Inclusive and Ethical Storytelling in Grant Writing
Stories are one of the most powerful tools in grant writing. Paired with photos and quotes, they can bring your organization’s work to life. This makes it easier for readers to connect with your mission and understand the need for and impact of your programs.
But storytelling is also a big responsibility.
Some of the stories we might want to tell involve trauma, hardship, or vulnerability, and they deserve to be shared thoughtfully and respectfully. We cannot share stories that exaggerate suffering, reduce people to their struggles, or rely on stereotypes and exclusion.
Our goal should be to tell other people’s stories with integrity, the way we would want our own stories told.
Here are three principles I try to uphold in my grant writing work. For more resources and guidance, please check out the experts in this space: Ethical Storytelling.
1. Use Person-First Language
Challenges are part of all of our lives, but they shouldn't define who we are. As grant writers, we should put the person first, not their diagnosis, income level, or circumstance.
When a word describing a condition seems to convey pity or judgment, try to reword it as a more neutral phrase and put a word like "people" first.
For example:“Diabetics” → “people affected by diabetes”“Poor children” → “children from low-income households”“An illiterate adult” → “an adult who is developing reading skills”“Inmates” → “people who are incarcerated”
This approach can sometimes feel clunky or wordy, but it’s worth it to help keep dignity and humanity at the center of your storytelling. Asset-based storytelling means sharing a person or community’s resilience, talent, and agency alongside their needs. These kinds of descriptions provide fuller, more human portrayals instead of reducing people to a single challenge.Here are some examples:When talking about systemic barriers: “Visionary BIPOC artists whose innovative contributions have been historically uncredited.”When talking about individuals’ challenges: “Laura is a retired schoolteacher who volunteers at the local library once a week. She was recently diagnosed with stage 4 thyroid cancer and is continuing to share her love of reading with the community while navigating her treatment.”Reframing words altogether: using words like “survivor” instead of words like “victim.”
2. Tell Asset-Based Stories
3. Use Inclusive Language
Some of the language that a lot of us take for granted can leave people out. I especially try to use language that is inclusive of diverse gender identities and family structures. A few examples: Instead of “boys and girls,” use “children”Instead of “pregnant women,” use “pregnant clients”Instead of “parent,” use “parent or guardian”
Small shifts like these can help ensure that people of all genders, identities, and family configurations feel recognized and included.Language is always evolving, so I recommend that we try to stay curious and responsive. And when in doubt, default to language that is more inclusive and respectful. More on Ethical Storytelling
Ethical storytelling goes far beyond word choice. It also encompasses how you collect stories, obtain permission, source photos responsibly, and more. This is especially important for anyone who interviews, photographs, or records participants directly. For comprehensive guidance, I highly recommend exploring the Ethical Storytelling website.Need help getting started?
If you're ready to put these principles into practice in your grant writing, I offer writing support and coaching for organizations working toward more ethical, inclusive storytelling.