Change management proposal: Free template

Customize this free change management proposal with Cobrief

Open this free change management proposal in Cobrief and start editing it instantly using AI. You can adjust the tone, structure, and content based on your offer, the client’s goals, and the nature of the change they’re implementing. You can also use AI to review your draft — spot gaps, tighten language, and improve clarity before sending.

Once you're done, send, download, or save the proposal in one click — no formatting or setup required.

This template is fully customizable and built for real-world use — ideal for pitching organizational change support, transformation programs, or team alignment initiatives. Whether you’re creating proposals regularly or occasionally, this version gives you a structured head start and removes the guesswork.

What is a change management proposal?

A change management proposal is a document used to outline a structured plan for supporting an organization through a significant transition — such as a merger, restructuring, new system rollout, or cultural shift. It defines your approach to preparing, guiding, and equipping teams to adopt change successfully.

Typically delivered after initial consultation or project scoping, this proposal helps align leadership on goals, timelines, messaging, and support structures.

A strong change management proposal helps you:

• Define the change context and what’s at stake.
• Communicate your process for building clarity, buy-in, and momentum.
• Set expectations around communication, training, and stakeholder engagement.
• Move the client toward a confident, supported rollout.

Use this proposal when you want to help a business manage change thoughtfully and reduce risk during transition.

Why use Cobrief to edit your proposal

Cobrief gives you a faster, smarter way to customize and polish your proposal directly in your browser — with built-in AI to support your writing.

• Edit the proposal directly in your browser: No setup or formatting required — just click and start working.
• Rewrite sections with AI: Highlight any sentence and choose from smart rewrite options like simplify, rephrase, or change tone.
• Run a one-click AI review: Get actionable suggestions to improve flow, fix vague language, or fill in missing detail.
• Apply AI suggestions instantly: Review and accept individual AI suggestions, or apply all improvements across the proposal in one click.
• Share or export instantly: Send your proposal via Cobrief or download a clean PDF or DOCX file — ready to share with clients.

No formatting headaches, no guessing — just a clean, guided experience from start to finish.

When to use this proposal

This change management proposal works well in scenarios like:

• Rolling out a new operating model, org structure, or leadership team.
• Implementing a new technology, process, or system company-wide.
• Guiding teams through a merger, acquisition, or rebrand.
• Supporting employees during periods of high uncertainty or transformation.
• Aligning departments or regions around a unified way of working.

Use this proposal when you want to support clients with the structure, clarity, and empathy needed to lead real change.

What to include in a change management proposal

Each section in this template helps you communicate your offer clearly and professionally. Here's what to include — and how to tailor it:

• Executive summary: Clearly describe what change is happening and why the organization needs support.
• Change objectives: Define what successful adoption looks like — behavior shifts, system usage, team alignment, etc.
• Methodology and approach: Explain how you’ll guide the transition — communications, stakeholder mapping, training, feedback loops.
• Timeline and phases: Outline the process (e.g., assess → plan → activate → sustain) with realistic timeframes.
• Pricing: Break down your fees by phase or deliverable, including what's covered (e.g., workshops, toolkits, coaching).
• Terms and conditions: Set expectations around scope changes, confidentiality, and collaboration.
• Next steps: Provide one clear call to action to begin — e.g., scheduling a kickoff or confirming the scope.

How to write an effective change management proposal

This proposal should feel calm, credible, and focused on clarity. Use these tips to write more effectively:

• Start with what’s changing: Anchor the proposal in the real-world transition the client is navigating.
• Avoid vague language: Be clear about deliverables — timelines, workshops, comms plans, etc.
• Emphasize outcomes: Show how your work supports employee buy-in, adoption, and long-term success.
• Use structured phases: Organize the process into predictable, manageable steps.
• Speak to risk mitigation: Highlight how you’ll help the organization avoid confusion, resistance, or burnout.
• Close with a confident next step: End with a clear CTA — don’t leave them unsure about what to do next.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)