Success in the planning and writing of grant proposals for health care services is enhanced by using a methodical approach. First, explore the problem and the resources. Obtaining direct experience is superior to a library-based literature review in understanding the problem. Second, identify funding sources and begin to plan the project, matching community needs to organizational strengths and funding priorities. Third, write the proposal and finish planning. Plans are refined as the proposal is written. This article provides practical information on commonly needed documents, characteristics of successful proposals and sources of information on funding.