Techniques which optimize a proposal's changes for secuing funding:

• Study and imitate good writers. Best preparation consists of reading and critiquing other proposals. Interact with those writers acknowledged to be the best at their trade.
• Use active verbs.
• Vary sentence structure.
• Limit each sentence to a maximum of two commas; commas slo down reading rate.
• Write short, easily readable paragraphs.
• Write to communicate, not to impress. Keep language clear and simple. Avoid flowery language, opting instead for short, strong words. Be frugal in the use of acronyms, "educationese," jargan, and buzzwords.
• Avoid "iffy" and "hopeful" statements; they do not inspire confidece. Be as positive as possible, employing words like "can" and "will" rather than "may" and "might."
• Employ documentation when needed; steer clear of unsupported assumptions.
• Avoid using fancy fonts, too many different fonts, brightly colored paper, and other distractions.
• Spellcheck. However, because misused words can't be identified in this manner, enlist proofreaders.
• Leave large amounts of empty, white space to enable your statements to stand out.
• Employ lists to indicate (1) steps in a sequence, (2) materials or parts needed,

• Use illustrations when appropriate.
• Indent paragraphs five spaces because it inceases readability.
• Use ragged right margins. They are easier to read than right justified ones because the proportional spacing slows readability.
• Most importantly, follow the funder's instructions to a "T"!

Another sound strategy consists of making your proposal visually appealing. This is best accomplished by using:

• Bullets. They help get the message to the reader with a sense of immediacy, without being wordy.
• Bold face type. It is easer to read than underlining or italics as a means of emphasis.
• Liberal margins and spacing.
• Charts and graphs. Include in the narrative when absolutely essential to the main thrust of the proposal; otherwise, they belong in the appendices. ("See" references should be included at a relevant point within the text.) They should consist of simple bars, lines, or pies; complicated displays will disrupt the reader's fluency.
• Headings and subheadings. Limit to no more than three levels; otherwise, the reader may become lost in the structural detail of the proposal. Level one headings should be centered, with bold face type and all capital letters; triple space before text. Level two headings should be left justified, in bold, and keywords capitalized; triple space before text. Level three headings should be indented; capitalize keywords, bold subheader, punctuate, and continue with paragraph copy.
• Color.
• Graphics.
• Standard 8.5- by 11-inch, white paper unless the sponsor indicates otherwise. A 20 weight bond paper should be employed, a moderately high quality but reasonably priced brand that will photocopy or print nicely in laser printers. Always send an original document rather than a photocopy or fax, uless directed otherwise by the funding agency.