Online Class: How to Write a Grant Proposal

Dive into the world of grant writing, where students learn to articulate and advocate for meaningful projects by mastering the art of persuasive proposal writing, while understanding the symbiotic relationship between grant seekers and makers. With hands-on experiences and strategic insights, this course transforms learners into invaluable professionals who can drive real-world impact through successful funding procurement.

Self-Paced, Online Class

Library Subscription

16

Lessons
28

Exams &
Assignments
9

Hours
average time
0.9

CEUs

Course Description

Imagine unlocking a skill so powerful that it could open doors to endless opportunities, driving change and enabling progress on causes that matter. Welcome to the art of grant writing. This isn't just another course-it's a transformational journey designed to empower you with the tools to secure critical funding, make a meaningful impact, and establish yourself as a trusted professional in a field that's never been more relevant.

Grant writing is about much more than just putting words on paper. It's the vital bridge between innovative ideas and the funding needed to bring them to life. Nonprofits, educational institutions, healthcare organizations, and countless other entities are competing for limited resources-and they need skilled grant writers to help them succeed. In this course, you'll learn to craft proposals that resonate with potential funders, painting a vivid picture of the mission at hand and making a compelling case for why it deserves support. You'll discover the strategies and techniques behind successful grants, from understanding funders' core motivations to articulating project goals and impact in a way that speaks directly to their priorities.

But grant writing isn't just about persuasion. It's about partnership. You'll develop an in-depth understanding of the grant ecosystem, where both sides-grant seekers and grant makers-are aiming for a shared goal. You'll dive into the fundamentals of identifying the right opportunities, studying successful proposals, and mastering the nuances that turn a submission from "interesting" to "essential." Whether it's the specific language funders use, the strategic alignment of your goals with theirs, or the budgeting that shows you've thought through every detail, this course leaves nothing to chance.

What sets this course apart is its practical, hands-on approach. Each lesson is crafted to build your skills step-by-step, from mastering the language of grants and navigating platforms like Grants.gov to understanding the often-overlooked yet crucial details that give proposals the winning edge. You'll practice evaluating and revising drafts, developing a keen eye for what funders value, and learning how to refine ideas into polished, professional proposals. Plus, you'll learn strategies for managing the demands of restricted and complex grants, keeping your projects sustainable long after initial funding is secured.

Whether you're a beginner or looking to deepen your expertise, you'll gain confidence and competence with each module. Imagine walking into a room, ready to not only write but also advocate for the causes and organizations you care about. Picture the satisfaction of knowing your skills are driving real-world impact, securing the resources needed to expand educational programs, support vital healthcare initiatives, or advance environmental sustainability.

By the end of this course, you won't just know how to write grants; you'll understand how to build relationships, negotiate terms, and navigate the ever-evolving world of grant funding. You'll be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and insights needed to become an indispensable asset, ready to help organizations of all kinds meet their missions and make a difference.

Enroll now, and step into a future where your words have the power to open doors, transform communities, and bring dreams to life. This is your path to making a lasting impact, one well-crafted grant at a time.

Courses Frequently Bought Together:

Business Writing

Fundraising 101

Human Resources Management

Areas of Study

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:

"Extraordinarily Helpful"

(3,161 votes)

Lesson 1. Grant Writing Essentials: Navigating the World of Funding

Grant writers serve as strategic connectors, matching potential funders with projects aligned to their mission and objectives. They must wield persuasive language, strategic communication, and a deep comprehension of funders' motivations to craft compelling proposals that resonate emotionally. 10 Total Points

Lesson 1 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-1-WordSearch-8604.pdf
Lesson discussions: Grant Writing Experience; Reasons for Taking this Course
Complete: Lesson 1 Assignment: Why Grant Writing?
Assessment: Lesson 1 Review Exam

Lesson 2. Proposals That Win: Strategies for Securing Grants

Successful proposals arise from thorough research, leaving no questions unanswered, which aligns projects with funders' priorities and builds a foundation for future funding requests. Transparent budgeting and measurable objectives are essential to building trust and ensuring funding continuity. 16 Total Points

Lesson 2 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-2-HomeWork-8606.pdf
Complete: Lesson 2 Assignment: Defining Success
Assessment: Lesson 2 Review Exam

Lesson 3. The Essentials of Grant Writing

Pursuing grants allows individuals and organizations to formalize and fund impactful visions, turning ambitious ideas into reality. By appealing to diverse foundations and leveraging the array of available grants, one can secure significant support for projects that make meaningful changes in their communities. 10 Total Points

Lesson 3 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-3-Activity-8608.pdf
Lesson discussions: Grant Writing Success
Complete: Lesson 3 Assignment: What Makes a Good Grant Writer?
Assessment: Lesson 3 Review Exam

Lesson 4. The Funding Puzzle: Understanding Donors and Grant Makers

Delving into charitable funding, grant writers discover that foundations, ranging from small family-run entities to massive global organizations, each have distinct missions and funding focuses to align with. By matching proposals to the specific goals of private, community, or corporate foundations, nonprofits can maximize their chances of securing necessary support for their projects. 30 Total Points

Lesson 4 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-4-Activity-8610.pdf
Complete: Lesson 4 Assignment: Funding Your Organization
Assessment: Lesson 4 Review Exam

Lesson 5. The Ever-Changing Landscape of Grant Writing: Staying Informed and Ahead

Grant writing requires staying informed about evolving trends to effectively match applications with funders' changing priorities, leveraging the Internet as a crucial tool. Emphasizing collaboration, outcomes-based plans, and sustainability increases credibility and appeal to funders. 18 Total Points

Lesson 5 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-5-Activity-8612.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 5 Review Exam

Lesson 6. Crafting a Strong, Purpose-Driven Grant Proposal

Successful grant proposals begin with setting clear ground rules and systematically laying out a project plan, ensuring alignment with funder expectations and project goals. By adhering to a methodical approach, you maintain a focused, organized proposal that appeals to potential funders. 25 Total Points

Lesson 6 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-6-Activity-8614.pdf
Complete: Lesson 6 Assignment: The Mission Statement
Assessment: Lesson 6 Review Exam

Lesson 7. From Ideas to Impact: Constructing an Effective Grant Proposal

Crafting a successful action plan involves defining objectives, setting realistic goals, and outlining detailed tasks, all aimed at aligning with the grant's purpose. This organized approach shows funders that the organization is prepared, ambitious, and capable of achieving measurable outcomes. 15 Total Points

Lesson 7 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-7-WorkSheet-8616.pdf
Complete: Lesson 7 Assignment: Writing an Action Plan
Assessment: Lesson 7 Review Exam

Lesson 8. The Crucial Role of Evaluation Plans in Grants

Formulating an evaluation plan begins with asking the right questions to ensure the project aligns with its primary goals and yields useful insights. Setting clear indicators and performance metrics helps track progress, demonstrating a commitment to project success and continuous improvement. 24 Total Points

Lesson 8 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-8-Downloadable-8618.pdf
Complete: Lesson 8 Assignment: Program Evaluation
Assessment: Lesson 8 Review Exam

Lesson 9. Understanding Your Grant Audiences

Crafting an effective grant proposal involves knowing your audience, which can include government agencies, foundations, corporations, or individuals, each with unique priorities. Aligning your proposal with their specific goals and demonstrating clear project impact can enhance your chances of success. 20 Total Points

Lesson 9 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-9-WordSearch-8620.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 9 Review Exam

Lesson 10. Strategic Approaches to Grant Writing for Emerging Professionals

Understanding the grant landscape involves more than matching project needs to funder goals; it requires strategic relationship building and adapting to various funding sources' nuances. By utilizing informed strategies and showcasing tangible impacts, grant writers can transform proposals into compelling stories that resonate with funders. 18 Total Points

Lesson 10 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-10-Activity-8624.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 10 Review Exam

Lesson 11. Strategically Analyzing Your Grant Proposal

Grant proposals should embody professionalism by acknowledging weaknesses and offering practical solutions, demonstrating readiness and foresight. Meanwhile, sharing detailed research and connections preserves your advantage in a competitive funding landscape. 19 Total Points

Lesson 11 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-11-HomeWork-8626.pdf
Complete: Lesson 11 Assignment: Develop a Timeline
Assessment: Lesson 11 Review Exam

Lesson 12. Illustrating Your Vision: Budget as a Narrative Tool

An effective budget transforms a grant proposal into a powerful financial narrative, combining precision and storytelling. Funders often view it as a crucial credibility indicator, providing clarity on how resources will drive project success and impact. 21 Total Points

Lesson 12 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-12-Downloadable-8628.pdf
Complete: Lesson 12 Assignment: Creating a Budget
Assessment: Lesson 12 Review Exam

Lesson 13. The Art of Persuasive Grant Presentation: Capturing Interest from the First Glimpse

Visuals serve as powerful aids when strategically applied, simplifying complex ideas like budget breakdowns or workflows with clarity-enhancing charts and graphs. While color visuals should be avoided for print compatibility, careful use of line art and shaded imagery enriches the proposal's message. 16 Total Points

Lesson 13 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-13-WorkSheet-8630.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 13 Review Exam

Lesson 14. Navigating the Complex World of Online Grant Resources with Confidence and Security

Grants.gov simplifies the federal grant application process by providing a single platform to access opportunities from over 26 federal agencies, offering features like advanced search filters and application tracking. In contrast, GrantStation focuses on private funding with curated listings and detailed profiles, enabling targeted searches and efficient proposal preparation. 19 Total Points

Lesson 14 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-14-Activity-8632.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 14 Review Exam

Lesson 15. Flexible Approaches to Grant Proposals

Embracing digital grant application methods, such as online and email platforms, offers convenience but also demands adherence to formatting and security considerations. Strategies include thorough application reviews, frequent saving to avoid data loss, and vigilance against scams that often request fees or sensitive personal information. 12 Total Points

Lesson 15 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-15-WordSearch-8634.pdf
Complete: Lesson 15 Assignment: Format Preference
Assessment: Lesson 15 Review Exam

Lesson 16. Mastering Grant Reporting: Key Strategies for Success

Effective grant reporting is vital for accountability and relationship-building with funders, who appreciate acknowledgment and transparency. Progress reports and potential extensions offer a chance to maintain good faith, while final reports summarize achievements and challenges, helping secure future grants. 87 Total Points

Lesson 16 Video
Review 2 Practice Worksheets
Lesson discussions: Do You Feel Prepared?; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments
Complete: The Final Assignment
Assessment: The Final Exam
Assessment: Lesson 16 Review Exam

360

Total Course Points

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:

Define the role of a grant writer and identify key skills required for successful grant writing, such as persuasive communication and audience empathy.
Demonstrate the ability to craft a detailed and compelling grant proposal that aligns with both the organization's goals and the funder's objectives.#
Define the key components of a successful grant proposal, including research, alignment with funders' priorities, transparency, and sustainability planning.
Demonstrate the ability to build and maintain relationships with potential funders, incorporating feedback and demonstrating alignment with their missions and values.
Define the key components of a successful grant proposal by outlining the need, goals, and plan for fund utilization with persuasive storytelling.
Demonstrate effective communication and relationship-building strategies with potential funders by presenting compelling narratives and aligning your project with their values and goals.
Describe the motivations behind corporate giving and demonstrate methods to align project proposals with corporate values and strategic goals.
Define the different types of foundations and recognize their unique characteristics in funding charitable projects.
Define the key emerging trends in grant writing, including collaboration, outcomes-based approaches, and sustainability, and evaluate their impact on crafting successful proposals.
Identify and analyze strategic considerations for selecting appropriate funding opportunities, ensuring alignment with project missions, funder values, and compliance requirements, to enhance grant-seeking success.
Demonstrate the ability to create a structured grant proposal plan with measurable outcomes and a compelling narrative to align with funders' priorities.
Define the key components of a successful grant proposal by outlining essential elements like mission statement, funding assessment, and clear objectives.
Define specific, measurable objectives that directly support project goals and create a clear, structured roadmap for achieving them within set timelines.
Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.

Additional Course Information

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Course Title: How to Write a Grant Proposal

Course Number: 7550155

Lessons Rating: 4.4 / 5 Stars (3,161 votes)

Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries

Availability: Available across all 50 U.S. states, this course includes key regions such as California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. The course is also open in major English-speaking countries, including Australia, Canada, the UK, and Ireland.

Last Updated: October 2024

CEU Value: 0.9 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)

CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).

Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.

Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Classes

Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams

Instructor: Dr. Deirdre Mithaug

Syllabus: View Syllabus

Student Testimonials

"The course was very helpful and somewhat difficult for me. I learned grant writing is not as simple as I thought it was, you have to be very detailed and collect a lot of data and do a lot of research. But the funny thing is I am still interested in doing grant writing. I am now well-prepared to start grant writing and I feel it is a necessity in our society today. Thank you." -- Lynda W.
"I found this class to be the most challenging in Universal Class from the nine courses I have taken. Challenging in a good way and you have to demonstrate resilience to complete the course. ." -- Kelly D.
"Great course! I don't think there is much I would change!" -- Jorge A.
"Thank you very much for your time, and I learned a lot about the grant writing process." -- Christine B.
"Great course and instructor. Look forward to taking more courses." -- Ellen K.
"The instructor was awesome." -- James B.
"All went very well. Thank you!" -- Veaceslav P.
"The material and the links were great and very informative. The assignments were well designed and really helped me to learn as I worked on them." -- Nicole G.
"I found it all very useful. I have not written a grant before, and I knew it was time consuming, but this course taught me I will really have to manage my time greatly. I think that one of the parts I liked was the resources that I did not have previously, I had now. " -- Peg J.
"I enjoyed the course and had a wonderful instructor." -- Faith R.