s invaluable how-to manual will teach you the skills and strategies crucial for finding, applying for, and winning grants. Whether you're starting from scratch and don't know where to begin, or you're an experienced grant writer looking to tap into new funding sources, this resource offers a proven, easy-to-understand process for grant success. Loaded with a wide variety of forms, worksheets, and checklists to help you stay organized, this book:

• summarizes the grant process cycle and outlines a clear path to success;
• shares inspiring grant success stories in action from diverse libraries;
• offers guidance on gathering knowledge and conducting research, with updated resource lists and links to the various types of funders;
• covers every stage of planning, including how to cultivate community involvement, methods for needs assessment, advice on organizing the grant team, and exercises to help you write realistic goals and objectives;
• gives tips on writing the proposal, such as where to find the best statistics and census data to support your statement of needs;
• advises how to announce a successful grant to the community, and other first steps of implementation, including the basic principles of project management;
• provides guidance on what to do when you're turned down and how to conduct an effective review session that keeps the process moving forward;
• highlights ways to stay current through online discussion groups, blogs, networking groups, and more; and
• features sample RFPs, budget templates, grant partnership documents, and many other helpful tools.