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Grassroots Grants: An Activist's Guide to Grantseeking (Kim Klein's Fundraising Series)

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I'm the author of another book about "grant writing" for nonprofits, but still I heartily recommend this book. In fact, Grassroots Grants is the only other book about grant seeking I recommend. Here's why.

Grassroots Grants demonstrates on nearly every page how grant seeking can be compatible with the idealistic nature of small nonprofits. Though it is unquestionably and unapologetically written for what might be called the "progressive" movement in the US, its principles apply to activist organizations of any stripe. In the sometimes cynical world of fundraising, it's refreshing to see values so consistently applied. The author leaves no doubt: fundraising isn't just a game played with money and ego, it's about changing the world. The author's strong sense of purpose resonates warmly with the reader's.

Second, the book has an abundance of examples -- proposal narratives, budgets, etc. -- that very effectively demonstrate some basic principles of good writing and good grant seeking. For beginners these examples do a lot to demystify the job of grant seeking; they help the beginner get off to a quick start. For experienced fundraisers, they provide new ideas about style and presentation. I admire the numerous examples in this book enough to wish there were more in mine!

In contrast, I do think that one kind of advice is treated a bit lightly in this book: the task of managing the creation, submission, etc. of many proposals simultaneously. That topic has implications for the bottom line and for organizational values, and is a big topic in my book. But I have to admit, it is not terribly relevant for someone who is trying to write their first grant or two or three.

True to its title, Grassroots Grants keeps its focus on grassroots topics, and very much succeeds on that basis. It is authentic and helpful.

I have long been a fan of Andy Robinson's writing and this is his best book to date. Useful for both new and experienced grant seekers. This book will now be number one on my list of recommendations for participants in my grant seeking workshops and I will make sure that each of the new fundraisers that I coach have a copy.

Andy Robinson is one the best grassroots grant writers in the country. His book and a class I took from him helped us triple our budget from grants. The new edition is even better with excellent examples of winning grants from across the country.

As a staff member of a community foundation, I am called upon to give numerous presentations on how to get grants. I never fail to suggest buying Andy's book. It will pay for itself--and it's a good read besides. Virginia Martinez

This book is priceless when it comes to accessible, detailed, and critical how-to information on how to write grants. I highly recommend Grassroots Grants as a vital resource for any progressive activist who needs to raise cash for the movement.

[Review by Charlotte M. Liebel]Grassroots Grants: An Activist's Guide to Grantseeking (Kim Klein's Fundraising Series)

GRASSROOTS GRANTS An Activist's Guide to Grantseeking by Andy Robinson is for those whose current interest is learning the skills needed to raise money from grants. This book is in the library of a local ~ The Foundation Center ~ and the author easily guides and instructs the reader.

Grassroots Grants by Andy Robinson includes articles and examples for Proposal Writing. Additionally, it gives a 'List of Exhibits, Exercises, and Worksheets' for essential formats and Cover Letter writing.

This book is a 'Must Read' when preparing a proposal for grant funding. It includes FOUR (4) Winning Proposals. They are included word-for-word from Application through Proposal Budget.

This is a documentary to continually reference for grantseeking writers.

When I read this book it quite literally changed my life. Someone asked me to write a grant for them and I didn't know what I was doing. Robinson's easy writing style made what seemed like rocket science into something manageable. Most of all, he took the *fear* out of writing grants. Recognizing that the goal is to match funders' goals with the non-profit organizations' goals rather than the organizations begging and pleading at random made all the difference. Equal partners in meeting missions is what it's all about and Robinson gets that message across. The concrete how-to steps are great, too.