Winning Grants Step by Step is the definitive guide to writing persuasive and successful proposals. In easy-to-understand terms, Mim Carlson leads you through creating a proposal--from start to finish--that fulfills the three most important criteria grantmakers demand from a competitive proposal: a clearly stated purpose describing what your organization is trying to achieve, compelling evidence that demonstrates the importance of this goal, and a well-reasoned plan that outlines how your organization will meet the goal in a cost-effective manner. And, once the workbook exercises are completed, your organization will have a fully developed grant proposal. This revised and updated edition includes new examples and sample budgets that reflect the reality of today's nonprofit funding environment. It also offers guidance on using the Internet to research funders, current information on preparing and submitting proposals, and advice on building relationships with funders. The companion CD-ROM contains winning sample proposals from real organizations as well as blank worksheets that guide you though the proposal-writing process.