Build the Org · 08 — Funding Engine
I have helped win major state grants, and the lesson is always the same: the money follows the system. A grant calendar, a case for support every ask draws from, and a board that's comfortable asking. These are the books that build each piece.
Founders writing their first proposals, development staff of one, and board members who would rather do anything than ask for money.
Writers: start with Storytelling for Grantseekers. Boards: start with Asking. Everyone: build the calendar before the next deadline surprises you.
Book · Paperback
Ellen Karsh & Arlen Sue Fox
Best for: Learning the full proposal process
A thorough, widely used walk-through of writing proposals, with insight from grant makers on what they actually look for. A strong single reference if you buy only one.
Book · Paperback
Cheryl A. Clarke
Best for: Making proposals readable and human
Treats a proposal like a story with characters, a setting, and a resolution. Reviewers read stacks of these; a narrative with a pulse is how yours gets remembered.
Workbook · Paperback
Lynn Jenkins English, Tori O'Neal-McElrath & Lynn Kanter
Best for: Working through a proposal with exercises
A workbook from the Jossey-Bass nonprofit series that takes you from planning to submission, section by section. Good for teams writing together.
Book · Paperback
Beverly A. Browning
Best for: Beginners who need the basics fast
Covers finding funders, the parts of a proposal, budgets, and federal versus foundation grants in plain language. A dependable first reference.
Book · Paperback
Jerold Panas
Best for: Board members afraid to ask
A 59-minute guide to everything board members, volunteers, and staff must know to secure the gift. Short on purpose, so the people who most need it actually finish it.
Book · Paperback
Jerold Panas
Best for: Building a board that raises money
Another 59-minute guide from Panas, focused on the habits that separate boards that fund the mission from boards that watch it. Pairs with Asking.
Book
Jennifer McCrea & Jeffrey C. Walker
Best for: Relationship-based fundraising
Reframes fundraising as building genuine partnerships instead of transactions. For leaders who want donors to become co-builders.
Grant Writing For Dummies for the basics; The Only Grant-Writing Book You'll Ever Need if you want one thorough reference.
Start small and short. Panas's 59-minute guides are designed to be read before a board meeting, not instead of one.
Building an organization? Score it against all 28 items on THE BUILD LIST™. Read how I choose what goes on the shelf.
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