As a research scientist, your ability to win outside funding has never been more important. Your potential to attract resources can often make the critical difference when you are being considered for tenure and promotion in your profession.

Getting Science Grants is your hands-on guide to writing compelling proposals that will attract funding. Written by Thomas Blackburn–a scientist, experienced grantmaker, and consultant–this book provides a step-by-step process for writing grants to support your research projects. Getting Science Grants offers you an insider’s look at the motivations and inner workings of the scientific grantmaking community. No matter your scientific discipline, Getting Science Grants will help you develop the skills you need to write dynamic proposals and

• Learn the qualities that distinguish outstanding proposals
• Write each section of the proposal clearly and persuasively
• Choose the funding agencies that will give you the best chance of winning support
• Avoid common pitfalls and mistakes when writing proposals
• Develop productive relationships with funders
• Reduce the chances of being turned down by funders
• Succeed after securing your grant

Getting Science Grants also includes a companion Web site that provides critical tools such as examples of successful proposals from across the scientific spectrum and comprehensive contact information for a host of agencies that award grants in the sciences.

"Informative and instructive in a highly readable, relaxed style, this book is invaluable for newcomers to the research-funding game and a great refresher for the rest of us. Read it and re-read it; experienced grant writer and grants administrator Blackburn deftly blows away the mystique and guides you through the steps of grant writing–and rewriting–in a manner that encourages you to do your best and then to build constructively on inevitable setbacks."
–Joanne Bourgeois, professor, Earth and Space Sciences, University of Washington

"As increasing numbers of faculty and administrators recognize the importance of research, this publication is unique in providing timely, useful, and accurate information on grant writing. Tom Blackburn’s book is rich in insights on how to navigate this complex field and is a resource that people will come back to time and time again."
–Mitchell Malachowski, professor of chemistry, University of San Diego, and president, Council on Undergraduate Research