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Introduction
When I wrote the first edition of Grant Writing For Dummies in 2001, a lot of my grant professional colleagues thought I was giving away “our” secrets. However, I have never felt that way. I just wanted everyone who had an interest in finding grantfunding opportunities and writing grant proposals to have access to a handy reference tool filled with expert-driven insight and information. (If I didn’t know anything about this process, I would certainly look to a leading reference tool to teach me.) With each new edition of this book, I have worked diligently to provide fresh perspectives and updated information on grant writing. With over a million readers, I am humbled at how much this book has introduced potential grantwriters to the world of grants.
By using this book daily, you can achieve your highest goals, including winning almost everything you submit for funding or award consideration. You can even build your funding success rate. And, if you want to dive even further into grant writing with me, you may want to consider enrolling in one of my online classes or sponsoring one of my virtual grantwriting training sessions.
About This Book
The structure of Grant Writing For Dummies, 7th Edition, is designed to help you get in and get out of the text with just the information you were looking for. Consider this book your ultimate grantwriting reference tool. Read it in any order you want and bookmark sections you expect to return to repeatedly.
You don’t need to read the sidebars sprinkled throughout the text. You can identify them by their gray-shaded boxes. They’re simply extra tidbits of information that are interesting but not critical to your understanding of grant writing.
What’s New in This Edition
This new edition includes five major changes:
Grantmakers (mainstream and some smaller funders) have shifted from paper grant applications to online portals only. The book reviews the portals and talks about the writing constraints involved with online copy and paste templates.
More grants for women in business are surfacing weekly from the website helloalice.com. The book addresses these new opportunities and what they mean for for-profit businesses seeking grant funding.
Technology rules. Nothing remains the same for a very long time in the online world. From new grant-research databases to other helpful websites to assist grantwriters in increased productivity, this edition covers it all.
There are multiple federal portals emerging for submitting grant applications, including the Grants.gov workspace, JustGrants (USDOJ), and the ERA Commons (NIH).
The emerging virtual world of remote working for grantwriters and the type of equipment needed to meet, work, and train (all grant-related).
Foolish Assumptions
As I authored this book, I assumed it would serve as a desktop and online reference for
Individuals seeking research and education on grantwriting sources and approaches
New grantwriters looking to be guided through every step of the process, from understanding the definition of a grant to planning, researching, writing, and submitting
Veteran grantwriters seeking to increase their funding success rates
Note: Although I address grant opportunities for individuals and small businesses, the majority of this book focuses on winning grants on behalf of nonprofit organizations, government agencies, academic institutions, and other eligible applicants in the eyes and minds of the funders.
Icons Used in This Book
The little pictures in the margins throughout this book are designed to highlight information that's special and important for one reason or another. Grant Writing For Dummies, 7th Edition, uses the following icons:
Beyond the Book
In addition to the material in the print or e-book you’re reading right now, this product also comes with some access-anywhere goodies on the web. Check out the free Cheat Sheet for tips on writing effective grant proposals, where to look for grant funding, and grant research websites worth your time. To get this Cheat Sheet, simply go to www.dummies.com and type Grant Writing For Dummies Cheat Sheet in the Search box.
You can also go to www.dummies.com/go/grantwritingfd7e for templates you can use to make your next grantwriting experience a little easier.
Where to Go from Here
Where you start reading this latest edition of Grant Writing For Dummies is up to you. You can begin by perusing the table of contents and then hitting sections of interest. Or you can head to the chapter that addresses an area of grant writing you’re currently struggling with. If, however, you’re brand-new to the grant research and writing game, I suggest you begin with Chapter 1, which gives you an overview of this book’s tips and strategies for finding grantfunding opportunities and winning grant awards.
Part 1
Getting Started with Everything Grants
IN THIS PART …
Become familiar with grantwriting basics, including funding development plans and submission requirements.
Create a grantfunding plan.
Get familiar with the basics funders expect to see in a grant request — and numerous ways to give your application an edge over the competition.
Chapter 1
Grantwriting Basics for Beginners