A polished template does not win a proposal. A reader who can clearly see the problem, the solution, and what happens if they say yes, does.

Open with their problem, not your company

Most proposals open with a page about the company submitting it. Open with the reader's problem instead — it signals you understand their situation before you ask them to trust you with it.

Make the ask unambiguous

State clearly what you are asking for, by when, and what it costs. Vagueness at the ask reads as a lack of confidence in the offer.