How to Decipher RFPs and Calls for Proposals

They're your roadmap to successful applications

This week, let’s get back to the nuts and bolts of institutional fundraising. That is, fundraising from institutions, mostly private foundations and government agencies.

If proposal writing feels like decoding a secret message from an alien civilization, you’re not alone. Request for Proposals (RFPs) and Calls for Proposals are often dense documents, packed with jargon, and can be downright intimidating. But think of this as decoding your next big hit—the Adventures of Grant Victory.

Here’s how to navigate these documents like a pro.

What is an RFP or Call for Proposal?

First off, RFP stands for Request for Proposal. This term refers to a formal invitation from a funder—usually a government agency, but sometimes a private foundation—asking organizations to submit their best ideas and plans to address a specific need or project.

Calls for Proposals operate on the same principle, but the communication is often l…