Free Proposal Templates

What Does “Proposal” Mean? 

A Proposal is a marketing tool used to persuade the recipient to approve a certain project or implement new ideas. Whether you want to sell your goods to a new client, get the support of a donor or sponsor before a particular event, be chosen as the contractor for the project, or convince your boss to introduce new practices to the regular workflow of the business, a properly drafted Proposal will help you reach that target. 

Proposal Types 

1. Business Proposal. Use this generic template to spell out the objectives of your project - you may use it to negotiate with potential business partners, vendors, or customers sharing the creative vision you have and showing them the expenses and profit they can expect upon the completion of the mutually beneficial cooperation.
2. Budget Proposal. Draft a budget plan for your own entity or for the project you were hired to work on - list the expenses that will be incurred during a particular project or time period and explain how the company can manage its business costs and revenue efficiently.
3. Bid Proposal. Often used in the construction industry and sent to government agencies that want to hire professionals and obtain their services, this formal Proposal template will describe the qualifications of the company and list the pricing details to let the client choose among the competitors.
4. Fundraising Proposal Template. Whether you represent the interests of the charity fund, religious, or educational institution, you may use this document to persuade the potential donors or the leaders of your organizations in the necessity to collect money for a specific purpose - propose to host an event and invite individuals and companies that may be included to donate to your charitable cause.
5. Sales Proposal Template. To stand out among your market competitors, you need to create a compelling sales pitch that advertises your goods - explain why the items you list in the Proposal are a better choice than the goods offered by your rivals and state the terms and conditions of the future transaction.
6. Program Proposal Template. Usually prepared by an employee who wants to offer new ideas to their supervisor or company director, this document will allow you to suggest the implementation of your initiatives and their positive impact on the organization. 
7. Sponsorship Proposal Template. If you want to attract a new sponsor for the upcoming event or the project you have been organizing, you must show the benefits of working with you - explain the advantages of the mutual representation and gain the support of the business that will provide you with much-needed financial support.
8. Work Proposal. An indispensable document for many freelancers, this statement will help you persuade the client to sign an agreement with you listing the benefits of this choice - you can introduce yourself, share your portfolio, and describe how your experience allows you to find the perfect solutions to the issues the Proposal recipient faces.
9. Request for Proposal (RFP). If you represent a government agency or company that wants to purchase products or services, you can outline what you are looking for in the future business partner or vendor letting competitors send you their offers in the form of a Proposal.
10. Marketing Proposal. In case your company conducts market research and offers advertising services to other businesses, you may fill out this template to share the details of the marketing project with the prospective customer demonstrating how your collaboration will lead to the increased revenue of their brand or organization.

How to Write an Effective Proposal? 

Here are some tips that will help you to create a convincing Proposal that shows your audience you are reliable, trustworthy, and able to implement the ideas you have presented:

1. Use a presentation tool - a slideshow that contains graphs, tables, pictures, and video clips will visualize your plans and capture the interest of the regular customer or company director you need to persuade.
2. Know your audience and their demands - make sure you research the client or the entity in question before drafting a Proposal. You need to find out their strengths and flaws offering incentives they will not be able to refuse.
3. Do not give out too many details in the initial Proposal - your target is to be hired by the Proposal recipient or to receive approval for your ideas; ensure you motivate them with a Proposal summary that does not exceed one or two pages and do not share your professional secrets before an agreement is signed or you get the go-ahead to proceed with your project.

What Should Be Included in a Proposal?

Here is how you may fill out a simple Proposal template:

1. Introduce your company or yourself as an independent expert - briefly mention your educational and professional background and the skills you are prepared to offer. You must convince the Proposal recipient you will be a better fit than your market rivals.
2. Compose a brief summary of the Proposal. Once you have determined the needs of the other party, you need to show how these challenges can be overcome - give the other party a brief overview of the solutions you have managed to find.
3. Anticipating the objectives and questions of the audience, explain how you are going to execute a strategy. Do not divulge too many details yet be ready to share them right away if your Proposal is approved.
4. Indicate the approximate budget of the Proposal. Find out the available and required resources, calculate the costs of the project you are proposing, and demonstrate why these expenses are necessary. 
5. Depending on your industry or the nature of the work, there may be additional terms and conditions such as confidentiality, a non-compete clause, or an obligation to obtain insurance coverage - offer these provisions to the other party.

Related Topics:

• How to Write a Business Proposal?
• How to Write a Proposal Letter?
• What Is a Request for Proposal (RFP)?