WokeOnPaperBefore Grant Proposals
Imagine fighting systemic problems without first writing a twelve-page concept note.
The meme imagines a simpler time, when social movements could focus on organising, mobilising and doing the work rather than constantly translating their work into funding language.
Today, a good idea often needs a theory of change, indicators, budgets, milestones, outcomes and a convincing narrative before it can receive support. Documentation has become part of the work itself.
Proposal writing is not inherently bad. The problem is when the ability to describe the work becomes more important than the ability to do it. Systems change should not depend on writing skills alone.
