Grant Writing for Dummies

Grant writing skills are essential in gaining funding from government and foundation grants for a nonprofit organization. In the past, there were no college degrees in grant writing and very few, if any, books on how to write a grant. The process of learning how to write a grant was mostly trial and error, but times have changed. Today, grant writing is a science – a skill that reflects a precise application of facts or principles.

Grant Writing For Dummies can help anyone who has to seek and secure grant funds in order to keep an agency’s doors open for business or to fund a special project. This reference guide is also for people who want to make a career of freelance grant writing. The easy-to-use format, thorough approach, clear advice, and voice of experience will help anyone to:

• Get the scoop on government and foundation grants
• Go for the gold with multiple grant requests
• Make the case for your grant request
• Use words that make founders say “yes”

Figure out the rules of the grants game to put together your grant application. Reach your goal of receiving funding for your organization from a government or foundation grant. Grant Writing For Dummies also covers the following topics and more:

• Searching for government grants
• Conveying your needs for grant funds
• Fashioning the essentials such as cover letters and abstracts
• Presenting the budget
• Double-checking your grant proposal or application before you submit it
• Win or lose – how to play your next card

Every year, the federal government distributes billions of dollars in grant money to nonprofit organizations. Grant Writing For Dummies guides you along your quest for funding with all the essential information you need to achieve success.

Tap into deep government, foundation, and corporate pockets to fulfill your nonprofit organization's needs for funding. An expert tells you how to successfully target these institutions and get them to put their money behind your organization's cause.

This clear, step-by-step guide to writing a winning grant proposal delivers:

• An overview of what types of grants are available and how to apply for them
• Strategies for cutting through red tape
• A guide to the grant-writing terminology
• An explanation of why some proposals succeed while others fail
• Samples of successful grant proposals
• The proper etiquette for following up a proposal and getting a response

Praise for Grant Writing For Dummies "The book's easy-to-use format, thorough approach, and clear and experienced advice make it seem as if Browning is providing a one-on-one tutorial." ?Arlene Krebs, President of New Orbit Communications

"Takes the intimidation out of the grant writing process.... Be prepared for the thrill, excitement, and relief of having your project funded." ?Vanessa Buhs, CEO, Renaissance West Inc., a grant writing/grant management firm

Inside tips from a pro who's won $40 million in grants

The fun and easy way to get funding from governments, corporations, and foundations Whether you're a first-time grant writer or a veteran fundraiser, putting together a grant proposal can be a daunting task. Relax! This friendly insider's guide shows you step-by-step how to research your options, deal with application forms, give prospective funders the specifics they're looking for ? and get the money you need.

Discover how to: Get the scoop on government grants Go for the gold with multiple grant requests Make the case for your grant request Use words that make funders say "yes" Recycle a rejected proposal

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Inside tips from a pro who's won $80 million in grants

The best up-to-date advice on getting funding from governments, corporations, and foundations

Whether you're a first-time grant writer or a veteran fundraiser, putting together a grant proposal can be a daunting task. Thankfully, this up-to-date insider's guide shows you step-by-step how to research your options, deal with application forms, give prospective funding sources the specifics they're looking for — and get the money you need.

Discover how to

• Get the scoop on government grants
• Go for the gold with multiple grant requests
• Make the case for your grant request
• Use words that make funders say "yes"
• Recycle a rejected proposal

Bev Browning, a national grant writer and consultant with nearly two decades of experience, has won $80 million in grants. She is the author of a dozen grant-related publications and teaches online grant writing classes for Education To Go.

Introduction.

Part I: Setting the Stage with Grant Basics.

Chapter 1: Getting Smart, Getting Money.

Chapter 2: Raising Your Hit Rate with a Fantastic Funding Plan.

Chapter 3: Talk the Talk: Using the Right Terms in Requests.

Part II: Meeting the Main Players in the World of Grants.

Chapter 4: Getting the Goods on Government Grants.

Chapter 5: Wading through Federal Grant Application Kits.

Chapter 6: Digging Up Grant Treasures from Foundations and Corporations.

Chapter 7: All Alone: Finding Grants for Individuals.

Chapter 8: Exploring the World of International Funds.

Part III: Playing by the Rules of the Grants Game.

Chapter 9: Preparing for Review Criteria of Government Grants and Contracts.

Chapter 10: Writing to Meet Review Criteria of Government Grants and Contracts.

Chapter 11: Working with Words That Win Funds.

Part IV: Assembling Your Grant Application with Ease.

Chapter 12: Fashioning the Small Stuff: Cover Letters, Abstracts, and More.

Chapter 13: Shining the Spotlight on Your Organization.

Chapter 14: Communicating Your Need for Funds.

Chapter 15: Demonstrating Accountability: Program Design and Evaluation.

Chapter 16: Smart Selection: Profiling Personnel, Resources, and Equity.

Chapter 17: Money Matters: Presenting the Budget.

Part V: Crossing the Finish Line with Your Grant Application.

Chapter 18: The Clock’s Ticking: Checking Everything before the Launch.

Chapter 19: The Waiting Game: Cleaning Up and Following Up.

Chapter 20: Win or Lose: Playing the Next Card the Right Way.

Chapter 21: Asking for Goods or Services with Effective Letters.

Part VI: The Part of Tens.

Chapter 22: Ten Tips for Organizing Your Writing.

Chapter 23: Ten Ways to Personalize Your Request.

Chapter 24: Ten Tips for Handling a Rejection Notice.

Appendix: A Complete Example of a Grant Application Narrative.

Index.