Storytelling for Grantseekers: A Guide to Creative Nonprofit Fundraising

by Cheryl A. Clarke

Grantwriters often have little or no training in the practical task of grantseeking. Many feel intimidated by the act of writing, and some don't enjoy writing. In "Storytelling for Grantseekers," Second Edition, Cheryl Clarke presents an organic approach to grantseeking, one that views the process through the lens of the pleasures and rewards of crafting a good story. Grantseekers who approach the process as one in which they are connecting with an audience (grantmakers) and writing a narrative (complete with settings, characters, antagonists and resolutions) find greater success with funders. The writing process becomes a rewarding way to tell the organization's tale, rather than a chore, and their passion and creativity lead to winning proposals. This book walks readers through all the main phases of the proposal, highlighting the creative elements that link components to each other and unify the entire proposal. The book contains resources on crafting an effective synopsis, overcoming grantwriter's block, packaging the story, and the best ways to approach the "short stories" (inquiry and cover letters) that support the larger proposal.

Clarke also stresses the need to see proposal-writing as part of a larger grantseeking effort, one that emphasizes preparation, working with the entire development staff, and maintaining good relations with funders. In Storytelling for Grantseekers, new and experienced grantseekers alike will discover how to write and support successful proposals with humor and passion.

New edition features: Overall updates as well as both refreshed and new examples Workshop exercises for using the storytelling approach New chapters on the application of the storytelling method to other fundraising communications like appeal letters and case statements, as well as the importance of site visits Example of a full narrative proposal

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference, School, Writing, Grad School, Professional Development, Business

224 pages, Paperback

First published November 15, 2001

Reviews

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book quickly, if only because I had decided by the first chapter that I should purchase it to have for reference. I write grant proposals as a volunteer open space advocate, and it was heartening to see what I've picked up over time laid out and expanded upon in easy to understand segments. Matching the funder's programs, making a compelling statement for the 'hero' you are writing for- down to good suggestions for budget sections and effective cover letters and program summaries. It was apparent that the author truly has a passion for what she is writing about, and it has the very welcome effect of gearing you up for your own project. If you need one good book as guidance for grant writing, I'd say pick this one.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book could be useful for beginners. I've been writing grants for various organizations for a few years now. I'll just note here a few take-aways. I liked the framework of storytelling, like the main characters in your story are your your agency's clients and you write about their needs (not the needs of the agency)--which is also like keeping things framed in the agency's mission. Your agency, supported by donors, is the protagonist or even hero--but not a superhero (keep it realistic). The book touched on technology but felt kind of out-dated. For instance, with phone cameras now it's hardly surprising or amazing that someone might photograph a donor wall (but in her example the effort required a whole roll of film). I did like the tip to forego boring headings whenever possible--instead of programs and services for example, craft a news headline type heading for each section. The reader could get a good idea of what your agency does and how it would apply a grant just by reading those headline-type section titles.

[J · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this book for my Fundraising for Nonprofits class and I found it to be a struggle getting through. I don't believe that written grants form nonprofits need to read like a Harry Potter book; I find that writing with this lens is ineffective. I thought the book could have easily been shortened to a long article published somewhere and I thought the chapters read out of order.

[Frieda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is excellent for grantwriters at all levels. I like the way the author outlines each section of the grant proposal and what should and shouldn't be included in each. When asking for funding, the best way to do this is through telling the story behind the need for funding. People can relate to this so much better than simply stating data and figures.

[Danielle May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for grant writers!

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Purchased for a class I too. Was helpful!

[Kyle]

Book for Masters in Public Administration class. Book was an easy enough read, seemed to suggest grant writing is more of an art than a science which is hard to convey in a textbook.

[Piper Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read for anyone who is new to grant writing and wanting to know their “why” behind the details of a grant proposal!

[Khiva Cheleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Informative

Comprehensible with great examples to help you along the way. Information can be used in areas other than grantwriting. I strongly recommend this book.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic resource and introduction to grant proposal writing that makes it less daunting and more familiar, filled with examples. My one criticism is that said examples do not come from a varied enough collection of nonprofits. Most of the programs involve education, recreation, seniors and the environment. There is nothing here for those working in mental health/trauma/addictions. Perhaps this could be improved in the next edition? Such proposals require a different sort of finesse.

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative and presented in an easy-to-read format. This is a must-read for novice grant writers. The author clearly explains the vital parts to include in the grant proposal as well as most other accompanying documents, using familiar writing methods and examples from popular works (Harry Potter, anyone?) to help cement the ideas. Throughout are real-world examples illustrating her points from a variety of grant seeking organizations.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though assigned to read this book in a week, it was a quick and straightforward read. Several of Ms. Clarke's ideas piggy-backed well with an SAA Grant Writing Seminar I took in October. I also found the suggestions as to how to think about the grant writing process very beneficial. I think this book addresses the grant application from an outcomes based approach, which helps the grant writer think about the grant reviewer throughout the entire application process.

[Elisabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

For an introductory level, this book worked well to assist me in writing a grant proposal. You still need extra resources for editing. There are no gritty details about tone and word choice. If this is your first exposure, or if grantwriting is something you find difficult to wrap your head around, then this could help give you some mental structure for how to plan out the flow of your documents. The story format is a bit cheesy but it does help. Don't forget the hourglass method of writing.

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very clear, readable, and useful. Would recommend to everyone involved in nonprofit and/or activist work.

[Michele Beacham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good resource for proposal writing, if you find yourself in need of such a thing.

[Dottie Fromal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of good, practical advice on how to write effective grant proposals.