Must-Read Books for Grant Writers & Writing Style Mastery

Tried and True Books for Grant Writers

Getting Funded: The Complete Guide to Writing Grant Proposals by Howlett & Bourque (2016)
If you’re searching for a comprehensive grant writing textbook, this is the one. Getting Funded is the go-to resource for mastering the art of proposal writing—it doesn’t get better than this.
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Perfect Phrases for Writing Grant Proposals by Browning (2008)
Ever get writer’s block? Perfect Phrases for Writing Grant Proposals offers tailored ideas to help grant writers overcome it. This book is a must-have for your bookshelf, providing ready-to-use phrases that can jumpstart your writing process.
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City on the Line: How Baltimore Transformed its Budget to Beat the Great Recession and Deliver Outcomes by Kleine (2018)
Looking to understand outcome-based budgeting? City on the Line is an insightful read that explores how Baltimore revolutionized its budget process to achieve measurable results. It’s a great resource for grant writers interested in aligning proposals with outcome-driven strategies.
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Grammar and Style

Concise Guide to APA Style, 7th Edition by the American Psychological Association (2020)
Need to cite your references? This book provides clear, straightforward guidance on how to do it correctly in APA style. A must-have for ensuring your grant proposals are professionally formatted.
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The Art and Craft of Feature Writing by Blundell (1988)
Elevate your writing with The Art and Craft of Feature Writing. This classic book offers valuable insights into crafting compelling narratives—a skill that can enhance your grant proposals and make them more persuasive.
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The Elements of Style by Strunk & White (2009)
A timeless guide to clear and concise writing, The Elements of Style is an essential resource for anyone looking to refine their writing. Its principles will help you craft more effective and polished grant proposals.
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Artful Sentences: Syntax as Style by Tufte (2006)
Artful Sentences explores the power of syntax in writing, showing how sentence structure can enhance your style. This book is a valuable resource for grant writers looking to make their proposals more engaging and effective.
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More On Grant Writing

Storytelling for Grantseekers: A Guide to Creative Nonprofit Fundraising (2nd ed.) by Clarke (2009)
Discover the art of storytelling in grant writing with Storytelling for Grantseekers. This book offers a creative approach to nonprofit fundraising, helping you craft compelling narratives that resonate with funders.
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Grantsmanship for the Genius by Deacon & Ristine (2016)
Grantsmanship for the Genius is an insightful guide that breaks down the complexities of grant writing, making it accessible for beginners and seasoned writers alike. It’s packed with tips and strategies to help you succeed in securing funding.
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The Foundation Center's Guide to Proposal Writing (6th ed.) by Geever & Foundation Center (2012)
For a comprehensive resource on proposal writing, turn to The Foundation Center's Guide. This book provides step-by-step instructions and expert advice on crafting successful proposals that get funded.
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The Only Grant-Writing Book You’ll Ever Need (5th ed.) by Karsh & Fox (2019)
As the title suggests, The Only Grant-Writing Book You’ll Ever Need is a must-have for anyone in the field. Top grant writers and grant givers share their insights, making this an invaluable resource for mastering grant writing.
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How to Say It: Grantwriting by Koch (2009)
How to Say It: Grantwriting offers practical advice on crafting clear, persuasive proposals. Learn the language and techniques that will make your grant applications stand out to funders.
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Grantseeker’s Guide to Winning Proposals by Margolin (2008)
Grantseeker’s Guide to Winning Proposals provides real examples of successful grant applications, offering valuable insights and inspiration for writing your own winning proposals.
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How to Write a Grant: Become a Grantwriting Unicorn by Noble (2019)
How to Write a Grant is a modern guide that aims to transform you into a "grantwriting unicorn"—a writer who consistently produces outstanding proposals. This book is perfect for those looking to elevate their grant writing skills.
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Winning Grants Step by Step: The Complete Workbook for Planning, Developing, and Writing Successful Proposals (4th ed.) by O’Neal-McElrath (2013)
Winning Grants Step by Step is a practical workbook that guides you through the entire grant writing process, from planning to submission. It’s an essential tool for anyone looking to develop and write successful proposals.
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Grant Writing Demystified by Payne (2011)
Grant Writing Demystified simplifies the grant writing process, offering clear, concise guidance for beginners. This book is an excellent resource for demystifying the complexities of writing successful grant proposals.
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