A simple proposal should be a two to five page overview of your research divided under the following headings:

• Title and topic
• Research questions you plan to investigate in the context of existing research/literature in the area
• Significance and impact of the research
• Methodology/research tasks required to undertake the research
• Any particular needs, if applicable (e.g. resources, facilities, fieldwork or equipment that are necessary for your proposed research program).

 
A good way to start your proposal is to think about your potential audience.

• Who is your academic audience and how might this work affect their understanding of the field?
• Is there an audience beyond academics, such as practitioners or the general public, who might care about your work? Why should they care?