IFMSA Leadership Training Program

Format and Appearance

There are different forms and formats for proposals. Sometimes these style aspects are at the author's discretion. However, the author should research the prospective funding source to know the funder's usual requirements. Funders often have specific requirements for the format of the proposal they will consider. It is the responsibility of the organization to submit the proposal in the required form, if there is one. Some funders issue specific grant applications which organizations must submit as the proposal. These are typically discussed in the funder's published guidelines or in research directories. A proposal should always be concise, no more than 15 pages single-spaced. (Consider the page length indicated after each section the recommended maximum length.) In addition to the contents of the proposal, its appearance is important. Foremost, a proposal should be presented neatly. The cover letter should be typed on the nonprofit organization's letterhead, followed by the proposal and attachments, respectively. Since proposals are not voluminous, it is not necessary to include an index or table of contents. The documents should be easy to read and understand. The language should neither be too simple, nor too sophisticated. It should be correct and fluent. Repetitions, complex sentences, abbreviations, and cross-references should be avoided where possible. Proposals should not be submitted with binding (like a book), as funders often dismantle the proposal and make copies of it when referring it to a review committee for consideration. To assemble a proposal, an organization should consider using staples or a folder to contain the proposal and attachments. Funders do not judge a proposal on its weight, but on its contents and presentation. Thus, it is important to assemble the proposal in an organized, concise, and attractive manner.