Proposal

A proposal is a plan or suggestion put forward for consideration or discussion. It can be informal or formal and may aim to persuade others to approve, fund, or adopt it. The word derives from the Latin proponere, meaning to put forward.

In contract and procurement contexts, a proposal may function as an offer or as an invitation to negotiate. A proposal that, when accepted, forms a binding agreement is an offer; many proposals are non-binding solicitations, such as invitations to bid or requests for proposals (RFPs).

Common types include business or project proposals (to launch a project or secure funding), research proposals (to obtain research funding or ethics approval), grant proposals (to obtain financial support from agencies), and policy proposals (to introduce new laws or regulations). Each type has its own standards and expectations.

A typical proposal includes several elements: title, background or problem statement, objectives or goals, methods or approach, timeline, budget, expected outcomes or impact, and evaluation or accountability measures. Proposals should present a clear justification, demonstrate feasibility, and show alignment with the audience’s goals.

Process and evaluation: proposals are drafted, reviewed, and submitted, then assessed against criteria such as relevance, feasibility, cost, risk, and potential impact. Success often hinges on clarity, evidence-based reasoning, and the ability to address ethics, compliance, and practical considerations in the relevant field.