Writing Successful Technology Grant Proposals: A LITA Guide

Citation

Calvert, P. (2012), "Writing Successful Technology Grant Proposals: A LITA Guide", The Electronic Library, Vol. 30 No. 4, pp. 560-561. https://doi.org/10.1108/02640471211252274

The basics of writing grant applications are the same around the world, so although this book has a heavy US focus there is still much of value provided here for those working elsewhere. The author is a library consultant with over thirty years of experience and much of it is evident in this book. The chapters flow logically from step to step and the content is always readable and clear.

There is more to writing a grant proposal than putting pen to paper, and this book explains the process thoroughly from first thoughts to the final review and evaluation. The first important chapter is on planning, as one would expect. The importance of relating the project to the organisational mission is made plain. Other key points covered are the goals of the project, a timeline and a budget. In the next chapter the project proposal is “fleshed out” with detail on the desired outcomes, the personnel of the project team, the actual activities that will constitute the proposal, and an evaluation plan. One way in which this book extends what can be found elsewhere is in the useful chapter on the project team, and that is because a grant application is rarely successful when not done by a group: “grant work is a team activity” (p. 46). This chapter covers the whole of the topic: the skills needed in a team, the roles within the team, recruiting the right people, and the importance of leadership.

Much of the content of the availability of grants points to US resources, but that need not deter the reader from outside the USA, for the chapters such as the one on writing and submitting the grant proposal are practical no matter where you are based. Grant applications (that I know of) follow a fairly common pattern, so elements such as the library profile, the needs assessment, the desired outcomes, and of course, the budget, are all to be expected. Making the application look professional is always worth a bit of time, so the last few pages of Chapter Eight are good for reference.

The book goes on to look at what you do if the grant has been won. The process does not end there – or it should not – because evaluation is essential after every project, and the body that gave the grant will expect a full report on outcomes. Personally, I thought there could be more on feedback, as some librarians don't seem to realise the importance of this when chasing grants and sponsorships. All in all, though, it is a useful publication.