Before we start writing a proposal, it is important to do some research. No matter how small or big the project is, some kind of references to existing literature or data should be made. Usually, it is expected that the NGO has enough information at hand about the problem or project before writing the proposal. Yet, NGOs have to gather all related information about the issue they are working on and the sit down to write the proposal. In some cases, donors sponsor pre-proposal research so that organizations have enough evidence, both at field and in literature, before developing the actual proposal.

While planning the proposal, it is ideally believed that all stakeholders have been consulted or involved in the process. There are generally three main categories of stakeholders involved in the process of writing the proposal. They are:

1. The Proposing Organization/s: This could be just one NGO or a group of NGOs applying for the project to the donor.
2. The Community: The most important stakeholder for whom the project is conceived. Community members or beneficiaries or the target group has to be involved in the proposal planning process so that the project reflects strong qualities of participation and community ownership.
3. The Donor: Wherever possible, it will be useful to take inputs from the donor. In formal invitations for proposals, the donor may discourage any contact with the proposing organizations. However, in other situations where donor has requested for a one-to-one proposals, it will be a good idea to have several meetings with this stakeholder and note down information. It will also help researching the donor priorities while conceiving the proposal. It will also be a useful activity to go through the following information about the donor:

-Aid priorities and issues
-Country Strategy/Policy Paper
-Proposal guidelines
-Previously-funded programmes