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It is very difficult to give an exact idea on the size of a proposal because it varies from donor to donor. Some donor agencies prefer to receive just a proposal of not more than one page, at least initially. Other donor organizations like the USAID and the European Commission can request lengthy proposals that can run into several pages. Nevertheless, the size of a proposal does not matter as much as its content. The donor agency is mostly interested in the idea you propose. If the idea is interesting and innovative, then the proposal can be of any length and it can be accepted.
If you are applying for an open call for proposals, then you need to follow the proposal guidelines given in there. These guidelines usually have a limit on the size of the proposal or the application form you submit.
If you are directly approaching a donor agency for funding request, then it is best to prepare a letter of inquiry with a short concept note (not more than 2 or 3 pages) explaining an outline of your project idea, an overview of your organization and its work and an indicative budget.
