Winning Grants Step by Step

The gold standard “how-to” manual for writing a winning grant application or proposal, thoroughly updated and revised In the newly revised sixth edition of Winning Grants Step by Step: The Complete Workbook for Planning, Developing and Writing Successful Proposals, a team of veteran nonprofit leaders delivers the most up-to-date and straightforward version of this book yet. This easy-to-read manual enables individuals and organizations alike to combine concepts and research into a strong, effective proposal. The latest edition explores some of the most relevant developments that have occurred over the last five years, including: New information and strategies for prospect research, including state-of-the art databases and AI-enabled research and prospecting How to use AI for research and writing in a ways that are ethical, transparent, strategic, and efficient Updated resources and information for electronically submitted grants Updated guidelines and tips for federal, state, and local government grants in the US New information about the increasing popularity of Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) Updated discussions about mega-donors (like Mackenzie Scott and Melinda Gates) and how they give Perfect for nonprofit executives, professionals, fundraisers, grant and proposal writers, and other stakeholders, Winning Grants Step-by-Step is the most clear-cut and simplified “how-to” guide to writing a winning proposal that incorporates the latest changes in the philanthropic sector and nonprofit community.

How to Use This Workbook xi Introduction: An Overview of the Grantseeking Process 1 Step 1 Develop a Proposal Idea That Serves Your Mission 21 Step 2 Write a Compelling Statement of Need 29 Step 3 Define Clear Goals, Objectives, and Strategies 39 Step 4 Prepare the Evaluation Component 57 Step 5 Write the Organizational Background Statement 69 Step 6 Develop a Statement of Sustainability 79 Step 7 Develop the Proposal Budget 85 Step 8 Write the Proposal Summary 101 Step 9 Submit the Application 107 Resources A. Sample Proposal 115 B. How to Research Funders 125 C. Resources for Grantseekers 131 D. Sample Cultivation Calendar 133 List of Figures, Samples, and Worksheets 139 Acknowledgments 141 About the Authors 143 Index 145