Grant Writing: Keys to a Successful Proposal from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

Learn basic principles of effective grant writing.
Discover how to use databases and conduct internet research.

Learn a simple eight step process for writing an effective grant.

Learn basic principles of effective grant writing.
Discover how to use databases and conduct internet research.
Learn a simple eight step process for writing an effective grant.

Syllabus

In this lecture I briefly welcome you to the course, explain why it is a great time to be a grant writer and end the lecture by asking you a question. Make sure to download the course Handout.

In this lecture I explain how to get the most out of the course as you navigate the Udemy platform. More than video lectures, I encourage you to check for downloadable material, engage in discussions and by all means send me a message.

Grant Writing Basics

Discusses the grant writing system along with differences between grants provided by governments and non-governmental organizations (NGO's) as well as two main strategies for pursuing each type of organization.

Provides several basic concepts that can be applied regardless if you are writing a proposal for a foundation, corporation or government grant. Concepts include;

Aligning your needs with the funder.
Forming partnerships.
Follow instructions.
Be concise.
Avoid jargon and define technical terms.
Balance facts with stories, the head and the heart.
Stay positive.
Avoid procrastination.
Embrace change.

This lecture discusses several common myths about writing grants, including;

Grant writing fees being paid from the grant.
Money available for personal use.
Only major institutions receive funding.
A single well-crafted proposal can effectively be sent to hundreds of funders.
Grants only go to those with the greatest need.
A grant not funded is the fault of the grant writer.

How to Write a Grant Proposal

Provides an introduction and brief five minute overview of the eight steps of the grant writing process, including;

Summary
Introduction to Applicant Organization.
The Problem Statement.
Methods.
Program Outcomes.
Evaluation Plan.
Future Support.
Budget.

A list of common terms and acronyms used in the grant writing community. Take a quick a look to familiarize yourself with these terms before going through the course.

How to introduce your organization to a potential funder when writing a grant, including;

Focusing on the funder.
Making a connection.
Establishing credibility.

Breaks down the problem statement into three major components;

Description of the problem.
Impacts.
Root causes.

Discusses various aspects of writing a strong methods section when applying for a grant, including;

Methods driving outcomes.
Using a specific step-by-step plan.
How to include a margin of error.

Learn about defining your program outcomes using the acronym SMART;

Specific
Measurable
Actionable
Relevant
Time Bound

Discusses what you need in an evaluation plan including;

A process evaluation
Developing benchmarks
An outcomes evaluation

Future support discusses what funders expect when it comes to sustaining your program after the funding they have provided runs out. Topics include;

How to give the funder confidence in your program
"Fund Hopping"

This lecture discusses how to use the budget not only to demonstrate costs, but to help develop your story beyond the numbers. The lecture includes;

How to create a line item budget.
How to write a budget narrative.
How to estimate an indirect cost rate.

The summary is the last section you will write. The lecture discusses;

Tips for writing the summary.
Finalizing your proposal.

Searching for Funds

Discusses how to conduct research on foundations including;

Using a research database.
How to review a 990-PF.

This lecture covers using the Internet to find funding including;

The federal government search engine, grants.gov.
A local agency website.

Learn about funding organizations using social media to get their message out including;

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

This lecture discusses how to set up alerts on grants.gov and how to set up both alerts and conduct research using Google alerts.

Course Wrap Up

Now that you are done with the course, how do you get started writing your first grant? This lecture discusses how to write a letter of intent.

Being rejected is a normal part of being a grant writer. This lecture provides five tips for learning from rejection.

Congratulations!

Twenty multiple choice questions.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops skills that can be used for job hunting and freelance work

Taught by Richard Feenstra, who has extensive experience and expertise in writing successful grant proposals

Covers searching for funding across various sources, including government databases and social media

Provides a step-by-step process for writing an effective grant proposal, including introduction, problem statement, methods, and evaluation plan

Uses industry terms and acronyms a grant writer may encounter in the field

Discusses common areas where grant writers make mistakes and provides tips to avoid them

Reviews summary

Grant writing fundamentals

Learners say that this four-star grant writing course is thorough and informative and provides helpful resources for writing successful proposals. The course teaches the eight simple rules of grant writing and is engaging, but lacks information specific to Canadian grants.

Hands-on course with loads of material and resources for writing an effective grant proposal.

"Very thorough and informative, I learned a lot and the importance in following the guide."

"Provided loads of helpful material and resources to search for American grants."

"Thank you for an indept teaching on grants and writing a successful proposal."

Course lacks information specific to writing grant proposals for Canadian grants.

"Would have liked to have some more information specific to understanding Canadian grants and systems."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Grant Writing: Keys to a Successful Proposal with these activities:

Review your resume and work history

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Brush up the skills learned in this course by reviewing previous work experience that involved grant writing.

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Make a list of all of your work experience, including volunteer work and internships.
For each job, list the skills you used that are relevant to grant writing.
Review your resume to make sure that these skills are highlighted.

Find a mentor who can provide guidance and support

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Secure a mentor who can help you learn the craft and guide you as you develop as a grant writer.

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Identify potential mentors who have experience in grant writing.
Reach out to the mentors and ask for their guidance.
Meet with your mentors regularly to discuss your progress and get feedback.

Watch online tutorials on grant writing

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Increase your exposure to different grant writing styles and techniques by watching online tutorials.

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Find online tutorials on grant writing.
Watch the tutorials and take notes.
Apply the techniques you learn to your own grant writing.

Two other activities

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Show all five activities

Write mock grant proposals

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Put your writing skills to the test through mock grant writing.

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Choose a funding opportunity that you are interested in.
Write a mock grant proposal following the eight steps of the grant writing process.
Get feedback on your proposal from a peer or mentor.
Revise your proposal based on the feedback.

Practice writing grant budgets

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Grantsmanship is as much about accounting as winning hearts and minds. Practice writing your grant budget.

Browse courses on Budget

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Find a sample grant proposal with a budget.
Analyze the budget and identify the different types of costs included.
Create a practice budget for a grant proposal that you are working on.

Career center

Learners who complete Grant Writing: Keys to a Successful Proposal will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Grant Writer

As a Grant Writer, you will be responsible for writing grant proposals to secure funding for various projects and programs. This course will teach you the basics of grant writing and proposal development, including how to identify funding opportunities, write compelling narratives, and develop effective budgets. This knowledge will help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Grant Writer

Nonprofit Manager

If you are interested in a career as a Nonprofit Manager, you will need to be able to write effective grant proposals to secure funding for your organization. This course will introduce you to the basics of grant writing, including how to identify funding opportunities, write compelling narratives, and develop effective budgets. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in a Nonprofit Manager role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Manager

Program Manager

As a Program Manager, you will be responsible for managing and implementing programs and projects. This may include writing grant proposals to secure funding for new programs or initiatives. This course will introduce you to the basics of grant writing, including how to identify funding opportunities, write compelling narratives, and develop effective budgets. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed as a Program Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Program Manager

Development Officer

If you are interested in a career as a Development Officer, this course may be helpful. Development Officers are responsible for fundraising for nonprofit organizations. This often includes writing grant proposals and managing donor relationships. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful as a Development Officer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Development Officer

Executive Director

As an Executive Director, you will be responsible for the overall leadership and management of a nonprofit organization. This may include fundraising, grant writing, and program development. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful as an Executive Director, particularly in the area of grant writing and fundraising.

See salaries and explore the career path for Executive Director

Program Director

Program Directors are responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating programs and services. They may also be responsible for writing grant proposals to secure funding for these programs and helping to develop new resources. This course can help Program Directors develop the skills they need to be successful and effective in their roles.

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Director of Development

As a Director of Development, one of your responsibilities will be to manage fundraising activities and oversee grant writing. This course can help you develop a strong foundation in grant writing so that you can be successful in this role.

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Fundraising Consultant

Fundraising Consultants help nonprofit organizations and other clients raise money. This often includes writing grant proposals and developing fundraising strategies. This course can help develop the skills needed to be successful as a Fundraising Consultant.

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Philanthropy Advisor

Philanthropy Advisors help individuals, families, and businesses develop and implement their philanthropic goals. This often includes advising clients on grant making and grant writing. This course can help Philanthropy Advisors develop the skills they need to be successful in their roles and provide valuable advice to their clients.

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Community Relations Manager

Community Relations Managers build and maintain relationships with the community on behalf of their organization. This may include writing grant proposals to secure funding for community programs and initiatives. This course can help Community Relations Managers develop the skills they need to be successful in their roles and make a positive impact in their communities.

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Grant Administrator

Grant Administrators process, track, and manage grants. This includes writing grant proposals, submitting grant reports, and tracking spending. This course can help Grant Administrators develop the skills they need to be successful in their roles.

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Research Analyst

Research Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help organizations make informed decisions. This may include conducting research on funding opportunities and writing grant proposals. This course can help Research Analysts develop the skills they need to be successful in their roles and contribute to the success of their organizations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Analyst

Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research, analyze, and make recommendations on public policy issues. This may include writing grant proposals to secure funding for research and policy initiatives. This course can help Policy Analysts develop the skills they need to be successful in their roles and make a positive impact on public policy.

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Accountant

Accountants prepare, analyze, and interpret financial statements. This may include working with grant funding and preparing financial reports for grantors. This course can help Accountants develop a better understanding of grant accounting and reporting.

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Budget Analyst

Budget Analysts develop, analyze, and manage budgets. This may include writing grant proposals to secure funding for new programs and initiatives. This course can help Budget Analysts develop the skills they need to be successful in their roles and ensure that their organizations have the resources they need to succeed.

See salaries and explore the career path for Budget Analyst