The Only Grant-Writing Book You'll Ever Need: Top Grant Writers and Grant Givers Share Their Secrets

by Ellen Karsh, Arlen Sue Fox

This is the revised and expanded edition of the most sought-after guide for everyone seeking nonprofits, state and local governments, universities, school administrators, teachers, artists, and those seeking funds for scholarly and cultural enterprises. Written by two authors who have won millions of dollars in grants — and updated to include vital information and advice accumulated since The Only Grant-Writing Book You’ll Ever Need first appeared — this new edition provides a comprehensive, step-by-step guide for grant writers, demystifying the process while offering indispensable advice from funders and grant recipients. It includes the following.

• Guidance on developing a realistic, cost-effective, collaborative program
• Concrete suggestions (with practice exercises and examples) for approaching each section of a grant so that the proposal is absolutely clear to the funder
• A glossary of terms with any word, phrase, or concept a grant writer may need, plus fifty tips for writing a winning proposal
• Funders roundtables put you inside the minds of the people who award grants

Genres: Nonfiction, Writing, Business, Reference, Professional Development, Education, Academia

416 pages, Paperback

First published June 19, 2003

Reviews

[Chuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's some irony to the fact that I tell people to buy 'The Only Grant Writng Book You'll Ever Need"--and another grant writing book (Carlson's 'Grant Writing Step By Step). Carlson is the outline, the book you read cover to cover. Karch and Fox are thorough, covering nearly every possible grant writing scenario. Writing a services grant for a mid size non profit to a Federal funding agency? They deal with that; ditto for an equipment grant on behalf of a small non profit and addressed to a private foundation.

The thoroughness which is the book's greatest strength can be confusing to the beginning grant writer, which is why I recommend the book as a reference, something to consult or read in, but not cover to cover. It's the encyclopedia you don't read all the way through but you make great use of the various parts. Great book--but you need another grant writing book to get started.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The somewhat bombastic title nearly scared me off, but I actually quite enjoyed this one. I found it practical and well-written. I'm just dipping my toe into the subject so I am not sure how someone with more experience would feel. But as a newbie, I feel much more equipped.

[Lisa Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thinking of starting a non-profit? This book is a great resource for those interested in beginning the process of asking for grant money. It defines what is necessary, the mistakes others have made in applying for grant money and been denied. There is a substantial index in the back of the book listing helpful information by state. The book does not give examples of grant applications because every organizations who gives grants has their own application process and requirements. If you can read and comprehend, write intelligently you will have no issues writing a grant proposal after reading this book.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

This had a lot of great information about how grant makers decide how to allocated funds and how to put a proposal together. I would have liked a little more info on how to present the organization's current financial situation and also on targeting inquiries. However, although I think the title is hyperbole, it's a very useful book.

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clearly written and well-organized. The title may be gimmicky, but this really does seem to be a comprehensive discussion of and resource on a complex topic. Highly recommend to anyone seeking understanding of how the world of grants works.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

hah. for work. if you ever need to write a grant though, it does a decent job in taking you through the process.

[Rachel Holtzclaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

this title may be misleading based on the book list i have for this class

[Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a valuable read and I wish I would have read it over a year ago. A lot of this stuff for me was now review, but still gleaned valuable insight and good reminders (like always read the directions thoroughly and make sure a foundation is a good fit for you).

The Funder's roundtables were rather insightful.

I read this 2008 version (written during the great recession) in 2020 and felt there were parts equally relevant to the current recession we are undergoing due to the economic implications of the pandemic.

[Jasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great guide to preparing to write a grant. There’s so much information to take in and this book captures it all. Definitely, recommend for individuals looking to learn about the grant process. The only thing missing in my opinion was an example of a winning proposal. It would have been helpful to see an in-book critique of a grant proposal since we are talking about winning proposals.

[Jerod · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you write grants, this is a must read. It's tips and suggestions helped me write two successful grants in the past three years. Great book, easy to ready and understand.

[Ralph Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good refresher on grant process and a good set of pet peeve reminders on the value of following application guidelines / checklists ... and doing peer reviews.

[Daniel Rosehill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Turgid but informative. However, strongly oriented towards a US-based audience and of comparatively little value for international grant-writers.

[sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

was for work

[Athena Goodman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indeed this was a book full of mysteries revealed!!! Got a lot of detailed info about things only a truly experienced and successful grant writer would know. Thank you!!!

[Sofia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for beginners!

[Drew M Francis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent information, well organized, and great examples. It's a bit too repetitive of the main themes, but well-written so it doesn't grow weary reading certain points again and again.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the more insightful grant books out there, and it actually goes beyond the basics. I would recommend this for experienced grant writers as well as newbies. They provide a good mix of their own advice, as well as sections on feedback directly from funders. It's also one of the few grant books that covers both government and foundation funders in a meaningful way (i.e., not being too general about either).

[Melisa Blankenship · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very practical book with rules and tips on successful grant writing. There are sections in each chapter where they give quotes from actual grant givers describing what they're looking for in a proposal. The book covers all of the mechanics and explains why the didn't parts of the grant proposal are important. It's easy to read and the chapters are organized with sub-headings that allow you to look to the sections that are most relevant to your organization first.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is best for someone just starting out as a grant-writer; it even gives enough basic information for someone looking to fund a new organization (although you probably also need to read some books on grant-seeking as well). For experienced grant-writers the three "funders roundtable" sections might be interesting. I like that each chapter is called a lesson and there's a "quiz" at the end of each--an attempt to help readers be engaged in learning the material.

[Vincent Chough · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very, very complete and insightful. I read this while directing a small NGO and can say with confidence that this is the "bible" for beginner and experienced grant writers alike. Easy to read - not so easy to implement, but that´s not the book´s fault. Also provides the "insider" info all grant-seekers should know about. Do your homework, read this book.

[Michelle Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this book was very informative, I wish there had been more information on small family foundations and the types of requirements for their grants. As for large government grantors and cooperate grants, this is the only grant writing book I think I'll need...even though I may need to update my current edition to the newest one.

[Melody · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm sorry to report that this book did not lead me by the hand to a huge grant for making art with beads. Or even one enabling me to loll around reading books all day. It was quite informative and clearly written, however, and I gained a fair bit of understanding of the grant process.

[Brandon Fryman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super easy and fast read. Great bulletpoins! This is the only Gran Writin book that you need. They go over a ton of does and donts. I thought that grant writing was easy, but there are alot of steps that you dont know when you first start out. They give examples, which was very helpful.

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book at a grant writing workship and found it quite helpful. It has templates and examples of the materials needed for writing a grant. This is a professional book with a ractical approach to the topic.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Used this when I was in a class that required we write a grant. Logical and readable advice--I earned an A on my paper--more to the point, my boss used my paper to earn a grant for my library department.

[Missa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great deal of information with regard to grant writing. Found that it didn't quite fit my personal situation, but that's no fault of the book's. Recommend, even to simply skim through for valuable key points.

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a grant writer and reviewer, I thought this was very useful for a cheap paperback. For most organizations it can pay for itself a thousand-fold. It contains lots of tips that grant-writers do frequently ignore at their own peril.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book would be 'good' for someone who has absolutely no experience with writing program grants. Simple, easy to use, easy to read.

[Racy-tay · Rating 2 out of 5]

This would be a great intro for someone unfamiliar with grant writing but I personally didn't find it very beneficial.

[Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has many detailed guides on grant writing but could've been written in a more engaging manner. In short, a good first book for anyone seeking grants.