Before you write a proposal be sure that you have found all the format requirements provided by the foundation, which may include page limits and order of proposal subjects.  The information you developed in the section on Prepping Your Organization should be easily adaptable to most proposal requirements.  While it is not a good idea to do a wholesale restructuring of your ideal project to fit the areas of interest for a grant, you should remember who your audience is and highlight those parts of your project that would make it compelling to the foundation’s review committee.  To help you build your proposal, you may want to try the Logic Model system as described in the W. K. Kellogg Foundation guide (.pdf). 

Whenever possible be factual about the issues your organization addresses, in its target population and in the opportunities and barriers to serving that population.  Providing a solid case for your project is the best way to appeal to the emotional side of a grant maker – anecdotes should be kept short and should not dominate your narrative. Be concise about your proposed activities.

Above all, make sure your proposal is true to your mission and your capabilities.  Few funders expect to underwrite an entire project and look for you to provide evidence of efforts to raise additional support.  If you have not yet gathered other funders for support, it is legitimate to list those that have received proposals as ‘prospective’ funders.  Never list funders as supporters when they have not yet confirmed support!