They will usually point out things to avoid in your proposal, and areas which should be emphasized. In Baltimore, the Association for Baltimore Area Grant Makers has designed and makes available a common grant application which is an excellent guide for proposal development. Once a funding source invites you to submit a proposal, get input for the initiative from your organizations members and board. For the proposal itself, write in clear and simple terms, avoid jargon by saying specifically what you will do, how you will do it, and intended outcomes. Do not portray your program or organization as unique.
Chances are there are others in the same category.
A sense of humor will help keep a reader focused on your proposal. Often, grant seekers spend too much time chasing money without a clear direction for their organization or proposed initiative. Build a good program, attract attention to it through the media and marketing, and build good relations with funders. A good and impartial evaluation of your current efforts will also help legitimize your organization. Once you have identified potential funding sources which fit within your objectives, develop a strategy for getting those funds.