By Tony Martignetti

Subscribe to Fundraising Fundamentals on iTunes

To convince a foundation that your charity is worthy of a grant, it helps to look at your project through the eyes of the grant maker.

Foundations are "looking to make a social investment with their money," says Dalya Massachi, author of Writing to Make a Difference: 25 Powerful Techniques to Boost Your Community Impact. "They're looking for positive outcomes and a positive return on their investment."

In the second of a three-part series about the best ways to get grants, Ms. Massachi explains what a proposal should achieve and what elements it should include.

She is joined by Caroline Pappajohn, director of foundation relations and marketing at New Door Ventures, a San Francisco organization that helps troubled youngsters prepare for work and adulthood.

You can also listen to the first-part of this series, about ways to research grant makers and prepare to write grant proposals.

Tony Martignetti, a consultant, author, blogger, and host of Tony Martignetti Nonprofit Radio, talks with nonprofit leaders and consultants about how organizations can more effectively raise money, build better relationships with boards and supporters, and manage volunteers. Look for new installments on the third Thursday of each month.