Proposal

A proposal is simply a document that tries to persuade a reader to implement, authorize, or extend a project.

Types of Proposals

Solicited

A proposal requested by a sponsor that has specific requirements

Unsolicited

A proposal that has not been requested but is believed to be important/significant by the proposer

Preproposals

A brief letter or abstract requested by a sponsor to minimize effort (once this is submitted, the proposer may be asked to submit a full proposal)

Continuation or non-competing proposal

A proposal that seeks to continue the support of a project after the initial end date by confirming the original proposal as well as showing reasonable progress

Renewal or competing proposal

A proposal that requests continuing support for an existing project; typically seen as an unsolicited proposal

Research proposal

A proposal that presents and justifies the need for a research study as well as presenting the ways the study will be conducted

WRITING THE PROPOSAL

The following information is geared toward a solicited research proposal; keep in mind that a proposal will need to follow the guidelines suggested by the solicitor/professor.

Components of a Proposal

Not all proposals will include each of these components.

Introduction: should state the problem as well as the purpose and significance of the research; should also give enough background information that any audience would be able to put your research into context.
Background: similar to a literature review, this section shows how your research will build upon, but is also different from, past research.
Description of proposed research: this section should give a thorough explanation of what can be accomplished, the focus of the research, and the methods you will use in your research; don’t forget to be concise while also making the connections between the research objectives and methods clear.
Conclusion: this short section should reiterate the significance of your research and why it is unique from past research.
Citations/references: consult with your professor/instructor as to their preference for this section.

What To Do

To begin, ask yourself questions about what you want to study and why:

What is the significance of the topic?
Will it help solve a problem?
How does it build on previous research?
What is my plan? What is my timetable?
Can I get this project done in that time?

Once you’ve answered those questions, write a sentence or two summarizing the proposal—this can help you organize your thoughts and may eventually be used in your introduction as a thesis statement.

Know your audience—typically, with solicited proposals, you’ll know who you’re writing to, but it is always a good idea to keep the reader’s needs, values, and attitudes in mind; if writing an unsolicited proposal, this is very important to keep in mind.

Always be clear and concise—do not use flowery language, stick to the facts

What Not To Do

Do not use flowery language
Do not use language/jargon your audience won’t understand
Do not leave out any critical information—your reader/audience must make the connections you need them to make in order to authorize/enact your proposal