About the Book
The Grant Seekers’ Playbook: Are you ready to turn your passion into projects that make a real impact, but need funding to make it happen? The Grant Seekers’ Playbook is your essential guide to navigating the world of grant writing with confidence and success. Designed specifically for beginners, this step-by-step guide demystifies the grant process, helping you turn your ideas into winning proposals.
Inside, you’ll learn how to:
Discover the Right Grants for Your Project: Find funders who are not only willing but eager to support your vision, whether they’re from government, foundation, or corporate sources.
Prepare a Standout Proposal: Master the elements of a compelling needs statement, project description, and budget that will make your proposal shine.
Polish and Submit with Confidence: Learn the secrets of tailoring your proposal for different funders and the best practices for submission and follow-up.
Bounce Back and Improve After Rejection: Even if you don’t get the first grant, discover how to strengthen your approach, revise, and reapply successfully.
Plus, you’ll gain access to a treasure trove of practical resources, including templates for proposals, budgets, and research worksheets to guide you every step of the way.
With easy-to-follow guidance, actionable tips, and insights into the grant writing process, The Grant Seekers’ Playbook is the must-have resource for nonprofit leaders, educators, researchers, and community organizers looking to bring their projects to life.
Start your grant journey today and take the first step toward winning the funding you need to make a difference.
About the Author
Shaunte Young is a Florida-based author, grant writing expert, and digital entrepreneur empowering others to achieve their dreams. With over a decade in the nonprofit sector, she has secured millions in funding and shares her expertise through her books, blending practical strategies with relatable storytelling.
Her debut book, Grant Writing Made Simple, simplifies fundraising and equips readers for success. Whether you’re a seasoned nonprofit leader or just starting, Shaunte’s work provides actionable insights to help you make the biggest impact.
Qn 1: Can you tell us more about your book, The Grant Seekers’ Playbook, What is it about?
The Grant Seeker’s Playbook is my way of equipping people with the tools they need to approach grant writing with confidence and clarity. It’s not just a guide—it’s a conversation. I wrote it because I’ve been on both sides of the grant process, and I know how intimidating it can feel to start, especially when you’re trying to figure out what funders want or how to articulate your vision in a way that gets noticed.
The book is practical and approachable—kind of like sitting down with someone who’s already done the legwork and is happy to share all the shortcuts, lessons, and insights they’ve picked up along the way. It’s less about jargon and more about strategy and storytelling because, at its core, that’s what grant writing really is: telling the story of why your work matters and how it aligns with a funder’s goals. My hope is that it feels like a trusted companion for anyone navigating this process, whether you’re a total beginner or just looking to sharpen your skills.
Qn 2: Who do you think would be interested in this book, The Grant Seekers’ Playbook, is it directed at any particular market?
This book is for anyone who wants to secure funding for a mission they’re passionate about. It’s not just for seasoned nonprofit professionals or experienced grant writers—although they’ll definitely find value here, too. I wrote The Grant Seeker’s Playbook with a wide audience in mind: small business owners looking for grants to grow their ventures, community leaders spearheading grassroots initiatives, educators wanting to enhance their schools, or even creatives exploring funding for their projects.
If you have an idea or a program that’s making a difference and need financial backing to make it happen, this book is for you. It’s especially helpful for people who feel overwhelmed or stuck trying to figure out where to start. I break down the process in a way that’s relatable and actionable, so it’s less intimidating and more empowering. Whether you’re just dipping your toes into the grant world or you’re ready to elevate your strategy, this book meets you where you are.
Qn 3: Out of all the books in the world, and all the authors, which are your favourite and why?
This is such a tough question because my reading tastes are so diverse, but I love books and authors that make me feel something deeply or challenge how I see the world. For example, Toni Morrison’s work is absolutely unparalleled to me. Her storytelling is so rich and layered—she writes about the Black experience with such depth and honesty that it stays with you long after you’ve closed the book. Beloved is one of those novels I could read a hundred times and still find something new.
I also adore Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Her way of weaving culture, identity, and personal stories into her work is so relatable and impactful. Half of a Yellow Sun is a masterpiece that opened my eyes to a history I wasn’t as familiar with while still making it feel incredibly personal.
On a lighter note, I’ve always enjoyed writers like Elizabeth Gilbert, especially Big Magic, because it’s such a love letter to creativity. It reminds me to honor the process and embrace curiosity over fear, which is something I try to carry into my writing and my life.
Ultimately, I gravitate toward authors who aren’t afraid to tell the truth, even if it’s messy or uncomfortable. Whether it’s fiction or nonfiction, I love when a book feels like it’s speaking directly to my soul or challenging me to think in a new way.
Qn 4: What guidance would you offer to someone new, or trying to enhance their writing?
My biggest piece of advice for anyone new to writing or looking to elevate their craft is this: give yourself permission to be imperfect. Writing is a process, not a performance. So often, we get caught up in trying to make our first draft flawless, and that pressure can be paralyzing. Let your first draft be messy—it’s supposed to be. The magic happens when you start refining and revising.
Next, read as much as you can. Read widely—across genres, authors, and styles. When you find something that moves you, take the time to analyze it. What about the writing stands out? Is it the tone, the pacing, the imagery? Learning to recognize what works (and doesn’t) in others’ writing can inform your own.
I also recommend finding your voice. Don’t try to sound like someone else; lean into what makes your perspective unique. Your voice is your superpower—it’s what sets you apart. That might take time to develop, but it’s worth the effort.
Lastly, write consistently. It doesn’t have to be every day or even for long stretches, but make it a regular part of your life. Writing is like a muscle—the more you use it, the stronger it gets. And don’t forget to seek feedback. Having trusted readers or a writing group can be invaluable for helping you grow. But at the end of the day, trust yourself. Writing is an act of bravery, so celebrate every step of the journey.
Qn 5: Where can our readers find out more about you, do you have a website, or a way to be contacted?
Absolutely! You can learn more about me and my work on my website at www.shaunteyoung.com. It’s where I share updates about my books, upcoming projects, and a bit about my journey.
You can also find me writing regularly on Medium, where I cover topics like wellness, motherhood, and nonprofit grant writing. If you’re active on social media, I love connecting with people there, too—I’m pretty active on Instagram and LinkedIn. And of course, if you’ve read The Grant Seeker’s Playbook or just want to chat about writing, feel free to reach out through my site or social channels. I’d love to hear from you!
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