In this article, we’ve researched and compiled the best project proposal templates, ranging from software and consulting proposals to construction and engineering, so you can get the support and approval needed to hit the ground running on your next project plan.
Included on this page, you’ll find a simple project proposal template, IT project proposal template, research project proposal template, and more, free to download in Excel, Word, PDF, and Google Docs formats. Plus, we'll uncover what to include in a project proposal.
Download Simple Project Proposal Template
This simple template breaks the proposal into clearly delineated sections, providing an organized layout that is easy-to-use and read. You can use this template for a wide range of proposal types, including school projects. Edit the template as needed to increase or reduce the number of sections. Since this is a Google Docs template, you can quickly download and print the document or share it with others via your Google Drive account.
Download One-Page Project Proposal Template
With this template, you can limit your project proposal to a single page, focusing on key details such as objectives, measurements, timeline, and a budget overview. This template can help project managers compile and organize critical information into a concise document. A brief project proposal will make a strong impact and set the stage for in-depth planning.
Use this generic project proposal to create a customized template. Complete the basic outline with essential proposal elements, including the problem statement, goals, scope of the project, and itemized timeline and expenses. Once you have adjusted the proposal to meet your project needs and company standards, you can reuse the template for future projects, saving time, energy, and cost.
This business project proposal template includes fields at the top for entering project details; sections for listing objectives, justification for and impact of carrying out the project, and resources required; plus a schedule timeline. Create a comprehensive proposal that identifies stakeholders, addresses potential risks, and presents a compelling argument for project approval.
Download Freelance Job Proposal Template
Freelancers can use this template to pitch their services to prospective clients. Describe what problem you will solve, how you will meet the client’s needs, and why they should hire you. The template covers deliverables, quantifiable objectives, a timeline with deadlines, and breakdown of project costs. You can also include terms and conditions to turn the template into a job proposal contract.
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Download IT Project Proposal Template
This IT project proposal provides room for listing important roles, such as project sponsor, owner, and manager, their general responsibilities, and the names of other stakeholders. It covers all of the typical elements for a project proposal, including space for technology requirements, security risks, hardware and software costs, and more.
Download Software Project Proposal Template
Craft a proposal for a software development project that includes an overview, key milestones, information on development and testing, and reporting methods. A table is provided for a thorough timeline of tasks to help accurately estimate project hours. If the proposal is for external use, you can include payment terms for prospective clients to review.
Download Mobile App Proposal Template
This template can serve as a professional pitch for mobile app design services. To stand out from the crowd and highlight relevant experience, attach examples of previous work to the proposal template. The information included in the proposal will depend on the specific project. Customize the template to address pertinent details - such as a timeline of design stages and itemized costs - while showcasing what you have to offer.
With this project management proposal template, you can describe the activities involved in different project phases, outline key deliverables, and list expectations. Adjust the proposal to suit the scale and type of project to be managed along with industry norms.
An engineering project proposal should have relevant background information, including the scope of the project and specific engineering tasks to be executed. This Excel template includes automatic calculations for adding costs. Use the work schedule to show a timeline of project phases, from preliminary design through construction. If that work schedule doesn’t work for you, choose one of these free templates for Word and Excel.
Download Construction Proposal Template
This construction proposal template offers two sheets, one for providing contractor information, project scope, and agreement terms, and the other for listing the costs for labor and materials. The template calculates subtotals and total expenses, including tax, so that project costs are clear.
Download Marketing Proposal Template
Marketing plans mix data with a strategy to reach effective outcomes. Use this template to describe the goals, challenges and projected results of a marketing project. Depending on the project, tasks may include activities related to branding, competitive analysis, content development, and new market development. In addition to a project overview, include a detailed schedule with specific dates for project stages and campaign milestones.
Download Web Design Proposal Template
From initial research to ongoing hosting and maintenance, this template can help you create a thorough web design proposal. Write a proposal for a website upgrade or pitch design services to an internal or external client. Clearly state the goals of the web design project in the proposal, including alignment with the vision of the company or organization.
Download Social Media Proposal Template
Social media campaigns are a valuable part of business marketing, and proposals need to show how projects will accomplish specific goals, whether it’s reaching a broader audience, creating a brand presence on social networks, or boosting sales. This template follows a traditional format, outlining an executive summary, problem statement, objectives, tactics, and scheduling. We’ve also incorporated a budget section for estimating project costs.
Download Accounting Proposal Template
Use this template to pitch financial services such as accounting. This proposal could be for a specific project or ongoing services for a business or other organization. Include the terms of service, a breakdown of costs, important goals, and a compelling solution for the client’s financial needs.
Consultants can use this template to offer services for a specific project and make a strong case for getting hired. As with other project proposals, focus on how you will help a company resolve specific issues or seize opportunities. List the activities you will undertake, specific deliverables, and a timetable for project tasks. Contract terms can also be included to secure an agreement with clients.
Research proposals, whether for academic, scientific, or other purposes, are slightly different from the typical business project proposal. In addition to a project overview and background, the template also includes a literature review section to support the significance of a proposed project by identifying gaps in the available literature that the project would address. Additionally, the research design and method section enables you to outline exactly how the research project will be set up and how the results will be interpreted. A list of references may be included to show all sources cited in the proposal.
Project proposals vary depending on the type of project and organization, and whether the proposal is for internal or external use. However, there are some common details to include to justify the project and gain approval. Here are some typical sections in a project proposal and how to use them:
Additionally, you may define and assign key roles to specific people. A proposal will also typically have a section for authorization to document approval. Once the project is approved, you can create a project charter and comprehensive plan.
The first step for a project manager, or whoever is writing the project proposal, is to carry out detailed research, which may include analyzing previous projects and gathering information to support the project’s efficacy, objectives, and business value. It is important to involve stakeholders and decision makers early in the process to support buy in. Soliciting feedback in face-to-face meetings, and incorporating that feedback into the proposal, can help limit the changes needed and save time in the long run.
When it comes to actually writing the proposal, start by emphasizing the problem you’re addressing. The proposal needs to show measurable benefits such as deliverables for a company or organization to be persuasive. Overall, the proposal should support an organization’s vision and long-term objectives. Whether you’re writing a lengthy research proposal or submitting a one-page proposal template, use clear, concise language so that readers can easily identify the information they need.
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