Know Your Audience: The Power of Storytelling in Grant Proposals

Friends, I can’t tell you how timely it was for me to be invited to participate in the recent Federal grant review with the Office of Minority Health (OMH)! Based on many, if not most, (well, like at least half) of the grant proposals that I read, only reaffirmed the need for me to offer my master class next month! Learn more here.

Grant writing, it’s a competitive world! Securing funding can often feel like an uphill battle. My recent grant review

experience, I read (most times struggled through) hundreds of pages from the nine (9) proposals assigned to my grant review panel, out of the 3,000+ applications that OMH screened for eligibility in response to the funding opportunity. It is estimated that up to 14 will be funded.

I want to share what I’ve learned about my grant review experience and use it as a teaching

tool. Communities across the country are serving the underserved, in rural and urban

settings, by the nonprofit sector. Through building strategic alliances and networking with key partners, thousands of nonprofits of all sizes, are finding creative ways to deal with the

devasting consequences of health, educational, and socioeconomic disparities that continue to plague our communities - sometimes defined by neighborhoods or zip codes nestled among urban sprawls. While robust data, well-defined objectives, and clear strategies are essential and typically required components of a successful grant proposal, there is another, often overlooked, element that can make all the difference: storytelling.

During my August master class - Beyond Writing: Tools & Strategies for Winning Grants, I will offer some personal insights and realities from my grant review experience (as only I can do for those who know me); and provide strategies for what it takes to not only write a grant, but to win one! One critical strategy that I will cover is how to craft your story using a simple storytelling structure to follow for most of your grant proposal submissions. The key is to craft a compelling narrative that tells your story that can transform your proposal from a mere, just ONE MORE document! More pages of data that as a grant reviewer like I was, must painstakingly read, especially if it is the last one in the stack! How can you craft your own unique narrative into a persuasive and engaging appeal?

As I’m writing this post, I am reflecting on the maybe three or so out of the nine that

presented a compelling backdrop to support their request. Incorporating storytelling into your grant proposal is not just about adding a personal touch; it’s a strategic move that can

significantly enhance your chances of success. A well-crafted story connects with the grant

reviewer on a human level, makes your project stand out, and clearly communicates the

importance and impact of your work. By sharing your journey, passion, and vision through

storytelling, you transform your proposal into a powerful tool for securing the funding you

need to make a difference.

Tip # 3 of 3. Know Your Audience. Learn to Tailor Your Proposals to Each Funder’s Interest.

When applying for grants or seeking donations, resist the temptation to use a one-size-

fits-all approach. Instead, tailor your proposals to each funder's specific interests and

requirements. Understanding who will read your proposal is the first step in crafting your

story. Different funders have different priorities and values. Research your potential funders to understand their interests, mission, and goals. Check out Big Mama’s Playbook for grants!

YOUR STORY MATTERS. Tailor your story to align with what matters to them,

demonstrating how your project fits into their broader objectives. Show how your proposed

project aligns with the funder's priorities; why you are the right “fit”.

In conclusion, by understanding your mission, researching funding opportunities, telling

compelling stories that tailor your proposal, you can effectively raise the resources needed to support your organization's mission and make a positive impact in your community. Next week, I will share reasons WHY it is important to tell your own story in grant writing!

Weekly wisdom, in their own words:

“Freedom makes a huge requirement of every human being. With freedom comes responsibility. For the person who is unwilling to grow up, the person who does not want to carry his own weight, this is a frightening prospect....”

— Eleanor Roosevelt (October 11, 1884 - November 7, 1962)