If you are planning to write a grant or are looking for resources to help you with your grant writing, you have come to the right place. I curated for you some of the best-sellers in this regard. But before we explore the collection, let us first discuss what grant writing is all about and what you need to consider to select the right grant-writing book for your needs.
What is Grant Writing?
As you probably know, grant writing is the process of applying for government or private funding to support research and/or other projects. Grant writing can be an intimidating task, as it requires an integrated set of skills that include research and writing skills, communication skills, collaboration skills, among others. Also, Grant writers need to have an eye for detail and be able to communicate complex ideas in concise language.
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Grant writing requires a considerable amount of research which is why it is important to have access to reliable resources. Reading grant writing books is one of the best ways to gain knowledge about this process.
Grant writing books provide you with all the necessary information, tips, and strategies to create a successful and competitive grant proposal. They will teach you about the different types of grants available, how to find potential funding sources, how to craft an effective grant proposal, and how to follow-up with funders. Grant writing books can also provide helpful templates and examples of successful grant proposals that you can use as a reference when writing your own.
How to Choose The Right Grant Writing Book for Your Needs?
To choose the right grant writing book, you need to take into account the following considerations. First among these considerations is your level of experience in writing grants. Are you a complete beginner? If so, you may want to look into grant writing books geared towards beginners. These types of books often provide basic information, tips, and strategies for grant writing.
On the other hand, if you are an experienced grant writer, then you may want to look into grant writing books that offer more advanced topics such as advanced research methods and strategies for attracting funding.
Second consideration is the type of grant proposal you are working on. Some grant writing books specialize in specific topics such as health care grants or education grants. Finally, make sure to read reviews of grant writing books before purchasing one. This will help you determine which grant writing book is the best fit for your needs.
Recommendations for Grant Writing Books
Here are some of my top recommendations for grant writing books:
1. Grant Writing: The Complete Workbook for Writing Grant Proposals that Win, by Mary Gladstone-Highland
This comprehensive guide answers every possible question you could have about grant writing, from the most basic definitions to the intricacies of crafting a compelling application and budget.
The unique feature of this book lies in its ‘Think like a Grantor’ prompts that are designed to shift your perspective and improve your grant proposals. As a bonus, it also includes helpful templates to further simplify the process.
2. Perfect Phrases for Writing Grant Proposals, by Beverly Browning
Browning’s book is a treasure trove of ready-to-use phrases that will streamline your grant proposal writing. It addresses three main sections of a successful grant proposal – introduction, goal description, and supporting documents.
The book also offers insider tips on grabbing attention and securing the funding you need. The author’s user-friendly approach makes this an essential resource for grant writing.
3. Winning Grants Step by Step, by Tori O’Neal-McElrath, Lynn Kanter, Lynn Jenkins English
Writing Successful Proposals” by Tori O’Neal-McElrath, Lynn Kanter, Lynn Jenkins English This workbook is a classic tool for both budding and experienced grant writers, featuring a clear and straightforward approach to grant writing.
Its revised fifth edition integrates changes and developments in the non-profit sector, making it an up-to-date and effective guide for securing funding.
4. Proposals That Work: A Guide for Planning Dissertations and Grant Proposals, by Lawrence F. Locke, Waneen W. Spirduso, Stephen Silverman
This guide covers all aspects of proposal planning and writing. The fifth edition features discussions on the impact of technology and the internet on the proposal process and includes new sections on alternative proposal forms and the importance of academic rigor in research. Also included are several specimen proposals for reference.
5. Winning Grants: How to Write Winning Grant Proposals, by James Ruell
‘Winning Grants’ is a practical and hands-on guide that goes beyond the basics. It offers a detailed 10-step process for writing compelling grant applications, self-assessment questions, DIY tasks to build your skills, and practical tips to make your nonprofit stand out. This book is ideal for anyone seeking to secure funding for their nonprofit.
6. Grant Writing for Teachers and Administrators, by Dr. Bruce Sliger
An invaluable guide by Dr. Sliger, a professor of Graduate Education and a grant writing veteran, that offers a unique “grant writing rubric” that can improve the acceptance chances of your proposal, whether it’s for a large federal grant or a small local one. Through this book, Dr. Sliger imparts his knowledge and methodology that has taught thousands of individuals and numerous organizations.
7. Proposal Writing: Effective Grantsmanship for Funding, by Soraya M. Coley, Cynthia A. Scheinberg
This updated edition serves as a robust and easy-to-understand guide to proposal writing, offering a step-by-step breakdown of how to understand community agencies, identify needs, find funding sources, develop a program evaluation, prepare a simple line-item budget, and write a compelling need statement. This book is equally beneficial for university students as well as first-time grant writers in a non-profit setting.
8. The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing: Tips, Tools, & Templates to Write Winning Grants, by Holly Rustick
This guide is a handy toolkit for novices, debunking common myths about grants, explaining different grant categories, introducing the grant mindset, and laying out the five basic parts of writing a grant using the G.R.A.N.T.S. formula. The book includes bonus resources, templates, and a video series, all designed to help you master grant writing.
9. Grant Writing For Dummies, by Beverly A. Browning
Written by an experienced grant writer and trainer, this book is a comprehensive and user-friendly guide to drafting and submitting grant applications that secure funding. It provides insights on how to craft the strongest application, find the best sources of funding, and present a realistic project budget plan. A handy guide for both beginners and experienced grant writers.
Final thoughts
In sum, this post serves as a valuable guide for those venturing into the realm of grant writing, a process that demands a unique blend of skills and knowledge. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned grant writer, understanding the essentials of grant writing and selecting the right resources to enhance your skills is crucial.
