NGO & Project Management Technology · Beginner level

Beginner level · Module 2: Proposal Writing and M&E Basics · Lesson 3 of 3

Proposal Structure

Organise a clear, convincing proposal.

In this lesson you will

  • Structure a short proposal
  • Align activities with objectives

Key concepts

proposal sectionsactivitiesbudget summarysustainability

The lesson

A typical short proposal: summary, problem, objectives, activities, M&E, budget summary, team and sustainability.

Each activity must clearly lead to an objective; remove activities that do not.

Follow the donor's template, word limits and deadlines exactly.

Step by step

  1. Outline the proposal.
  2. Write activities linked to objectives.
  3. Add M&E and sustainability.
  4. Check against the template.

Practice activity

Draft the two-page proposal.

Expected result: A coherent proposal draft.

Check your understanding

  1. What must each activity lead to?

    Show answer

    An objective.

  2. Why follow the donor's template exactly?

    Show answer

    Proposals that ignore requirements may be rejected.

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