Empowering Language in Grant Writing: Challenging Personal Biases + Shifting Perspectives
Fundraisers and grant writers play an essential role in the nonprofit sector. However, the language they use when crafting narratives around those in need can be problematic. The traditional approach often portrays donors as heroes and the recipients as victims, which reinforces negative stereotypes and promotes dependency.
To foster empowered language in their writing, grant writers can take three actionable steps:
Identify and Challenge Personal Biases Fundraisers and grant writers must acknowledge their own biases and engage in the difficult process of identifying their blind spots. They must be willing to challenge their assumptions and work to overcome their biases. By doing so, they can foster a more collaborative approach that empowers the community rather than reinforcing negative stereotypes.
Embrace Community-Centric Fundraising Community-Centric Fundraising is based on six guiding principles that empower the community and treat donors as partners. By embracing this approach, fundraisers and grant writers can promote a more collaborative and equitable approach.
Focus on the Strengths and Assets of the Community Grant writers can shift their perspective to focus on the strengths and assets of the community they serve, rather than its needs and deficiencies. By doing so, they can promote a sense of agency and self-determination among the recipients.
Read more: The Secret to Writing Goals and Objectives that Captivate Donors and Win Grants
Ethical storytelling requires a commitment to challenging personal biases and embracing community-centric fundraising. It also requires a focus on the strengths and assets of the community. By taking these steps, grant writers can foster a more collaborative, equitable, and just world.