I. Executive Summary

Begin with a concise and engaging executive summary that captures the essence of your proposal. This section should be no more than a paragraph or two and highlight:

• Your organization’s mission and impact: Briefly describe your organization and its primary goals.
• The proposed partnership: Clearly state the purpose of the partnership and what you hope to achieve.
• The mutual benefits: Emphasize the advantages for both your organization and the potential partner.
• Call to action: Encourage the reader to review the proposal and consider the partnership opportunity.

II. Organizational Background

Provide a comprehensive overview of your organization, establishing its credibility and expertise. Include the following information:

• Mission and Values: Clearly articulate your organization’s mission, vision, and core values.
• History and Achievements: Highlight your organization’s key accomplishments, program successes, and significant milestones. Use quantifiable data whenever possible.
• Programs and Services: Describe the programs and services you offer and the populations you serve.
• Staff and Board: Briefly introduce your key staff members and board members, emphasizing their expertise and experience.
• Financial Stability: Provide a summary of your organization’s financial health, including your annual budget, sources of funding, and a recent audit report if available.

III. Needs Assessment and Problem Statement

Clearly define the problem or need that the partnership will address. This section should demonstrate your understanding of the issue and its impact on the community or target population. Include:

• Description of the Problem: Clearly articulate the problem and its root causes.
• Data and Statistics: Use data and statistics to illustrate the scope and severity of the problem.
• Impact on the Community: Explain how the problem affects the community or target population.
• Existing Efforts: Briefly mention any existing efforts to address the problem and their limitations.

IV. Proposed Partnership

This section is the heart of your proposal. Clearly articulate the specifics of the proposed partnership, including:

• Partnership Goals and Objectives: Define the specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals and objectives of the partnership.
• Roles and Responsibilities: Clearly outline the roles and responsibilities of each partner, specifying who will be responsible for each task.
• Activities and Timeline: Describe the specific activities that will be undertaken as part of the partnership and provide a realistic timeline for their implementation.
• Resources and Contributions: Specify the resources that each partner will contribute to the partnership, including funding, staff time, expertise, and in-kind donations.
• Evaluation Plan: Outline how the partnership’s success will be measured and evaluated. Include specific metrics and data collection methods.

V. Benefits of the Partnership

Clearly articulate the benefits that the partnership will provide to both your organization and the potential partner. Focus on the mutual advantages and how the partnership will help both organizations achieve their goals. Consider the following benefits:

• Increased Reach and Impact: Explain how the partnership will allow you to reach a larger audience and have a greater impact on the community.
• Enhanced Capacity: Describe how the partnership will enhance your organization’s capacity to deliver programs and services.
• Improved Efficiency: Explain how the partnership will streamline operations and improve efficiency.
• Shared Resources and Expertise: Highlight the benefits of sharing resources and expertise.
• Enhanced Reputation: Explain how the partnership will enhance the reputation of both organizations.

VI. Budget

Provide a detailed budget that outlines the costs associated with the partnership. The budget should be clear, accurate, and transparent. Include:

• Personnel Costs: List the salaries and benefits of staff members who will be involved in the partnership.
• Program Costs: Outline the costs associated with program implementation, such as materials, supplies, and transportation.
• Administrative Costs: Include administrative costs, such as rent, utilities, and insurance.
• Indirect Costs: If applicable, include indirect costs, such as overhead expenses.
• Total Budget: Provide a summary of the total budget and the amount of funding requested from the potential partner.

VII. Sustainability Plan

Outline how the partnership will be sustained after the initial funding period. Include strategies for securing long-term funding, building capacity, and ensuring the partnership’s continued success. Consider the following:

• Fundraising Strategies: Describe your plans for securing long-term funding, such as grant writing, fundraising events, and individual donations.
• Capacity Building: Explain how you will build your organization’s capacity to sustain the partnership in the long term.
• Community Engagement: Outline your plans for engaging the community and building support for the partnership.

VIII. Conclusion

Reiterate the key benefits of the partnership and express your enthusiasm for working together. Thank the potential partner for their time and consideration, and provide contact information for follow-up.

IX. Appendices (Optional)

Include any supporting documents that may be helpful, such as:

• Letters of Support: Include letters of support from community leaders, funders, or other stakeholders.
• Organizational Charts: Provide organizational charts to illustrate your organization’s structure and reporting relationships.
• Financial Statements: Include recent financial statements, such as your annual report or audit report.
• Program Evaluations: Provide program evaluations to demonstrate the effectiveness of your programs.