Project Writing: How to Plan a Project Proposal From A to Z

Name: Project Writing: How to Plan a Project Proposal From A to Z
Rating: 4.4 (203 reviews)

Learn how to build a project proposal that is logical, understandable and successful

Created byGediminas Kondrackis Asociacija "Aktyvus Jaunimas"

Last updated 5/2023

English

What you'll learn

Make your project proposals more impactful
Increase the chance of project proposal approval almost twofold (meaning more funding)
Make project writing a happier, more creative & interesting process
Save a lot of time & resources when writing project proposals

Course content

1 section • 13 lectures • 38m total length

Introduction to the Course1:39
An introduction to the course - what to expect, for whom is it made, etc.
Secret to Success in Project Writing1:22
In this video class, we shortly go over 6 main steps that lead to project writing success.
Framing The Project's Problem4:04
In this class, we talk about the 1st step of the project writing process - understanding and framing the project's problem.
Researching the Project's Problem3:11
One of the most crucial points in project writing is making sure the problem is real and acute. For this, we need to research the project's problem and the current chapter is all about that.
Interpreting Data: Problem Tree & Stakeholder Map3:35
Once we carry out the research and get the data for the project's problem, it's necessary to interpret it properly. In this class, we touch upon two of the most common methods for that - the problem tree & the stakeholder map.
Important Reminder for Students0:21
A short reminder to all the students that you are more than welcome to ask questions. I will do my best to provide you with the right answers.
Logical Framework 15:45
In this class, we delve into the logical framework of the project proposal. I.e., a logical chain, which starts with your activities and ends with the desired impacts of the project. However, note that in project writing, we start at the end - the impact - and go backward step by step.
Logical Framework 23:46
A further explanation on how to craft a perfect logical framework with clear activities, outputs, outcomes, and impacts.
Let's Play a Game: Activities to Impacts1:54
A short game that will help to further grasp the differences between activities, outputs, outcomes, and impacts. Note it's essential for project writing.
Visualizing the Project Proposal5:44
This class is about visualizing the project proposal. In other words, imagining it as a chain of activities that leads to certain outcomes and eventually an impact. Drawing this has a number of benefits, which we discuss in the lecture.
Mastering the Project's Logical Framework
Getting & Using Feedback in Project Planning3:31
Getting feedback from your colleagues, target groups and/or other relevant stakeholders makes your project proposal better. Thus, this video lesson is about that.
GANTT Chart & Finalisation of the Project Plan2:35
The last step before the actual project writing is to give your plan a time frame. For this, we recommend making the so-called GANTT chart. Check this lesson on what it is and why it's important.
Summary1:19
A quick summary of the course.
How to Write Project Proposal Better

Requirements

You need to be proficient in written & spoken English

Description

The course is for those who want their project proposals approved and funded by e.g., grant agencies. You could be a leader of an NGO, an aspiring entrepreneur, a representative of a public institution, or someone coming from academia.

The course will focus not on any one grant specifically, but rather on how to build a project proposal that is logical and understandable universally.

Lots of people are wondering how to write a project proposal. Before we start discussing all dos & don’ts, let us be honest – it is not an easy thing to do.

I've written hundreds of various project proposals, yet I have been struggling and feeling demotivated for a long time. Sounds familiar? Well, you are not the only one.

However, my troubles went from very big to very manageable when I found a simple method to beat any proposal. This course will reveal that secret 6-step recipe to you.

To be brief: it all boils down to proper planning & project visualisation before the actual proposal writing starts. Not sure what I mean?

Look at the summary of how we go about this:

Framing the project problem (i.e. what do we want to solve)
Understanding & researching the problem
Laying the project’s logical framework & sketching out ideas for activities (i.e. what could be the solutions)
Visualising the proposal (A to Z)
Getting relevant feedback & making revisions
Finalising the project plan & only then starting to write

This may seem like a lot to do before proposal writing. Yet, these prior steps will save you time, nerves, and motivation when the writing process starts. So much so, that in the end you will end up spending less time in total.

In other words, the project plan will have the key details, and you will just need to elaborate on those when writing. No more making stuff up as you go.

Who this course is for:

Project writers interested in strengthening their skills
(Social) entrepreneurs, NGO & public institutions' representatives that are willing to apply for grant funding