The purpose of a proposal is to convince someone (upper management, a funding agency) to fund your work. It should describe the subject matter, the significance of the problem to be studied, the methodology to be followed, what will be delivered, a timetable of the work, and a budget! Typically, proposals are organized as follows: Title page 1. Introduction (Background/Significance) 2. Problem description 3. Methodology 4. Deliverables 5. Timetable 6. Budget Here are some general guidelines for each part. 0. Title Page Proposal TITLE Date Name(s) 1. Introduction/Background A description of what this is about Background information, context in which the issues arise Significance/relevance of the subject matter What is known about the problem Importance of the problem to be studied Qualifications of personnel involved in the project 2. Problem Description Description of the problem to be studied Questions/issues to be addressed Expected impact of the proposed work 3. Methodology Description of how the problem will be approached Tasks envisioned Name/characterize the methods/approaches to be used Main features/advantages/disadvantages of proposed methods 4. Deliverables What will be delivered at the end of the project 5. Timetable Duration of proposed work Milestones: which task will be completed by when 6. Budget Personnel qualifications Expected costs for personnel, materials, travel Of course, some of these might perhaps be irrelevant/inappropriate for a particular project, but it wouldn't hurt including whatever you can come up with, be creative...