A Concise Guide to Getting Grants for Nonprofit Organizations

Healthcare Financial Management, August, 2004 by Robert F. Maziarka

Mark Guyer Nova Publishers/Kroshka Books 122 pages; $19.50 novapublishers.com

A Concise Guide to Getting Grants for Nonprofit Organizations is an easy-reading guide to the grant process. But don't let the easy reading fool you. The publication will serve the reader as a comprehensive resource with plenty of "how to" and "go to" lists.

Discussions focus on types of grant makers, resources available to find grant makers, the approach to match grant makers with your funding needs, and step-by-step guidelines for grant proposal writing--beginning with the preparation of a grant plan followed by points to consider in finding a funder, writing the grant proposal, and follow up actions.

This short publication is appropriate for the novice and expert grant writer alike. The presentation is well organized and nonthreatening; the reader should have no problem understanding terms or concepts.

Although not specifically devoted to health care, the book still is worthwhile for healthcare financial professionals. Its chief strength is that it easily lends itself to real world use. The reader will benefit from practical tools, such as the grant proposal planning work sheet, grant proposal template, and discussions of appropriate grant proposal etiquette. If the suggestions and check lists are followed, the grant proposal practically writes itself!

Robert F. Maziarka, CPA, President, Amicus Care Group, Orland Park, Ill., and a member of HFMA's First Illinois Chapter.