a project is important. This means including background information about a project, its implications, and what has already been done. A proposal should answer what the project is, why it is important, how it will be carried out, and who will be involved.
What is a project proposal for?
Project proposals are vital. They are the scaffolding of any professional endeavor. Before investing resources in a project, a project proposal can be effective in assessing the value of a potential project. This type of document is especially useful for communicating ideas to clients and external stakeholders who need to better understand the concept and scope of a project. How To Write A Project Proposal?
How to create a project proposal:
Step 1: Write an executive summary.
An executive summary is like a summary before a document. Use the executive summary to explain the project, but also to get their acceptance. Think of it like an elevator pitch. Explain to your reader why you are undertaking this project, what you are doing to be successful, and what success will look like.
Step 2: Contextualize the project.
Present your reader with a short story. Tell him about similar projects you have undertaken. If you have never undertaken this type of project, explain why now is the time to do so. Show the reader how you have learned from previous projects to optimize the success of this one.
Step 3: Describe your needs.
Remember that the goal of a project proposal is to get your acceptance. Tell your reader what he needs to be successful. This can include resources, money, materials, and personnel.
Step 4: Show the problem you are solving.
Begin by telling the reader exactly what problem you intend to solve. Explain why you think it is important to solve that particular problem. Frame the problem as an opportunity. It’s not just an obstacle, it’s a potential market. Next, defend your business. To win over the reader, you have to convince them that your project is the most suitable to solve this problem. Highlight the project management techniques, skills, and resources your company brings to the table. Don’t be modest.
Step 5: Create a budget and schedule.
Outline an estimate of the duration of the project. Include some milestones that, once reached, let you know that the project is on the right track. And let the reader know how much it will cost to undertake this project. Be sure to explain how and why you plan to spend that money.
Step 6: Define decision makers.
Clarify the internal stakeholders who will manage the project. This way, the reader will know who to turn to if they want to partner with your company or learn more. You can also clarify the external stakeholders who must approve the project.
Step 7: Establish a communication plan.
When you finish the project, how do you plan to tell the world about it? Tell your reader how their audience will be affected by the project and how you plan to communicate that impact. If you have a marketing team, collaborate with them in this section. They should include all documentation, press releases, emails, announcements, and social media campaigns they plan to run when the project is complete.
Step 8: Add any additional information.
Many people include an addendum that elaborates on the information in the proposal. You can use the appendix for technical documentation or statistics that might spoil the proposal itself but might be of interest to your reader.
