COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Use hands-on practice to learn to write successful grants! We will start with an introduction to grants and their place in the development of nonprofit organizations and learn the sound planning skills needed for strong proposals. Students will write a grant for a nonprofit organization, getting feedback on each section as it is developed. A list of organizations seeking grant writing assistance will be provided. Using interactive learning and assigned tasks, we will focus on planning, research, evaluation techniques, budgeting and how to effectively communicate issues and needs in a clear and concise manner.

Specific Performance Objectives:

Module One: Introduction to Grant Writing

A. What is Grant Writing
B. Common untruths about the grant process
C. Common Grant Terminology
D. Why write grant proposals
E. Some tips before you start writing

1. Your Audience
2. The Style of Writing
3. Ten most common reasons why proposals are rejected

F. Preparing the request for proposal (RFP)
G. Writing process

1. Bid/no bid decision
2. How to decline a RFP

H. Analyzing the RFP

1. Proposal team
2. Detailed analysis of the RFP

I. Scheduling tasks and meeting deadlines for the RFP
J. Program design

1. How will you fulfill the requirements of the RFP
2. Services you will provide
3. Time and money, it will take to complete the project

Module Two: Introduction to Grant Research

A. Identifying prospective funding sources that fit with your organization
B. Understanding funder profile and requirements
C. Matching the needs of the funding organization
D. How to move through the grant research process
E. What to keep in mind when looking for grant funding

Module Three: Evaluating Organizational Grants-Suitability

A. Your organization’s culture and infrastructure

1. Solid reputation in the community
2. b. Credible track record

B. Building true partnerships

1. Methodology to approach potential partners
2. Developing a master grants plan

Module Four: Proposal Consideration and Knowing Your Funder

A. Matching the needs of the funding organization
B. Private versus Government
C. Developing Funder Profile
D. Developing strategy for relationships and tell your story
E. Tracking system for proposals and relationships

Module Five: Fundamental Elements of a Proposal

A. Introduction
B. Grant proposal abstract
C. Organizational Background
D. Project Description
E. Need Statement

1. Importance of need statement
2. Good and poor examples
3. What not to do
4. Writing tips

F. Program Design

1. Defining your program goals and measurable objectives
2. Defining your target population
3. Defining your program activities
4. Writing your program goals, objectives and activities

G. Implementation plan

1. Developing your timelines
2. Developing good performance measures

H. Logic model
I. Sustainability

Module Six: Types of Grant Proposals

J. Letter of Inquiry
K. Full Proposal

Module Seven: Creating Budgets

1. Budget Summary
2. Budget Narrative

Module Eight: Commonly Requested Attachments

Module Nine: Grants Management (Post Award)

L. Effective program tracking & record-keeping systems
M. Quality control
N. Success monitoring
O. Program improvement

Download Syllabus