Writing winning grants & proposals goes beyond merely listing qualifications and services—it necessitates a deep understanding of the requester's needs and expectations. Reading through the request several times helps to understand the requestors intent and pain points. Bidders conferences are also critically important. Be thoroughly versed in the request before the conference, Then ask questions that help clarify intent and pain points. Do other research on the requestors and stakeholders that will be evaluating and deciding. This empathetic approach involves anticipating their challenges and comprehending their goals.

OK, you’ve done all the empathizing to understand your audience. You’ve done your best to "get in their head". Now its time to not only showcase what your organization can offer, but to describe precisely how those offerings align with the client's vision. This level of understanding not only demonstrates a keen awareness of the client's requirements but also establishes trust, making the proposal more persuasive and ultimately, more likely to succeed.

More words do not make for a better proposal. It's essential to employ crisp and concise writing, getting straight to the point. Even more important, the proposal must mirror the requestor's language both in the structure of the response and in key descriptions. Doing so assures the evaluator that you truly understand what they want and can deliver it. Perhaps the toughest challenge for writers is to eliminate unnecessary jargon and complexity, aiming for simplicity and clarity. By aligning the proposal with the requestor's language and being succinct in your approach, you create a compelling document that captures their attention and communicates your ideas effectively.