How to Write a Grant: Become a Grant Writing Unicorn

I got so much out of this book! I never thought I would find a book about grants interesting but I genuinely enjoyed reading it. I’ve read 3 books on grants and this is by far my favorite. I even joined their online course “the Collective” and am milking that for everything it’s got. I love the little community over there and I am so happy to have stumbled onto this book when trying to teach myself how to write grants for the in-house grant writing job I landed a few months ago

Meredith and Alex are able to communicate in very real terms and with stunning examples, Grant writing basics, and real-life perspectives for navigating many human factors that really matter today. The world has changed in recent years and this is the next generation of what works.The Logic model example. I finally understand. Before with the theoretical examples, I just never really got it. Their example made total sense and I am now able to create Logic models for work and explain them.Tackling the "Isms" of today. People and social perspectives have evolved. Not everyone understands what that means. I know I didn't. In my 22 years in the military, my focus was on skills needed for survival n the battlefield. As a civilian, I am now encountering a lot of situations I just didn't understand when it comes to the difference of ideals like the use of different pronouns, different biases, and the difference between racism and anti-racism and "not a racist" in the workforce and society.Even with workplace training I really did not understand. Alex does a great job in my opinion of explaining the different concepts in a meaningful, non-intrusive way. I so appreciate finally understanding with real straight talk. I have a better way to keep self-aware of my blind spots. Learning and reflection. Thank you for addressing that in the book.The book goes on to explain how to leverage many aspects of modern technology using many available resources like Google Products, and strategies to do meaningful research. The relevant “actions you can take” sections at the end of the chapters were very helpful and is a call to action you can do now. Explaining how one should use "human-centered design" and how it relates to the community is a great example of how a grant writing project can benefit so many.So very important is the explanation of the value of a grant writer's time and how to avoid the time traps with unprepared Non-profits. Knowing when to pull the plug or at least knowing to avoid a problem project is, so value-added. A lot of emphasis on the worth of a grant writer's efforts and time, and how providing free work really makes no sense. Meredith is truly moving the next generation of Grant writers to the next level and redefining this craft.

Lots of relevant information

Meredith takes us out of the dark ages of grant writing and into the present with a clear, concise, and engaging outline of the grant writing process. I especially appreciate the "action you can take right now" section at the end of each chapter.

I recently had the pleasure of reading the second edition of "How To Write A Grant: Become A Grant Writing Unicorn," and I must say, it exceeded my expectations! This book is incredibly organized, making it easy to follow the step-by-step process of grant writing. The information provided is not only informative but also presented in a well-written manner that's easy to understand, even for beginners in the field.What truly sets this book apart is its ability to make a seemingly complex topic feel approachable. The author's writing style creates a comfortable reading experience, and the concepts are broken down into manageable sections that make learning enjoyable. As I read through the book, I felt as if I was having a one-on-one conversation with an experienced grant writer, which added a personal touch that is often missing in instructional texts.Overall, "How To Write A Grant: Become A Grant Writing Unicorn" second edition is a must-have for anyone interested in grant writing. Its organized structure, informative content, well-written explanations, and personal touch make it an invaluable resource for both newcomers and experienced grant writers alike.

I purchased a paperback copy of “How to Write a Grant: Become a Grant Writing Unicorn” a few months ago, in the hopes of getting some sort of encouragement that grant writing is not as intimidating or impossible as so many people had told me…I was NOT disappointed!Because I love this book so much, I purchased the audio and hardcover versions to keep as backups today.Meredith writes with such good humor and in a clear manner that breaks down the more complex aspects of grant writing into smaller, more manageable chunks. She also shares a great deal of her own experience as a grant writer, as well as that of other grant writers within her grant writer’s collective, to give the reader a clearer understanding of what grant writing entails.This book is rich with tips, tricks, and organizational skills to ensure that you have a great start in this field of helping others. Reading this book has certainly set me at ease in pursuing a career in grant writing, in conjunction with my proofreading.Thank you, Meredith, for this amazing resource!!!

In this illuminating book, Meredith Noble shares everything you could possibly want to know about grant writing—and then some—from developing a funding strategy, to planning the writing process (what needs to be done and when), to writing a budget (easy when you know how), through to crafting a polished grant narrative. She discusses her outside-the-box thinking and strategies in her inimitable informal style, offering invaluable tips, tools, techniques, and takeaways for grant writers across the spectrum—aspiring, novice, and seasoned. At the end of Part I, you will come away knowing that you have all the knowledge you need to become a successful grant writer. But, the book does not end here. Part II extends beyond the process and practice of grant writing to explore the inner landscape and mindset of the grant writer and the ethics of grant writing. Here, Meredith’s co-founder, Alex Lustig, takes the reins, offering deep insights into the -isms that the grant writer must confront and reflect on to truly be of service along with strategies for ensuring that the community remains at the center of the data-gathering process, giving voice to its own story. As Alex wisely points out, grant writing is not about ego; it is about service. In Part III, Meredith returns to share her own pertinent insights on critical issues that confront the aspiring grant writer, notably imposter syndrome, explaining what this is and how to overcome it, how to build a freelance career, and the importance of cultivating good habits and personal well-being. At the end of the book, readers have the opportunity to join a collective of like-minded grant writers at different stages of their careers, supporting each other in the process of becoming grant writing “unicorns.” As a relatively new member of this community, I can attest to its strength and vibrancy and to the talent and support to be found within it. This empowering and heart-centered book is a must-read for anyone who wants to write to make a difference in the world, and I hope that it becomes required reading within vocational as well as formal academic courses.