Writing a fundraising proposal for your NGO can feel overwhelming, especially when you need to impress a potential donor, corporate sponsor, or grant agency. But don’t worry — in this guide from Green Vision Society, we’ll simplify it all.
By the end of this blog, you’ll know exactly what to include in a fundraising proposals, how to structure it, and how to make it persuasive, clear, and professional.
📑 Table of Contents
- What is a Fundraising Proposals?
- Why You Need a Fundraising Proposal
- Key Sections of an Effective Fundraising Proposal
- Tips to Make Your Proposal Stand Out
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Conclusion
💡 What is a Fundraising Proposal?
A fundraising proposal is a formal document that an NGO sends to potential donors, CSR funders, or grant-making organizations to request financial support for a specific project or cause.
It must clearly outline:
- What the project is
- Why it matters
- How the money will be used
- What impact the donation will create
🙋 Why You Need a Proposal
- 🎯 Builds Trust – Shows you’re serious and professional
- 💰 Opens Doors – Many companies and grant bodies only fund based on proposals
- 🗂️ Clarifies Vision – Helps your own team align on goals and outcomes
- 📈 Increases Success Rate – A well-written proposal is more likely to get approved
📄 Key Sections of an Effective Fundraising
Here’s a step-by-step structure to follow:
1. Cover Page
Include your NGO’s name, logo, proposal title, date, and contact information.
2. Executive Summary
A short, 1-paragraph overview of the project — what it is, how much money is needed, and what outcomes you expect.
3. Introduction of Your NGO
- History and mission of your organization
- Past projects and success stories
- Recognition, awards, or 12A/80G registration
4. Problem Statement
Clearly define the social issue you’re addressing. Use real facts, data, and stories from the field.
5. Project Objectives & Goals
List the specific goals you want to achieve with the donor’s support.
Example:
“To provide clean drinking water to 5,000 villagers in Nagaon District within 12 months.”
6. Proposed Activities
Explain how the goals will be achieved. Include a timeline or action plan if possible.
7. Budget Breakdown
List the total amount required and a clear item-wise breakdown of how funds will be used.
| Expense | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|
| Water Filtration Units | ₹3,00,000 |
| Awareness Workshops | ₹50,000 |
| Staff and Travel | ₹70,000 |
| Monitoring & Reporting | ₹30,000 |
| Total | ₹4,50,000 |
8. Expected Impact
Describe the positive change that the project will bring.
Example:
“Improved health, reduced disease, and cleaner water access for 1,000 households.”
9. Monitoring and Evaluation
Mention how you’ll track results and report back to the donor.
10. Contact Details
Include the name, email, phone number of your NGO’s proposal contact person.
🌟 Tips to Make Your Proposal Stand Out
✅ Use simple, clear language — avoid jargon
✅ Include real photos or stories from your fieldwork
✅ Keep formatting clean and consistent
✅ Use bullet points for easier readability
✅ Attach certificates (12A, 80G, PAN) as annexures
✅ Add a short video link introducing your NGO if possible
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Over-promising or exaggerating results
❌ Sending the same proposal to every donor
❌ Ignoring donor guidelines or interests
❌ Missing contact info or documents
❌ Being vague about budget usage
📝 Conclusion
A great fundraising proposal is your NGO’s voice on paper. It’s your chance to show passion, credibility, and a well-thought-out plan. Take time to personalize it for each donor, back it with facts, and always follow up.
At Green Vision Society, we’ve helped many grassroots NGOs prepare winning proposals — and you can too.
📧 Need help writing or reviewing your proposal? Contact us:
✉️ support@greenvisionsociety.org
🌐 www.greenvisionsociety.org
💚 Green Vision Society – Supporting changemakers with tools that matter.
