Winning Grants Step by Step E-Book

Lynn Jenkins English

• Herausgeber: John Wiley & Sons
• Kategorie: Fachliteratur
• Serie: The Jossey-Bass Nonprofit Guidebook Series
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 218

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2025

Beschreibung

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.

Leseprobe

Table of Contents

Cover

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright

Winning Grants Step by Step, Sixth Edition Testimonials

How to Use This Workbook

WINNING GRANTSSTEP

by

 STEP

Introduction An Overview of the Grantseeking Process

Sources of Grant Revenue

Types of Grants

Prospect Research

Grantwriting Readiness

Important Staff in the Grantwriting Process

Cultivate Funder Relationships

A Word About Donor‐Advised Funds (DAFs)

The Proposal Process

Types of Proposals

Tips for Writing Proposals

How to Use AI for Grantwriting

Practical Guidelines for Using AI

Step 1: Develop a Proposal Idea That Serves Your Mission

Public Funders

Proposal Development Review Questions

Step 2: Write a Compelling Statement of Need

Purpose of the Statement of Need

Content of the Statement of Need

Tips for Writing the Statement of Need

Statement of Need Review Questions

Step 3: Define Clear Goals, Objectives, and Strategies

Purpose of the Goals and Objectives Components: The “So What?” Factor

Definition of Goals and Objectives

Outcome‐Focused Objectives

Public Funding: Goals and Objectives

Tips for Writing Good Goals and Objectives

Goals and Objectives Review Questions

Develop the Strategies

Purpose of the Strategies Component

Content of the Strategies Component

Tips for Writing the Strategies Component

Open Option: Strategies

Step 4: Prepare the Evaluation Component

Purpose of the Evaluation Component

Why Evaluations Matter

Internal or External Evaluation

Content of the Evaluation Component

Data Collection

Sample Evaluation Component

Public Funding: Evaluation

Evaluation Review Questions

Step 5: Write the Organizational Background Statement

Purpose of the Organizational Background Statement

Content of the Organizational Background Component

Tips for Writing the Organizational Background Component

Organizational Background Review Questions

Step 6: Develop a Statement of Sustainability

Content of the Sustainability Statement

Tips for Writing the Sustainability Component

Public Funding

Sustainability Review Questions

Step 7: Develop the Proposal Budget

General Budget Overview

Basics of a GS Budget

Public Funding Budgets

The Budget: Final Thoughts

Program Budget Dos and Don'ts

Budget Review Questions

Step 8: Write the Proposal Summary

Purpose and Content of the Summary

Tips for Writing the Summary

Public Funding: Proposal Summary

Summary Review Questions

Step 9: Submit the Application

Purpose and Content of the Cover Email or Letter

Purpose and Content of the Appendixes or Attachments

Online Portal Submissions

Emailing the Proposal

Paper Proposal Submissions

Resource A—Sample Proposal

Introduction

Executive Summary

Statement of Need

Goals and Objectives

Strategies

Evaluation

Organizational Background

Sustainability

Budget

Conclusion

Open Options Fiscal Year 2026 Operating Budget

Resource B—How to Research Funders

AI Tools for Prospecting and Other Tasks

Resource C—Resources for Grantseekers

Resources for Grantseekers

Prospect Research Tools

Board Resources

Other Resources

Research and Data Resources

Government Grant Opportunities

Budget Information

Resource D—Sample Cultivation Calendar

Sample Annual Cultivation Calendar

List of Figures, Samples, and Worksheets

Acknowledgments

About the Authors

Index

End User License Agreement

Guide

Cover Page

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright

Winning Grants Step by Step, Sixth Edition Testimonials

How to Use This Workbook

WINNING GRANTSSTEP by  STEP

Introduction An Overview of the Grantseeking Process

Begin Reading

Resource A—Sample Proposal

Resource B—How to Research Funders

Resource C—Resources for Grantseekers

Resource D—Sample Cultivation Calendar

List of Figures, Samples, and Worksheets

Acknowledgments

About the Authors

Index

End User License Agreement

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“As a nonprofit administrator who has worn many hats, from program manager to development director to finance controller, I have developed numerous federal and foundation grant proposals, returning again and again to this guide for inspiration and clarification. Winning Grants Step by Step is a must‐have for any new or seasoned grantwriter!”

—Julie Christine Johnson Finance Controller, Habitat for Humanity of East Jefferson County (WA), and Former Director of Operations, Copper Canyon Press

“Winning Grants Step by Step is an essential guide for both new and experienced grantwriters. This book breaks down the complex process into clear, actionable steps that demystify grant proposal writing, from research to submission. Each edition of Winning Grants Step by Step improves on the last, addressing current fundraising trends and realities with practical, real‐world insights.“

—Patricia S. Sinay Former Commissioner, California Citizens Redistricting Commission

“For good grantwriting as well as strategic guidance on cultivating, soliciting, stewarding institutional support, Winning Grants is a go‐to tool for nonprofit organizations and advancement companies large and small. This is truly a must‐have resource for any serious professional in the business of fundraising!”

—John Jackson John R. Jackson Consulting

“The demands on nonprofit organizations continue to dynamically expand in an ever‐evolving world. Winning Grants Step by Step: The Complete Workbook for Planning, Developing, and Writing Successful Proposals lightens the load for sector leaders by offering up‐to‐date information and relevant insights, enabling them to focus on what they need to know and do today to win the grants that help them improve their communities and solve challenging problems.”

—Maria Dautruche Founder and Principal, the dopwell group LLC

NONPROFIT GUIDEBOOK SERIES

WINNING GRANTS STEP by STEP

SIXTH EDITION

The Complete Workbook for Planning, Developing, and Writing Successful Proposals

LYNN ENGLISH

TORI O'NEAL

LYNN KANTER

Copyright © 2025 by JB‐Jossey‐Bass. All rights reserved, including rights for text and data mining and training of artificial intelligence technologies or similar technologies.

Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey.

Published simultaneously in Canada.

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ISBN: 9781394321612 (Paperback)

ISBN: 9781394321629 (ePub)

ISBN: 9781394321636 (ePDF)

Cover Design: Wiley

Winning Grants Step by Step, Sixth Edition Testimonials

Times have changed, and your writing styles and process must change with it. The authors of Winning Grants Step by Step, Sixth Edition are veterans who can get you up to speed on that winning proposal quickly.

Ayo Atterberry

Chief of Staff

Common Cause

This book is essential to the grantwriting process! Helping grantwriters to understand the process of winning grants while being able to remain true to their mission, goals, and values is at the core of this edition, which includes invaluable information about public funding.

Briana Barrino

LCSW, PPSC School Social Worker

Menifee Union School District

Menifee, California

From its earliest version to the recent one updated for the newest technology, such as AI, Winning Grants Step by Step, Sixth Edition is an indispensable resource to people who are newer to grantwriting. Both the art and science of grantwriting are addressed, including how to analyze grant proposal opportunities and how to put their strongest foot forward.

Kathy Ko Chin

CEO, Jasper Inclusion Advisors LLC

Long‐standing nonprofit executive with more than 40 years of fund development experience

As a nonprofit administrator who has worn many hats, from program manager to development director to finance controller, I have developed numerous federal and foundation grant proposals, returning again and again to this guide for inspiration and clarification. Winning Grants Step by Step, Sixth Edition is a must‐have for any new or seasoned grantwriter!

Julie Christine Johnson

Finance Controller, Habitat for Humanity of East Jefferson County (WA)

Former Director of Operations, Copper Canyon Press

Winning Grants Step by Step, Sixth Edition is an essential guide for both new and experienced grantwriters. This book breaks down the complex process into clear, actionable steps that demystify grant proposal writing, from research to submission. Each edition of the book improves on the last, addressing current fundraising trends and realities with practical, real‐world insights.

Patricia S. Sinay

Former Commissioner

California Citizens Redistricting Commission

For good grantwriting as well as strategic guidance on cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding institutional support, Winning Grants Step by Step, Sixth Edition is a go‐to tool for nonprofit organizations and advancement companies large and small. This is truly a must‐have resource for any serious professional in the business of fundraising!

John Jackson

John R. Jackson Consulting

The demands on nonprofit organizations continue to dynamically expand in an ever‐evolving world. Winning Grants Step by Step, Sixth Edition lightens the load for sector leaders by offering up‐to‐date information and relevant insights, enabling them to focus on what they need to know and do today to win the grants that help them improve their communities and solve challenging problems.

Maria Dautruche

Founder and Principal

the dopwell group LLC

How to Use This Workbook

WINNING GRANTS STEP BY STEP, Sixth Edition is a practical, step‐by‐step workbook that outlines the grantwriting process from start to finish. In it, grantseekers of all levels and in various issue areas will discover – or rediscover – the importance of conducting research on the front end, following the directions provided by each prospective funder, building relationships, and completing solid program planning as the steps to winning grants. Implementing the strategies as outlined, grantseekers will significantly increase their ability to present their organization's programs and general operating needs in compelling proposals worthy of funder consideration. Building upon the previous editions with updated processes and context, this sixth edition is the refined, updated blueprint to creating winning grants.

In this workbook, readers will be guided through every important step of proposal development to take an idea or concept from its inception to a fully fleshed‐out proposal. The book includes the following:

Real‐life examples, material samples, and worksheets specific to each step to support grantseekers as they create their proposals

Guidelines, suggestions, guiding questions, and exercises specific to each step prepare grantseekers to tackle proposal development for various organizations in the nonprofit arena

“Reality Checks” and “Helpful Hints” that offer focused guidance

Definitions that help demystify nonprofit terms that may not be familiar to the reader

Information on strategies and guidance specific to public funding, which differs greatly in many ways from foundation grants

This workbook has a companion website, www.wiley.com/go/winninggrants6e, that contains all the worksheets found at the end of chapters. The worksheets aid in developing proposals that meet the requirements of funding institutions of various types – community, corporate, family, and private.

Winning Grants Step by Step, Sixth Edition is crafted with four kinds of individuals in mind:

Entry‐level grantwriters

Other organizational staff and volunteers with limited knowledge and/or experience with grantwriting

People with some experience who are seeking a refresher in “Grantwriting 101”

People interested in pursuing public funding grants who want to understand the process

Grantwriting basics are applicable to all types of grant processes; however, this workbook's primary focus is on three areas: foundation grants, corporate grants, and public funding basics.

Winning Grants Step by Step, Sixth Edition is direct in its focus: grant proposals must articulate a well‐thought‐out, well‐crafted program that both inspires confidence in the nonprofit's ability to achieve its stated goals and fits within the priorities of the grantmakers who will receive it for funding consideration. Funders seek strategic charitable investments with their limited grant resources, and they want to see a direct connection between the organization and its ability to meet community needs. Additionally, they need to clearly understand how organizations plan to track, measure, and report on their success.

Most organizations addressing community needs have good ideas. The key to winning grants is to match those good ideas, along with a thoughtful programmatic plan complete with goals and objectives, with funders interested in the same ideas, communities, goals, and outcomes.

Step 1

of this workbook walks grantseekers through how to

develop a proposal idea

that represents the organization's mission.

Step 2

provides guidance on ways to write a compelling

statement of need

.

Step 3

helps readers define

clear goals, objectives, and strategies

specific to the program to which the organization is seeking funding.

Step 4

assists grantseekers to craft the

evaluation component

.

Step 5

walks through how to articulate the

organization's capacity

.

Step 6

guides the reader to craft a

statement of sustainability

, which is required in nearly all requests for funding.

Step 7

dives deeply into the development of the

proposal budget

.

Step 8

provides solid guidance on how to create a compelling

executive summary

of the proposal.

Step 9

examines the various

ways to submit proposals

, based on the guidelines of each potential funder.

One of the features of Winning Grants Step by Step, Sixth Edition is the sample proposal (see Resource A), which includes examples of each of the components described in the steps. Excerpts from the sample proposal are incorporated into each chapter to highlight the purpose of each step. The sample proposal focuses on the work of the Open Options organization, whose mission is to provide adult education and career training to adult learners from Naylor's south side so they can build the economic future they want for themselves and their families. The city is fictitious and so is the organization, which is loosely based on a similar program targeting adult literacy.

It is important to emphasize that the most effective way to use Winning Grants Step by Step, Sixth Edition is to go through it step‐by‐step, crafting a grant proposal along the way and using the worksheets as a guide. This workbook is unique in that it is structured to follow a process typically used when preparing a grant proposal.

There is no secret or shortcut to navigating the grantseeking process and winning grants. This includes artificial intelligence (AI) tools, which are just that: helpful tools. Grantseekers should not, under any circumstances, rely solely on an AI tool to write grant proposals. Instead, embrace the notion that it is all about implementing a process that has solid planning, clear writing, strong research, and an approach that is tailored to the funder with whom the reader has developed a good relationship.

WINNING GRANTSSTEP by  STEP

Introduction An Overview of the Grantseeking Process

GRANTWRITING IS AN ESSENTIAL TOOL FOR nonprofit organizations. Being able to share your organization's history, mission, programs, and overall story in a way that inspires potential funders takes skill, practice, and dedication. But the proposal is part of a much bigger philanthropic ecosystem and process, which it is helpful to understand. There are also a number of technological advances – including artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced donor prospecting tools – that can help with the grantseeking and grantwriting process. In this introduction, we will review many of these concepts to prepare you for the road ahead.

Sources of Grant Revenue

According to Giving USA (https://givingusa.org/), in 2023 U.S. charitable giving totaled $557.16 billion. That year, the primary sources of philanthropic funding included the following:

Individuals:

By far the largest source of philanthropic giving, individuals contributed approximately 67% of total charitable donations, amounting to $374.4 billion in 2023, an increase of 1.6% from the previous year.

Foundations:

Foundation giving represents a significant portion of philanthropy, contributing $103.53 billion in 2023, which is 19% of total charitable giving. Foundation giving increased by 1.7% from the previous year.

Corporations:

Corporate philanthropy contributed $36.55 billion, representing around 7% of total giving. Corporate giving increased by 3% in 2023.

Bequests:

Giving through bequests (planned giving) amounted to $42.68 billion in 2028, contributing about 8% of the total charitable giving. Bequests saw a 4.8% increase compared to the previous year.

Donor‐advised funds (DAFs):

Another growing source is donor‐advised funds, which have seen significant growth, with grants increasing by 9% in 2023. These funds allow donors to make charitable contributions and receive an immediate tax benefit while recommending grants from the fund over time.

Types of Grants

Grants typically fall into one of the following categories, which can help meet a range of financial and programmatic needs that organizations face. Grant categories include the following:

Operating (general support, general operating support, or unrestricted income):

This funding allows maximum flexibility and can generally be used wherever the organization deems it most needed. This means it can be used for programmatic purposes, or to pay rent, utilities, and other costs of operating a nonprofit organization, unless otherwise noted by the grant agreement. This funding is not restricted to a specific program or service.

Program (temporarily restricted income):

Program or special project funding is often of primary interest to grantmakers who want to ensure that their funding supports specific areas aligned with their mission and/or want to understand the impact within a distinct program. This type of funding can be used by organizations to start a new program, continue operating a program, expand an existing program, or launch a time‐limited project.

Capacity building:

This funding is used for a targeted effort to increase an organization's capacity to better support its work. Some foundations are willing to invest in building an organization's capacity when said organization demonstrates its value. This time‐limited, restricted funding supports things like a website rebuild, fundraising capacity expansion, or strategic planning, as some examples.

Capital or equipment:

Funds for capital support are often raised through a targeted fundraising drive known as a

capital campaign

or through seeking special equipment grants. These intensive efforts – designed to generate a specified amount of funds within a specified time period for construction, remodeling and renovation, building expansion, or the purchase of land or equipment – typically involve large‐scale individual major gift solicitations, followed by substantial support from foundations and corporations.

Research:

These funds are awarded to institutions to cover costs of investigation and clinical trials. Research grants for individuals are usually referred to as

fellowships

.

Program‐related investments (PRIs):

These funds are provided by a foundation or other organization to support a charitable project or initiative, which is expected to yield both social benefits and a possible financial return. They can take various forms, such as loans, equity investments, or guarantees, and are often used to support projects like affordable housing, social enterprises, or community development.

Definitions

Earned income is money received by an organization in return for the sale of a product or rendered service.

Capacity building is the development of an organization's core skills and capabilities, such as leadership, management, finance and fundraising, programs, and evaluation, to build the organization's effectiveness and sustainability.

Prospect Research

Now it's time to look for prospective funders who are aligned with your organization's mission, programmatic approach, geographic location, and other criteria. There are multiple ways to identify and research prospective funders. Resource B at the end of the book and on the Winning Grants Step by Step, Sixth Edition website provides detailed information and tips on how to conduct prospect research to identify possible funders. These are some of the approaches available to grantseekers:

Free online resources such as grant alerts from a city or state office that compiles open grant opportunities

Paid online subscription services such as Candid's foundation directory and instrument

Researching the funders of peer organizations, which may be available in their annual report, IRS Form 990, or GuideStar profile

Professional prospect researchers who can provide detailed profiles of potential funders

Free community‐based research centers and libraries

Industry publications (such as

The Chronicle of Philanthropy

,

Inside Philanthropy

, and others)

Helpful Hint

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

There are many AI tools that can aid in the prospect research process, and new ones are coming on the market every day. Grantseekers can use AI tools to automate the identification of potential funders, scan databases, analyze giving patterns, and match grant opportunities with a nonprofit's mission and goals. In short, when it comes to prospecting, AI can boost the following:

Efficiency:

AI dramatically reduces the time spent on manual research by automating the discovery of grant opportunities.

Accuracy:

AI tools use large datasets and predictive analytics to ensure organizations are targeting the most relevant funders.

Personalization:

These tools can match funding opportunities based on specific criteria, making it easier to find grants that align with a nonprofit.

Be sure to read the following AI guidelines. Also, Resource B provides a list of AI tools for prospect research.

Once you have identified a prospective funder, you (and your AI tools) will want to gather as much information as possible about the grantmaker's funding interests, grantmaking process, board and staff members, and other details that will help you develop the right approach. A grantmaker's website is the first place to start – many, but not all, websites contain direct links to grant guidelines, supporting materials, lists of past grantees, funding restrictions, application deadlines, and the preferred method of approach. Foundations, like all 501(c)(3) organizations, are required by law to provide access to their Internal Revenue Service Form 990, which is their annual tax return. Many may have a link to this document on their websites, or the 990s can be located by visiting GuideStar (www.guidestar.org) or Candid (www.candid.org).

Some funders may require additional sleuthing on the part of the grantseeker to glean whether there is truly a match. Foundations that have small or part‐time staffs, or those that give only to preselected organizations, tend to have less information available online.

Another helpful step before making an initial approach to a funder is to speak with other grantees about their experience in developing a relationship with the funder. Finally, you will want to look for any existing relationships between your organization and the funder: Does a member of your board know anyone on the board or staff of the funder? Does it make sense for the board member to make an introduction? Did the funder provide support to the organization in the past? If so, for what program?