September 18, 2003 | Read Time: 1 minute
Grant Writing in Higher Education: a Step-by-Step Guide
by Kenneth T. Henson
This book lays out the process of winning grants for academic programs, research, technology, and other college and university projects. Kenneth T. Henson, dean of the School of Education at the Citadel, in Charleston, S.C., says that determination, self-confidence, and an understanding of what foundations and government agencies look for in a proposal are essential for receiving financing.
Mr. Henson begins by dispelling some of the myths that he says often stop people from writing grant proposals. For example, he explains that grants are disbursed not just to large prestigious colleges, but to institutions of all sizes. He also gives advice for finding time in a busy academic schedule to pursue grants.
The book outlines the different parts of a proposal, and presents three proposals for programs that received financing. One chapter focuses on how to write more clearly and forcefully. Mr. Henson says that proposal writers often make proposals too complicated by introducing long sentences and unfamiliar words. To show how to simplify writing, the book includes a list of words and phrases to avoid—such as “utilize” and “in close proximity”—and demonstrates how to revise convoluted sentences.
Mr. Henson says that the work of proposal writing continues even after financial support is received. He suggests that grant seekers publish articles about their programs that won financing to increase their credibility when applying for grants in the future. The book includes basic manuscript guidelines for academic journals that accept such articles.
Publisher: Allyn & Bacon, 75 Arlington Street, Suite 300, Boston, Mass. 02116; (800) 922-0579; fax (617) 848-6058; http://www.ablongman.com; 240 pages; $30.50; I.S.B.N. 0-205-38919-8.
