Storytelling for Grantseekers: A Guide to Creative Nonprofit Fundraising

ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENTS

Like celebrities, the narrative proposal and cover letter rarely travel alone. They are usually accompanied by a retinue of supporting documents. I divide attachments into two camps: those that almost always will be included with the submitted proposal and those that will travel along only with certain submissions.

What circumstances dictate whether an attachment is mandatory or optional? If the funder requests that a document be attached, then it is mandatory. Otherwise, consider the following questions before enclosing anything in addition to the proposal narrative:

• Does the item advance or enhance the narrative story?

• Does the item make the case for support more persuasive?

• Does the item provide the grantmaker ...