What is the preferred way to order sections and headings in a grant proposal?

The preferred way to order sections and headings in a grant proposal is to mimic the funder's format. This approach ensures that the proposal aligns with the expectations and requirements set forth by the funding agency, facilitating easier navigation for reviewers. Funders typically provide guidelines outlining the preferred structure, which reflects their evaluation criteria and emphasizes the elements they deem most critical. By adhering to their specified format, you're demonstrating an understanding of their priorities and showing respect for their review process, which can positively influence the chances of your proposal being favorably received.

Organizing a proposal alphabetically may not convey a coherent narrative or logical flow, while a chronological order based on project phases could overlook the specific requirements of the funder. Additionally, arranging content by importance might misalign with how the funder wishes to receive that information, potentially leading to confusion. Therefore, aligning with the funder’s format is the most strategic approach in grant writing.