Proposing Projects and Getting Your Goals Granted: A Guide to Persuasive Writing

The word persuasion is often viewed through a negative lens because it has been used to coerce, manipulate and exploit others; however, at its core, it is simply a skill. Persuasion is the act of getting someone else to change their mind or take an action. 

Ethical persuasion exists and should be used by practitioners in strategic communications – especially when writing proposals for grants and in overall business communications. To be an effective advocate for your project, you must be able to clearly define your mission, transparently outline your needs and cleverly find mutually beneficial interests between all parties. 

Considerations for grant proposals: 

• Be clear, concise and straightforward – don't waste the reader’s time. In philosophy, Occam’s Razor posits that the simplest answer is likely the truest and best explanation. This can be applied to grant proposal writing. 

  
  

• Be realistic about budgets and financial needs. Request what you need and be able to show how you are going to use the money. Asking for more than the essential amount may harm your chances of receiving assistance. 

  
  

• Be on the lookout for mutually beneficial relationships. How will your project benefit the donor? Does it support a cause they care about or a community they have ties to? Find these relevant commonalities and explain them. 

  
  

• Be knowledgeable about best practices and federal/state laws. Proposals experiences language trends, and laws can affect how funds are distributed. Ensure your proposal fits the standard criteria and the scope of your project complies with current legislation. 

Persuasion in business communications: 

• Shows that you can think critically about persuasive messaging and develop a strong message structure – a skill that is valued by hiring agents and professionals. 

  
  

• Helps you practice advocacy in many environments on a variety of channels. 

  
  

• Leads to successes – big and small. 

In addition to these tips, knowing persuasive theories such as the principles of persuasion and rhetorical appeals can make you an even more robust writer. Favorable outcomes don’t just magically happen, they are frequently the product of a carefully crafted proposition.