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In this article, we are glad to assist you in creating a clear and effective executive summary proposal. We will discuss the different types, basic components, and steps in preparing this proposal, plus we have various downloadable executive summary proposal templates for you to use such as sample project proposal layout templates, business proposal examples, one-page proposal templates, formal proposal outline templates and other proposal writing templates. Keep on reading!

What is an Executive Summary Proposal?

An executive summary proposal is a significant piece of business or research writing which is composed of major smart goals, objectives, and methods or strategies being condensed into a simple and cohesive document. It basically introduces a particular research study plan, white paper or business plan while accompanying other documents like a project proposal, research proposal, statement of work or project charter. Similar to a synopsis of a novel or a short trailer of a movie but in written form, an executive summary proposal is a brief project proposal that clearly communicates the gist of your business or research plan to your readers especially if you are looking to boost your business budget or secure finding for a project.

A published survey report has shown that 58% of business firms and organizations report more defined processes and practices as their key step to project success. That’s why being skilled in creating a clear and comprehensive executive summary proposal for your professional work is a crucial aspect in your overall project success. Thus, it is very important for academic researchers, scientific researchers, business executives, and project managers to develop a compelling executive summary proposal.

Different Types of Executive Summary Proposals

Jeremy T. Miner and Lynn E. Miner wrote in the book Models of Proposal Planning & Writing that good proposals seldom get funded while excellent proposals get funded because excellent proposals effectively persuade sponsors and investors to open up their checkbooks to invest in your business or research project. Good proposals provide information to demonstrate that they comply with every requirement in the Request for Proposal (RFP) guidelines. On the other hand, excellent proposals stand out from the competition as they go beyond simply complying with the RFP requirements in order to satisfy the needs of the sponsor. However, what are different types of executive summary proposals that you need to write? Below are different types of executive summary proposals that you may consider:

1. Executive Summary Grant Proposal

Do you need to make a grant proposal to a specific organization or funding agency in order for you to advance a valuable cause to the people? Sustainability, community involvement and inter-agency cooperation are the core concepts that you need to consider before writing an executive summary grant proposal. Additionally, Dr. Joel J. Orosz stated essential principles when writing a great grant proposal: trying a new approach, having both expertise and outside help, being determined, doing your homework by asking questions and learning from others, collaborating with others, improving human well-being through addressing the external needs of your community, investing your own money, making it comprehensive through holistic solutions, planning for sustainability, and looking for broader impact. Take note that most funders understand that your organization is probably not the only game in town. If you fail to mention other organizations and your working relationships with them, it can raise a red flag in the mind of the funders.  The writing process for writing an executive summary grant proposal is collecting information on the organization and its target population, outlining the grant proposal, developing a schedule for writing, requesting letter of support from collaborators, writing complete first draft, meeting with the design team or client for draft proofreading, writing a second draft, and finalizing the edits.

2. Executive Summary For a New Degree Program Proposal

If you are working in a school, college or university as one of the instructors or professors there and you want to propose a new degree program, you should be able to create a well-structured executive summary for a new degree program proposal. Based on some guidelines, the Preliminary Program Proposal (PPP) phase and the Comprehensive Program Proposal (CPP) phase are the two important phases in the process of proposing a new degree program.

For the PPP phase, you need to address each of the following items:

• Name and signature of the Department Head/Chair
• Name and signature of the Dean
• Name, phone and email of the contact person
• Type of degree (BS, BA, MS, MA, PSM, PhD, Doctorate, etc.)
• If Master’s, indicate Plan A, B, C, or Professional Science
• Program instructional format type
• Name of major/minor degree
• Estimated length of degree in semesters
• Estimated total number of credits required for degree
• Brief description of the degree
• Evidence of state and national need/demand
• Provide estimates of student enrollment, student residency status, and graduation numbers

For the CPP, you need to address each of the following items:

• Proposing unit (College, School, Department, SAU)
• List total number of credits required for degree
• Indicate program length in semesters
• State admission plan (fall entry only or fall and spring entry)
• Summary of Program and Rationale
• Fit with role and mission and the most strategic plan of the university
• Quantitative data supporting evidence of need for the program and student demand
• Duplication/similar programs in the state and nation
• Student Body
• Program learning goals
• Continuing assurance of student success and learning
• Curriculum
• Current faculty resources
• Impact of program on faculty and advising
• Impact of program on staff and graduate assistants
• Library reference sources
• Facilities, equipment and technology
• Summary of budget needs

3. Executive Summary Renovation Project Proposal

Based on a report, 55% of homeowners plan to conduct at least one renovation over the next twelve months. 41% of them are initiating a home renovation project to improve their quality of living, while 17% are looking to increase the value of their home but don’t have current plans to sell and 16% want a new look. During the pandemic, many homeowners, business owners and governments started on their renovation projects. One of the unique renovation projects made during the pandemic is the public architecture renovation project of Dongmaoku, a former warehouse campus located in Shenyang, China. Dongmaoku was listed as one of the most valuable historical buildings in Shenyang in 2019 and became a real estate development project in 2020. The existing warehouses are reconsidered to house new public functions as a larger-scale urban area. The architects and researchers effectively reuse the current buildings by implanting new steel trusses into the existing wood system, strengthening the pure wooden decorative elements in their structural components. Some warehouses are renovated similar to a greenhouse garden as they include a community library, a sales office, a gallery, a central hall or a community center. If you are considering a renovation project for a homeowner, a business firm or for the government, you need to develop a striking executive summary renovation project proposal.

4. Executive Summary Training Proposal

Are you planning to provide professional development and corporate training to a potential client? An executive summary training proposal is useful for business owners and project managers in formulating decisions on whether or not they should invest in the training program. It is integral to highlight what the return on the investment will be when you are writing an executive summary training proposal. So, define the goals of the training. What does your organization try to do by setting a training program? Then, consult with a professional trainer about your skills and expertise and how you will be able to assist the business firm attain those goals. Elaborate your credentials or unique experiences as well. After that, focus on the benefits of the organization rather than the features of the training. Connect the advantages of the training to business benefits.

Basic Components of an Executive Summary Proposal 

In this section, you will learn how to craft a wonderfully-written executive summary  proposal so that you are able to draw the attention of your sponsors, investors and/or other key individuals in your management. However, a proposal contains different kinds of components. Take into account of the following elements> for you to create a one-of-a-kind document:

How to Write an Executive Summary Proposal

Compelling and thought-provoking project proposals are persuasive when they connect your project ideas to the values of the investors. When you integrate with the values of your sponsor or investor, your proposal clearly presents the proper balance of logic, emotion and relationships. In this matter, we suggest that you follow the simple steps below while freely using one of our executive summary proposal templates in this article:

Step 1: Begin with a Thought-Provoking Opening Statement

The first thing you need to do is open your proposal with a bang as you get the attention of your investor, sponsor, management or client right from the beginning. You can do this by talking about them and the problem that they are trying to assess. It is important to be concise and direct and establish a solid case in an enticing way.

Step 2: Identify the problem

What is the problem or goal of your proposal? You need to give your client or investor an assurance that you clearly understand the whole situation. That’s why it is essential that you have an insight about the business needs behind the project. Concentrate on the client and their necessities.

Step 3: Write a Description of the Solution and Anticipated Result

Explain the solution and anticipated result of your proposal by giving them a mental picture of what their company or organization would end up looking like once their problem is solved. Emphasize on the benefits of the completed project such as improved sales numbers, more loyal customers, increased time for other value-adding initiatives, enhanced brand name recognition, industry leadership, and more streamlined processes.

Step 4: Demonstrate Evidence of Your Skills, Expertise and Qualifications

Briefly discuss your skills and expertise and whether you have accomplished any similar projects before. Highlight your qualifications as you allow your client or investor know that you and your team can deliver on time and within the budget. Add relevant figures to set your ability to accomplish things or your strengths in the limelight. Be honest and ensure that the numbers are accurate.

Step 5: Add a Call to Action

Explain your significance in working with your client or investor and what are the things that they can be successful by doing so. Include your contact information in your call to action in case the investor or sponsor has a question. Try your best in closing the deal.

Step 6: Review and Edit 

Last but not the least, review and edit your executive summary proposal carefully. It should be brief, having one or a few pages long. The length should be between 5-10% of the full project proposal. Use language that your target audience understands. Elaborate the key points in the same order as they appear in the full document. Check if there are any formatting guidelines to follow. It is much better to structure your executive summary proposal in a way that is easy to skim.

FAQs

In writing an excellent executive summary proposal, it is crucial that you are able to demonstrate the relationship between an identified gap, an improved situation and resulting benefits to the target population. Your proposal needs to respond to the emotional needs of your investor, sponsor and/or management as you display intangible elements like trust, energy, passion, ownership and commitment, Thus, we recommend that you carefully follow the aforementioned tips and steps in this article so that you are able to craft a compelling and unique executive summary proposal. Plus, download our free executive summary proposalsamples, sample project proposal layout templates, business proposal examples, one page format proposal templates, formal proposal outline templates and other proposal writing templates here today!