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 onthe 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

Nine out of ten grant proposals are rejected. "Grant Proposal Makeover" shows how to transform lackluster proposals into excellent ones-that have the potential to be funded. This book stands out from other traditional grantwriting books because it illustrates common flaws and problems in proposals and shows exactly how to fix them. It also includes helpful tips and quotes from foundation program officers and funding community insiders taken from an international survey of foundation professionals.

Excerpt Chapter 3 {Collapsing World} I lay in my bed my eyes beaming at the wall in front of me, did I dare close my eyes. Did I dare face that world again? My hands were shaking, my nerves were wild and I could barely hold back my tears. Why was I so scared? The world feels like home to me and I somehow feel like it's where I belong, but I knew, I knew if I went back there that horrible feeling would return. Just bear with it for today it will have stopped by tonight. I didn't know what he meant, did he mean that the dream would stop? Or did he mean that feeling I have would bear fruit, and whatever has been watching me would emerge? I was too scared to think straight, I didn't want either to happen, I strangely like that place I don't want to abandon it, but I also don't want to face it either, not while this horrible feeling still lingers. My conflicted emotions were sending me crazy I knew I needed to sleep at some point, I curled up into a ball, shaking, my heart trying to jump out of my chest. As I took one last deep breath of reality I closed my eyes and waited to see what fate had in store for me.