Simple Project Proposal Template

By Kate Eby | November 24, 2017 (updated December 21, 2025)

We’ve compiled the most useful project proposal templates in Excel, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Adobe PDF, Google Docs, and Google Sheets formats.


Included in this article, you’ll find the following:

Simple Project Proposal Template

Simple Project Proposal Template

Download a Simple Project Proposal Template for
Excel  |  Microsoft Word  |  Adobe PDF  | Google Docs

 

When to Use This Template: Use this simple project proposal template to quickly outline the key details of a project without overwhelming stakeholders. This template is ideal for small internal initiatives, early-stage planning, or client proposals that require a straightforward overview.

Notable Template Features: This template includes essential proposal sections, such as for a timeline, a budget, team resources, a summary of benefits, and an acceptance area for client signatures. With a clean layout and minimal formatting, this template is easy to customize for a variety of project types.

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Research Project Proposal Template

Research Project Proposal Template

Download a Research Project Proposal Template for
Microsoft Word  | Google Docs

When to Use This Template: Use this research project proposal template to outline a structured plan for academic, scientific, or institutional research. You can also adapt it for use in a business context, such as for market research, product testing, or internal research and development initiatives.

Notable Template Features: This template includes space to note research design, initial assumptions, expected impact, and literature review to help you build a clear and compelling case. Use the timeline and budget estimates to plan and allocate resources, and add or remove sections to create a research proposal tailored to your specific needs.

Construction Proposal Template

Construction Proposal Template

Download a Construction Proposal Template for
Excel  |  Adobe PDF  | Google Sheets

When to Use This Template: Contractors, construction managers, and subcontractors can use this template to outline the details of a construction project for client approval or bidding purposes. 

Notable Template Features: This template includes sections for owner and contractor information, project scope, the timeline, and agreement terms. The detailed cost breakdown separates materials, labor, and miscellaneous charges to ensure transparent pricing. A built-in signature section allows both parties to authorize the project terms. 

Project Management Proposal Template

Project Management Proposal Template

Download a Project Management Proposal Template for
Excel  | Google Sheets

When to Use This Template: Use this template to propose project management services to internal stakeholders or external clients. This template works well for consultants, agencies, and firms managing cross-functional teams, schedules, and deliverables.

Notable Template Features: This template covers key areas such as consultation goals, execution plans, client responsibilities, and cost estimates to present a complete and professional proposal. It also includes sections for timelines, accountabilities, and team introductions to help build client confidence in your leadership and planning capabilities. The approval and signature fields make the document actionable and ready for formal agreement.

1-Page Project Proposal Template

1-Page Project Proposal Template Example

Download Blank and Sample Versions of a 1-Page Project Proposal Template for
Microsoft Word  |  Adobe PDF  | Google Docs

When to Use This Template: Use this one-page template to present a concise, high-level project proposal to stakeholders. This template works especially well for small teams or projects in which decision-makers prefer quick summaries over multi-page documents.

Notable Template Features: This template distills complex project details into essential sections, such as objectives, methodology, budget, and risk mitigation. A milestone tracker communicates key phases at a glance, and the template's streamlined format allows stakeholders to review and approve proposals quickly.

Business Project Proposal Template

Business Project Proposal Template

Download a Business Project Proposal Template for
Microsoft Word  | Google Docs

When to Use This Template: Use this template to present a business initiative that requires cross-functional buy-in or executive approval, such as process improvements, technology upgrades, or strategic initiatives.

Notable Template Features: This template includes preformatted sections for stakeholder details, business justification, risk assessment, and technology requirements. It also includes a section to list in- and out-of-scope items, along with deliverables for clear boundaries and expectations. An overview of costs and staffing helps align your resource plan with your project objectives and proposed timeline.

Generic Project Proposal Template

Generic Project Proposal Template Example

Download a Sample Generic Project Proposal Template for
Microsoft Word  | Google Docs

Download a Blank Generic Project Proposal Template for
Microsoft Word  | Google Docs

When to Use This Template: Use this comprehensive proposal template for projects that require detailed planning and stakeholder alignment, such as enterprise client solutions or multi-department initiatives. This generic template is easily adaptable to a range of contexts.

Notable Template Features: This template provides a thorough proposal outline, from identifying needs and defining scope to outlining cost, timeline, and staffing resources. It also includes sections for endorsements, success measurements, related documents, and a breakdown of needs and issues. The document format supports both high-level vision and in-depth planning.

For more document templates — as well as examples and tips for writing a proposal — check out our Microsoft Word and Google Docs project proposal collections.

Marketing Proposal Template

Marketing Proposal Template

Download a Marketing Proposal Template for
Excel  |  Microsoft Word  |  Adobe PDF  | Google Docs

When to Use This Template: Agencies, consultants, or in-house teams can use this proposal template to pitch marketing campaigns, services, or strategic plans to potential clients or internal stakeholders.

Notable Template Features: This template provides structured sections to note current challenges, goals, proposed services, and projected outcomes. It also includes a detailed cost breakdown, a timeline to clarify expectations, and space to showcase your qualifications and list next steps.

IT Project Proposal Template

IT Project Proposal Template

Download an IT Project Proposal Template for
Excel Microsoft Word  | Google Sheets

When to Use This Template:  IT managers and consultants can use this template to propose initiatives such as system upgrades, infrastructure changes, or service implementations.

Notable Template Features: This template includes sections to create a stakeholder map, as well as list technical cost breakdowns, risk factors, and scope segmentation. It clearly distinguishes between items that are in and out of scope. Fields for software, hardware, consultation, and training costs allow you to present technical proposals with clarity.

Engineering Project Proposal Template

Engineering Project Proposal Template

Download an Engineering Project Proposal Template for
Excel  | Google Sheets

When to Use This Template: Use this template to propose engineering projects that require clear planning, cost estimates, deliverables, and timelines. Whether you're submitting a proposal for a construction build, a renovation, or a design and analysis project, this template ensures that you cover all technical and professional details.

Notable Template Features: This template includes space for client and contractor information, along with detailed sections for services, scope of work, and project milestones. It also includes fields to describe engineering associations and past work to help build client trust. The cost estimate table automatically calculates the subtotal for all items listed and the total cost after tax.

Event Proposal Template

Event Proposal Template Example

Download a Sample Event Proposal Template for
PowerPoint  | Google Slides

Download a Blank Event Proposal Template for
PowerPoint  | Google Slides

When to Use This Template: Use this proposal template to pitch a community event, fundraiser, festival, or other event in a visually engaging presentation format. Download the sample template to see an example wellness fair proposal.

Notable Template Features: This slide layout guides users through a full proposal, from objectives and agenda to sponsorship tiers and budget snapshots. Visual placeholders for schedules, photos, and quotes allow you to personalize the content and highlight key value points. The combination of narrative and data-driven slides helps create a compelling, sponsor-ready proposal.

Software Project Proposal Template

Software Project Proposal Template

Download a Software Project Proposal Template for
Microsoft Word  | Google Docs

When to Use This Template: Use this proposal template when planning a new software application, platform upgrade, integration, or development initiative that involves multiple phases and technical components. You can outline complex software builds for clients, partners, or internal stakeholders.

Notable Template Features: This template supports full technical transparency, with sections for software employed, testing, deployment, support, and risk management. The template separates hardware compatibility and budgetary concerns from project goals and milestones to give technical leads and non-technical stakeholders a clear view of both challenges and deliverables.

Grant Funding Proposal Template

Grant Funding Proposal Template

Download a Grant Funding Proposal Template for
Microsoft Word  |  Adobe PDF

When to Use This Template: Use this grant proposal template to request funding for community, nonprofit, development, or institutional projects. You can also adapt the template for business contexts to give stakeholders a clear case for financial investment in a new initiative.

Notable Template Features: This template helps you demonstrate project impact with sections for a statement of need, program description, goals, and objectives. The budget breakdown and evaluation plan show funders the cost structure and how success will be measured. The template also includes staff qualifications and a document appendix for supporting data.

Consulting Project Proposal Template

Consulting Project Proposal Template

Download a Consulting Project Proposal Template for
Microsoft Word  | Google Docs

When to Use This Template: Use this project proposal template to pitch consulting services to potential clients. It’s a great tool for projects with multiple deliverables and reporting checkpoints.

Notable Template Features: This template provides an outline for a client-focused proposal, with sections for milestones, cost structure, and project goals. You can list accountabilities for each party to prevent scope misunderstandings. The template also includes a section to showcase why you are the best fit for the project, with room for agency, team, or individual details.

Freelance Project Proposal Template

Freelance Project Proposal Template

Download a Freelance Project Proposal Template for
Microsoft Word  |  Adobe PDF  | Google Docs

When to Use This Template: Freelancers can use this template to create a detailed project proposal for clients that highlights value, outlines deliverables, and aligns expectations before work begins.

Notable Template Features: This template walks clients through project needs, deliverables, and quantifiable outcomes. A phased timeline and cost breakdown make planning and agreement transparent. The template also includes space to note next steps and terms and conditions, along with signature lines for client acceptance.

Project Proposal Presentation Template

Project Proposal Presentation Template

Download a Project Proposal Presentation Template for
PowerPoint  | Google Slides

When to Use This Template: Use this proposal slide deck to present a project proposal in a meeting, pitch, or stakeholder review. This template works well for business development, internal innovation initiatives, product launches, or any situation that benefits from visual storytelling.

Notable Template Features: This template guides viewers through each step of a proposal, from defining the problem to budget and conclusion. The slides for timeline and deliverables help break down complex plans into digestible pieces. The format features clean visuals and simple slide layouts for clarity and professional polish.

For more presentation tools, see our full selection of PowerPoint project proposal templates.

Web Development Project Proposal Template

Web Development Project Proposal Template

Download a Web Development Project Proposal Template for
Excel Adobe PDF  | Google Sheets

When to Use This Template: Agencies and internal teams can use this template to propose web development projects, such as custom websites, web apps, or platform builds.

Notable Template Features: This template covers the full project lifecycle, from discovery and architecture through deployment and maintenance. The proposal breaks down requirements, tech stack, and business needs along with vision, goals, and cost structure. Color-coded sections and preformatted tables enhance readability and support clear communication with stakeholders.

Accounting Proposal Template

Accounting Proposal Template

Download an Accounting Proposal Template for
Excel  | Google Sheets

When to Use This Template: Accounting, bookkeeping, tax, or financial advisory teams can use this template for ongoing or retainer-based engagements.

Notable Template Features: This template includes fields for client and firm information, project objectives, and solution strategies. The cost summary covers setup, as well as monthly, quarterly, and yearly expenses to give clients a full financial picture upfront. Sections for services, credentials, and terms of service help create a transparent proposal with clear value and expectations.

Social Media Project Proposal Template

Social Media Project Proposal Template

Download a Social Media Project Proposal Template for
Excel  |  Adobe PDF  | Google Sheets

When to Use This Template: Use this social media proposal template for content creation, influencer campaigns, or strategy development projects. Teams can use this template for internal projects or to propose social media solutions to external clients.

Notable Template Features: This template prompts users to list client needs, outlines the project scope, and ties goals directly to business outcomes and social media metrics. It includes sections for a detailed timeline and investment breakdown, plus measurements for success and agency background information to build client confidence in your approach.

Mobile App Project Proposal Template

Mobile App Proposal Template

Download a Mobile App Project Proposal Template for
Excel  |  Adobe PDF  | Google Sheets

When to Use This Template: Teams or freelancers can use this template to provide clients with a clear project proposal for a mobile app, including goals, tech planning, and delivery.

Notable Template Features: This proposal captures client pain points, project purpose, and strategic vision. It gives space to note a detailed scope, phased timelines, and investment breakdowns while tying everything to success metrics. A built-in signature section makes it easy to finalize agreements and move straight into execution.

What to Include in a Project Proposal

A project proposal should include a clear objective, the background or problem statement, the scope of work, the deliverables, the timeline, the budget estimate, and the success metrics. It’s also helpful to include team qualifications and next steps to support decision-making and secure approval from clients or stakeholders.

Project Proposal Tips

The first step for a project manager, or anyone writing a project proposal, is to conduct thorough research. This might involve analyzing past projects, consulting industry benchmarks, and gathering data that supports the project’s feasibility, objectives, and business value. Involving key stakeholders and decision-makers early on is essential for building alignment and ensuring support. By holding face-to-face or virtual meetings to gather input, then incorporating that feedback, you can reduce revision cycles and streamline the approval process.

When writing the proposal, lead with a clear statement of the problem or opportunity you’re addressing. To persuade decision makers, highlight measurable benefits and well-defined deliverables tied to business goals. The proposal should clearly align with the organization’s strategic vision and long-term objectives. Whether you’re drafting a multi-page document or completing a short template, use clear, concise language to make the content accessible and actionable for all readers.

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