Create a Proposal Writing Schedule

Almost all funders specify due dates and times in their instructions. Most will not accept an application that is turned in one minute past the deadline. To ensure you don’t spend a lot of valuable time and resources writing a proposal that will not even be read, set up a writing schedule. Plan your submission at least one day before the due date (at a minimum). There are many potential snafus in the submission process—and they will all happen right when you need to submit an application! 

To create a proposal writing schedule, make a list of all the documents that need to be submitted (including the attachments). Then outline all the tasks that need to be completed to prepare each document. Identify the person or persons responsible for each task and include a due date for completing each task. You can review a sample proposal writing schedule.

Grant applications are competitive. One way to submit the strongest application possible is to get input...