Winning Proposals: How to Write Them and Get Results

Ann Turner is the financial and budget manager of the University of
British Columbia Library.

The difference between a technically competent proposal and a winning
proposal is the winner’s ability to persuade its recipient to
acceptance. Persuasion involves psychology, an understanding of what
motivates people to accept and agree to things. This practical guide
addresses both needs. It teaches the elements of a functional,
well-structured proposal and also illustrates how seven basic principles
of persuasion can be incorporated to add winning appeal. A fundamental
question is whether the proposal should be made at all, and a
decision-making model is provided to guide the analysis of that question
to an objective conclusion. Hints for managing the proposal preparation
process in an efficient and cost-effective manner, and for making
persuasive presentations in meetings, round out the volume. Like other
Self-Counsel Press publications, this one includes helpful checklists
and samples.

Consultants, businesspeople, fundraisers, and academic researchers
seeking grants will find this a practical, concise, and insightful
introduction to writing successful proposals.