Create a mission statement. The mission statement describes the purpose of your pursuit in a maximum of 50 words.
Write the abstract. The abstract is a one-page introduction clarifying what your proposal expects to accomplish and how you will proceed. Include methodologies and objectives within your abstract.
Include a statement of need. Detail who will be affected by your work and why it is important. Make this portion of the paper clear and succinct, using actionable language. Compose Steps 1 to 3 in the third person.
Construct the narrative. The narrative includes a detailed outline of all research methods and techniques you will employ and the goals you intend to reach. Include experiments you will use and why and what existing facilities and resources are available to complete your goals. Mention who will oversee the project and how you will monitor it.
Include an evaluation. Write a detailed outline of how you will evaluate your experiments and results. Include what types of analysis you will employ and how results will affect the success of your project. An evaluation must describe how you can maintain your project and/or benefit future work as a result of current work and conclusions.
Define outreach materials. Make it clear how you intend to publicize your findings. Include online media, hard copy media, presentations and intentions for publication. Note outreach resources available -- book publishers, for example -- interested and supportive of your work and how you will gain publicity.
Conclude the body with your credentials and source materials. Include an extensive bibliography with reliable resources and a detailed list of your credentials to validate your work on the selected topic.