This course introduces learners to strategic grant writing as a core component of nonprofit fundraising. Learners explore how to identify funding needs, research and cultivate relationships with grantmakers, develop aligned and persuasive proposals, and manage follow‑up after funding decisions. Emphasis is placed on best practices and the six‑stage grant writing process.
Module 1: Grant Writing and Organizational Strategy
Role of grant writing in nonprofit and organizational funding
Relationship between grant writing and overall fundraising strategy
Financial sustainability through diversified funding
Module 2: Types of Grants and Fundraising Integration
Capital grants and endowment grants
Matching funds and grant leverage strategies
Integrating grants into long‑term fundraising efforts
Module 3: The Six Stages of the Grant Writing Process
Overview of the six stages of strategic grant writing
Best practices across the grant lifecycle
Module 4: Identifying Needs and Researching Funders
Establishing and documenting funding needs (Stage One)
Researching grantmakers and funding opportunities (Stage Two)
Module 5: Funder Relationships and Strategic Alignment
Building relationships with potential funders (Stage Three)
Aligning organizational mission with funder priorities (Stage Four)
Module 6: Writing and Submitting the Grant Proposal
Grant proposal development process (Stage Five)
Tools, techniques, and components of effective proposals
Module 7: Post‑Decision Follow‑Up and Continuous Improvement
Follow‑up after grant awards or rejections (Stage Six)
Reporting, stewardship, and relationship maintenance
Applying best practices through case studies
After completing this course, the learner will be able to:
Explain the importance of grant writing in nonprofit and organizational funding strategies
Differentiate capital, endowment, and matching grants and their role in fundraising
Describe how grant writing and fundraising work together to support financial stability
Outline the six stages of the grant writing process
Identify and establish a clear need for funding (Stage One)
Research grantmakers and available funding opportunities (Stage Two)
Build relationships with potential funders (Stage Three)
Evaluate alignment between organizational and funder missions (Stage Four)
Apply tools and techniques to write effective grant proposals (Stage Five)
Explain best practices for post‑award and post‑decision follow‑up (Stage Six)
Apply grant writing concepts to real‑world case studies
Certificate of completion
This class is an independent-study course. Learners will have all the resources needed to successfully complete the course within the online material. A student helpdesk is available for technical support during the course enrollment.