Types of writing
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Proposals
Proposals may well be the least popular form of writing for researchers but they are necessary. The purpose of a proposal is to ask for funding in order to make research possible. As there is only a limited amount of money in the world for research, you need to make the case for your particular research as effectively as you can.
Purpose of a proposal A proposal must demonstrate that your research project is worth the time, effort and money to accomplish it. It must make the need for money and time easily understandable and it must propose an appropriate recipient for the funding. A proposal persuades. A proposal requests. A proposal promises that the project will be completed. A proposal states the researcher’s commitment to doing the work. A proposal presents a detailed plan to accomplish the research.
Components of a proposal Although there is variation according to the organisation you are applying to, a proposal will probably consist of these elements. A cover letter. This is one page long, separate from the main proposal. It introduces: * * * * *
the researchers -- you the reason for your research – the needs and the problems that the research is to meet. the cost of the research the length of the research the benefits of the research (including to the prospective donors)
A title page. The title page is one sheet of paper. It contains: * * * * * * *
the project title the recipient of the proposal, that is, the organisation, and if possible the individual the date the person or persons submitting the proposal, including signatures a contact person (name and title, address, telephone number, and e-mail address) the project budget total the project time span
A table of contents. This is only necessary if the proposal is over 15 pages long. It should be on a single page. A summary By its very nature this must be written last. It should only be between 150 and 300 words (2 paragraphs) long, and include points in the cover letter.
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