This guidebook offers lessons in the fundamentals of grant-writing, with a focus on showing the proposal writer how to shape the basic form into a clear, well-organized document that is unique as well as appealing to the reader. Chapter 1 examines the general structure of a grant proposal and shows how to build a conceptual framework that makes a logical case for funding. Chapter 2 describes additional features that enhance the clarity of a proposal. The third chapter describes how to use technology to enhance the professional presentation of the proposal. An actual request for proposals (RFP) from a U.S. Department of Education program is examined in the fourth chapter. Chapter 5 helps grant seekers understand the federal panel-review process, describing who the reviewers are and how they respond to proposals. Writing proposals for private-sector grants is the subject of the sixth chapter. Chapter 7 offers suggestions for dealing with the politics of grant seeking, and the final chapter advises what to do if the proposal is not awarded. Seven figures are included. Appendices contain a sample proposal and critique, sample application forms, and a list of state contacts. (LMI)