Storytelling for Grantseekers: A Guide to Creative Nonprofit Fundraising

By Cheryl A. Clarke

Book Overview

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

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0470381221
• ISBN13: 9780470381229
• Release Date: January 2009
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.88 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.9" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

A Innovative Approach to Grant Writing

Cheryl Clark inspires the potential grant seeker with a thoughtful and innovative process for fundraising. A fundraising consultant, trainer and short story author, Clark argues persuasively that fundraising -- and specifically proposal writing -- should incorporate the techniques of storytelling. A story sets a scene, has characters, and builds tension. A good proposal does the same. Most people recognize a great story. Grant makers are not unique. By crafting your proposal as an opportunity to tell your story, the process becomes more enjoyable for both the writer and the reader. By allowing your passion to pervade the proposal's prose, becomes more enjoyable for the reader. It becomes more likely to be funded. Story telling is powerful. Grant seekers need every edge. Cheryl Clarke does both grant writers and grant makers a favor by sharing the power of this age-old technique with them in this well-written and effective book.

Superb Proposal Writing Resource Takes You Beyond Traditional ...

Most grantwriting books cover the basics which, if you know how to read and apply grant application guidelines, you already have down. Imagine yourself, for a moment, on the other side of the table, sifting through tens of hundreds of grant proposals to determine which ones your foundation will fund - and every proposal as tedious as the last. BUT, if you want to craft truly compelling FUNDED proposals that ENGAGE the reader, "Storytelling for Grantseekers: The Guide to Creative Nonprofit Fundraising" is a mighty fine start. In an enjoyable read, author Clarke shows the reader how to bring passion to their writing - an often missing, yet crucial element to the most successful writers. Highly recommended!

The BEST BOOK on Grantwriting!!!!

I've been involved with fundraising for over 25 years (fromthe Museum of Fine Arts, Boston to the Bermuda BiologicalStationfor Research in Bermuda) and this is, without a doubt THEBEST BOOK on nonprofit grantwriting I have ever had thepleasureof reading! It has everything - it's intelligently writtenwith clear concise, step by step directions on how to bringpassion,creativity and success to any fundraising/grantwriting effort! It is"short" - just a little over 100 pages - so it can be read,digested and put touse by everyone - from the director on down to volunteersand staff. It's entertaining, practical and, I would think,an absolutemust for anyone involved in raising money. They say everyoneloves a good story - well I not only love a good story, BUTalso- a great book on how to effectively and enjoyably write grants that will bring in the funds! Bravo Cheryl Clarke!

Great assistance!

An approach to grantseeking that can lead anyone with a good idea through the often complex process of putting a grant together. Storytelling is an innovative approach sure to achieve results!

Lucky prospective grantors!

Grantors will have some really interesting proposals to consider from grant writers whose skills will be enhanced by Cheryl Clarke's terrific book.Storytelling for Grantseekers breathes new life and humor into the grant writing [now storytelling] process.This creative guide shows clearly how best to articulate a nonprofit case and engage a grantor, by telling a unique story with examples. And -- it's fun to read!