Context is Everything: Part 2

In an earlier blog, I discussed how to strengthen your proposal by adding context to the Problem Discussion with descriptive detail. Part Two is about adding meaning to the proposal by giving the reader a sense of place.

The reader of your proposal may not live in the same area of the state as you, or even in the same part of the country. They may not know that your neighborhood has the highest density in your large city, and that 103 different languages are spoken in homes. Or that 55 percent of adults in the neighborhood were not born in the United States.

Or, conversely, maybe geographic circumstances in your area present particular challenges in providing services. Explain it, don’t just say it. I live in Oregon. One large county in the state is the size of Connecticut and Rhode Island combined, but has a population of only 8,900 people. And the nearest major airport is 200 miles away in another state. This kind of information just might help the reader understand what kind of challenges a school district, for example, might face.

Does your county have mountainous terrain, with roads that are often closed in the winter? Or is it made up of islands accessible only by boat or float plane?  A good geographic description of the area might help a reader understand the challenges of providing law enforcement or emergency medical services.

This information is not intended to describe the Problem your organization is addressing. Its purpose it to provide richer detail about the demographic and geographic context—your city or state or neighborhood—where that problem takes place. It helps paint a picture for the reader, and creates a backdrop for the rest of the proposal. 

Decide which information is most descriptive and has the highest impact and use that information first.  Add a second layer of information only if you have space and if it will truly be helpful. Use language that is descriptive and precise. It will add power and depth to your proposal.

Susan Chandler is an independent consultant to nonprofit organizations.

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