Storytelling for Grantseekers: A Guide to Creative Nonprofit Fundraising
This second edition of the best-selling bookStorytelling for Grantseekerscontains all the resources and information needed to help craft a persuasive summary, package a compelling narrative story, and create a short story approach to letters of inquiry. Cheryl Clarke walks grantseekers through all the phases of developing an effective proposal and highlights the creative elements that link components to each other and unify the entire proposal. Clarke also stresses the larger grantseeking effort, one that emphasizes preparation, working with the entire development staff and board of directors, and maintaining positive relations with funders. Using this resource, new and seasoned grantseekers will discover how to channel their passion and creativity to tell their organization's tale and create winning proposals.Completely revised and updated, this new edition contains:A collection of new illustrative examplesExercises that incorporate the storytelling approachSuggestions for planning and hosting successful site visitsA helpful example of a full narrative proposalInformation about how the storytelling approach applies to other fundraising communications such as appeal letters and case statementsPraise for the Second Edition ofStorytelling for Grantseekers"Clarke's book is easy to read and follow, and her contention that grantmakers will be persuaded by a compelling story that demonstrates both knowledge of program and need for funding is spot-on."—Catherine Fisher,trustee, The Thomas J. Long Foundation"Cheryl Clarke breaks down the steps of writing a successful grant proposal and makes the entire process as natural as that of sharing the story of all the good work that our organizations do in the world."—Dorotea Reyna,director of development, California Institute of Integral Studies"I recommend her book to all my students."—Vivienne French,parttime faculty, Truckee Meadows Community College, Reno, Nevada"My first edition is worn out from good use."—Jean Therrien,executive director, Neighborhood Family Practice