Lessons from a Proposal Writing Expert: Carolyn Gannell on What It Takes to Succeed

AutogenAI is speaking with women in bidding across different industries to learn what makes a successful bid writer. In this interview, we chat with Carolyn Gannell, Head of Growth and Partnerships at Youth Projects, an independent charity that provides frontline support to young people and individuals experiencing disadvantage, unemployment, homelessness, and other issues, as well as those seeking to re-engage with learning and employment. Carolyn shares her journey, proud moments, and what she believes it takes to succeed in the world of bid writing. 

1) How long have you been involved in the bid writing process, and how did you start? 

I started writing grants way back in the early 2000s, initially securing funding for bands I was involved in (as well as for friends’ bands) for touring and recording. It quickly became clear that I had a knack for it, winning 100% of applications that I submitted. Over the years, a range of roles in a variety of industries saw me expanding into securing funding for film productions, film export, and subcontract tenders for major infrastructure projects. 

Eventually, I took the leap into consulting, working across a range of diverse sectors, from Defence, music venues all the way to council tenders. During COVID I was engaged to work with a local council to help small businesses apply for COVID grants and other funding opportunities.  

2) What has been your proudest bid-winning moment? 

Winning multiple Workforce Australia contracts in a previous role was a standout achievement. The sheer amount of time and effort that went into those bids made the success even more rewarding. It was a fantastic team effort and knowing that the contracts would directly support disadvantaged people in finding long-term meaningful employment made it so much more fulfilling. The whole process also meant that my colleagues seemed to have a lot more appreciation for what I do (especially needing information provided in a timely manner!). On a smaller scale, I would say it’s getting that very first government tender across the line for a small business, that has since helped them to double in size and employ more people.  

3) What is one piece of advice you would give to other bid writers? 

ALWAYS do a dummy application first. Unexpected fields and questions have been known to pop up, and this helps avoid any surprises or last-minute panic. Oh, and NEVER presume! 

4) If you could create a bid writer survival kit, what three things would be in it? 

Red wine, white wine, and gin —because sometimes the best way to unwind after a tight deadline is with options! 

5) What’s your most used phrase in bids that you secretly wish you could stop using? 

…directly support disadvantaged people in finding long-term, meaningful employment (see what I did there!).  

6) What’s the most ‘bid-writer’ thing you have done? 

Accidentally miscounting character limits by forgetting to check if spaces were included then having to re-write the whole thing. Rookie error. 

Learn more about Youth Projects.