The Foundation Center's Guide to Proposal Writing

by Jane C. Geever

The newest edition of our most popular Guide, with grantmaker perspectives on the latest trends in reviewing proposals.

In the fifth edition of our essential Guide, author Jane Geever provides detailed instructions on preparing successful grant proposals. Incorporating the results of 40 interviews with grantmakers across the nation, the Guide reveals their priorities in reviewing submissions and provides insight into what makes a winning proposal.

The Guide outlines the entire proposal-writing
* Pre-Proposal Planning Tips
* Components of the Proposal
* Guidance from Grantmakers

To illustrate key points, excerpts from successful grant proposals are inserted throughout the Guide. And a complete model proposal is included in the appendix. An updated bibliography features selected resources on proposal development, including web and print sources. A new chapter focuses on crafting an effective evaluation component, addressing the heightened interest in outcome-based assessment of funded projects.

Author Jane C. Geever is founder and chairman of the development consulting firm, J.C. Geever, Inc., established in 1975 as the first woman-led fund raising company admitted into membership in the American Association of Fund Raising Counsel (AAFRC). Ms. Geever is a nationally recognized author and lecturer who has created successful proposals to foundations for more than 35 years.

Genres: Nonfiction, Writing

271 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 1993

Reviews

[Lyndsi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read it for a grad level course. Informative, but dry in my personal opinion.

[Cara Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely learned a thing or two!

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should be on the bookshelf for every grant writer or small shop nonprofit exec director

[Em Ormiston]

As I pulled this book from the shelf I found a small envelop that was opened with a news clipping folded underneath. The typed address came from an older type writer with my name and former address. It had a post it note that read "... you gotta see this! j..." I have NO idea who in NYC was interested in me enough to send a clipping from my home newspaper to me.

Here's the mystery, someone in NYC, NY was reading another state paper, and thought I should know about it...decided to clip it and send it w/a handwritten post it...who? I ask who?

I have had boyfriends who have done less thinking of me.

[Ramona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for reference and for a text-book style guide. Good examples of proposals, not long-winded. Just the right amount of repetitious instructions. A good overall guide that I would keep on my desk if I had to write grants regularly.

[hh · Rating 2 out of 5]

for my principles and practices of fundraising class.

finally went back and finished this. useful if you know nothing about fundraising and grants; it's probably awesome as a resource. even still it's got some good info.

[Michal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite helpful and instructive book, written in a clear and highly readable style. Not only focused on the proposal writing subject. I am especially impressed by the 'What the Funders Have to Say' chapter, on which author provides lots of information on how to build relationship with grantmakers.

[Bree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful book on the ins and outs of grant writing. So helpful, I've decided to buy it rather than rent it!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this for a grant writing class and found it useful, if not a little dry. I do wish the author had covered research grants, which is something I'm interested in. Alas.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my go-to book when writing grants. Detailed, thorough, and full of helpful tips, this resource is a must for anyone writing grants and proposals.

[Nakia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good primer for beginners.