Writing Winning Proposals

This program is designed for anyone who writes informal or formal proposals, with or without authority, and wants to increase their approval success rate.

• Understand the difference between writing to inform and writing to persuade
• Recognize what your reader needs to hear for them to approve your request
• Write more focused, compelling proposals with a clear “ask” 
• Identify essential vs. non-essential information to include
• Organize your proposal for more efficient reading
• Apply a variety of proven practices for increasing reader engagement and commitment
• Make the most of your available time when writing proposals of any kind

Module 1: Characteristics of a Winning Proposal 

• Reader’s vs. writer’s perspective
• Persuasive vs. informative writing
• Motivating readers to say “yes”

Module 2: Following a Systematic Process to Persuade

• Four key steps to persuading your reader
• Building your argument
• Eliminating unnecessary information

Module 3: Organizing Information to Support Your Recommendation

• Choosing between two options
• “Chunking” information with talking and topic captions
• Incorporating supporting data and visuals 
• Using effective transitions to reinforce the “ask”

Module 4: Polishing Your Proposal 

• Refining the content
• Formatting the final version
• Checklists and templates for reference

Special features

The interactive format offers techniques, discussions, hands-on writing practice and constructive feedback from the program leader. You’ll also receive tips and tools for writing a variety of semi-formal and formal proposals, with and without authority. 

For financial assistance opportunities, please refer to Financial Assistance, Scholarships and Team Rates .