@benard Ondiek, to add to what Nonvicks said, I will focus on credibility: how convincing the proposal is, shows the team can deliver.
What makes a proposal compelling is a sharply defined problem backed by local evidence, objectives, methods and outcomes that line up clearly, and a team with a relevant track record. Naming risks openly and showing a pathway to use and sustainability also help, since funders read them as maturity rather than weakness.
The most common mistakes I'd add are an overambitious scope for the timeline and budget, a budget that does not match the narrative, and a vague methodology with no clear analysis plan or ethics section. Ignoring equity and inclusion, and dense, hard-to-scan writing, also cost proposals points with reviewers. In short, a proposal wins when the reviewer finishes it thinking, "This is important, and these people can actually do it."
