June 15, 2000 | Read Time: 1 minute
Writing for a Good Cause: The Complete Guide to Crafting Proposals and Other Persuasive Pieces for Nonprofits
by Joseph Barbato and Danielle S. Furlich
The best cause in the world won’t win funds if its advocates write poorly, say the authors.
“Let’s take the writing itself as seriously as we hope funders will take our proposals,” write Mr. Barbato, a consultant in Alexandria, Va., and Ms. Furlich, a writer and editor in Burke, Va.
They provide advice on writing the “perfect” proposal. They school prospective fund raisers in how to summon opening paragraphs, render sample budgets, avoid jargon and other clutter, and otherwise charm and disarm the grant-making reader with well-chosen words.
A section on good writing includes instruction from other authors on shaping a persuasive argument. In addition to grant proposals, the authors also cover how to write and design case statements, newsletters, and Internet content.
They warn readers not to repeat mistakes they say are common among grant seekers. For instance: Put vital information in both the cover letter and the proposal, as someone may copy the proposal and pass it around without its cover letter.
Publisher: Simon & Schuster, 100 Front Street, Riverside, N.J. 08075; (212) 698-7000 or (800) 223-2336; fax (212) 698-7695 or (800) 445-6991; http://www.simonandschuster.com; 325 pages; $15; I.S.B.N. 0-684-85740-5.
