Get expert advice on sourcing, writing, and winning grants. Learn to navigate government portals, structure compelling proposals, and write persuasive narratives with real-world examples and proven templates.

Grant Writing For Dummies

Grant Writing For Dummies

Instructor: Wiley Skills Network
Access provided by DAVIbank y BNP Paribas Cardif
Recommended experience
Recommended experience
What you'll learn
Identify funders aligned with your organization's goals
Create persuasive needs and program narratives
Navigate federal and private grant portals effectively
Skills you'll gain
- Writing and Editing
- Fundraising
- Smart Goals
- Proposal Writing
- Business Analysis
- Budget Management
- Needs Assessment
- Program Implementation
- Proposal Development
- Grant Writing
- Document Management
- Writing
- Philanthropy
- Project Design
- Organizational Strategy
- Follow Through
- Goal Setting
- Business Logic
- Grant Applications
- Program Evaluation
Details to know

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26 assignments
September 2026
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There are 25 modules in this course
This module provides an introductory overview of grantwriting, covering essential topics such as grant types, eligibility criteria, planning processes, and strategies for approaching private-sector funders. Learners will gain practical knowledge on how to research and approach potential funding sources effectively.
What's included
1 video5 readings1 assignment
1 video•Total 1 minute
- Overview•1 minute
5 readings•Total 28 minutes
- Introduction•4 minutes
- Checking out different types of grants•6 minutes
- Recognizing the Purpose of a Funding Development Plan•5 minutes
- Researching Private-Sector Grants•6 minutes
- Getting your request in the door at foundations and corporations•7 minutes
1 assignment•Total 16 minutes
- Grantwriting Fundamentals for Newcomers•16 minutes
This module equips learners with the essential strategies for assessing and enhancing nonprofit readiness for grant fundraising. It covers how to build board capacity, develop realistic funding plans, and effectively research and engage with potential funders. Learners will gain practical skills to improve their organization's grant success rates.
What's included
1 video5 readings1 assignment
1 video•Total 1 minute
- Overview•1 minute
5 readings•Total 29 minutes
- Introduction•6 minutes
- Creating a Grantfunding Plan•5 minutes
- Updating critical funding plan information•4 minutes
- Looking for needles in a haystack•5 minutes
- Talking to potential funders•9 minutes
1 assignment•Total 16 minutes
- Mastering Effective Grant Funding Approaches•16 minutes
This module provides insights into aligning grant proposals with funder expectations, structuring project descriptions, and using effective storytelling techniques. Learners will gain skills in understanding grant guidelines, crafting compliant applications, and presenting compelling narratives to increase funding success.
What's included
1 video3 readings1 assignment
1 video•Total 1 minute
- Overview•1 minute
3 readings•Total 23 minutes
- Introduction•8 minutes
- Writing about the project in need of funding•4 minutes
- Storytelling with facts•11 minutes
1 assignment•Total 16 minutes
- Grant Application Fundamentals•16 minutes
This module covers the process of accessing public-sector grants, including how to navigate federal and state-level funding streams, identify eligible applicants, and engage with political advocates to enhance grant success. Learners will gain practical knowledge on tracking and applying for grants at various governmental levels.
What's included
1 video4 readings1 assignment
1 video•Total 1 minute
- Overview•1 minute
4 readings•Total 23 minutes
- Introduction•6 minutes
- Looking for pass-through funding•6 minutes
- Using the eligible applicant criteria to track the funding stream•6 minutes
- Enlisting Political Advocates•5 minutes
1 assignment•Total 16 minutes
- Navigating Federal Grant Opportunities•16 minutes
This module provides learners with a comprehensive overview of how to navigate the federal grant submission process. It covers essential topics such as registering on Grants.gov, understanding eligibility criteria, and completing required application forms. Learners will gain the skills needed to effectively access and apply for federal funding opportunities.
What's included
1 video4 readings1 assignment
1 video•Total 1 minute
- Overview•1 minute
4 readings•Total 20 minutes
- Introduction•4 minutes
- Understanding Grant Applicant Eligibility•6 minutes
- Viewing Tutorials in the Grants.gov Workspace•3 minutes
- Reviewing Some of the Mandatory Government Grant Application Forms•7 minutes
1 assignment•Total 16 minutes
- Navigating Federal Grant Portals•16 minutes
This module equips learners with strategies to identify and evaluate private-sector funders, including foundations and corporations. It covers the use of research tools like GuideStar and other grant-research platforms to align proposal goals with funder priorities. Learners will gain practical skills in matching their projects with potential financial supporters.
What's included
1 video4 readings1 assignment
1 video•Total 1 minute
- Overview•1 minute
4 readings•Total 25 minutes
- Introduction•7 minutes
- Scouring GuideStar for Foundation Funders•6 minutes
- Weighing the Usefulness of Free versus Paid Grant-Research Websites•5 minutes
- Scoring a Match to the Funder's Grantmaking Criteria•7 minutes
1 assignment•Total 16 minutes
- Navigating Private-Sector Funding Opportunities•16 minutes
This module equips learners with strategies to locate and evaluate legitimate grant opportunities for startups and small businesses. It covers how to identify credible funding sources and understand eligibility criteria for programs like SBIR and STTR. Learners will also gain insights into navigating the complex application and compliance processes.
What's included
1 video2 readings1 assignment
1 video•Total 1 minute
- Overview•1 minute
2 readings•Total 14 minutes
- Introduction•5 minutes
- Locating Credible Grants for Your Startup Business•9 minutes
1 assignment•Total 16 minutes
- Navigating Grant Opportunities for Small Businesses•16 minutes
This module provides learners with essential skills in identifying and accessing grant opportunities for academic and research purposes. It covers key terminology, strategies for locating federal and corporate funding, and how to use institutional and external databases effectively.
What's included
1 video2 readings1 assignment
1 video•Total 1 minute
- Overview•1 minute
2 readings•Total 10 minutes
- Introduction•4 minutes
- Finding Sponsored Program Grants•6 minutes
1 assignment•Total 16 minutes
- Navigating Funding Opportunities in Academic Research•16 minutes
This module equips learners with the skills to navigate international grant opportunities for NGOs. It covers how to identify global funding sources, understand eligibility criteria, and adapt financial proposals for non-U.S. standards.
What's included
1 video1 reading1 assignment
1 video•Total 1 minute
- Overview•1 minute
1 reading•Total 9 minutes
- Identifying Funds for Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs) - The Reading•9 minutes
1 assignment•Total 16 minutes
- Navigating Grant Opportunities for Global NGOs•16 minutes
This module equips learners with the skills to navigate federal grant opportunities, understand key requirements, and assess organizational readiness for successful grant applications. It guides through the process of identifying suitable grants, analyzing guidelines, and evaluating criteria to improve application outcomes.
What's included
1 video4 readings1 assignment
1 video•Total 1 minute
- Overview•1 minute
4 readings•Total 25 minutes
- Introduction•8 minutes
- Using a checklist to determine whether you should apply for a grant•6 minutes
- Scanning for standard terms•4 minutes
- Scrutinizing the Review Criteria•7 minutes
1 assignment•Total 16 minutes
- Navigating Federal Grant Opportunities•16 minutes
This module equips learners with the knowledge and skills to align grant narratives with review criteria, understand peer review processes, and develop strong evaluation plans to increase funding success. It covers strategies for demonstrating accountability, validating needs, and leveraging third-party evaluators to strengthen applications.
What's included
1 video6 readings1 assignment
1 video•Total 1 minute
- Overview•1 minute
6 readings•Total 33 minutes
- Introduction•5 minutes
- Understanding the Importance of the Peer Review Process•7 minutes
- Deploying analyzation acumen to meet the scoring process•6 minutes
- Demonstrating accountability with an evaluation plan•5 minutes
- Validating Needs and Implementation Strategies•5 minutes
- Considering the Use of Third-Party Evaluators•5 minutes
1 assignment•Total 16 minutes
- Grant Application and Peer Review Fundamentals•16 minutes
This module focuses on modernizing grant writing techniques by emphasizing clarity, storytelling, and alignment with funder priorities. Learners will gain skills in crafting compelling need statements, integrating case studies, and structuring SMART objectives to increase the effectiveness of their proposals.
What's included
1 video4 readings1 assignment
1 video•Total 1 minute
- Overview•1 minute
4 readings•Total 21 minutes
- Introduction•5 minutes
- Step 2: Presenting the need with validation•5 minutes
- Step 3: Incorporating a case study•4 minutes
- Aligning your goals and SMART objectives with the purpose of the funding•7 minutes
1 assignment•Total 16 minutes
- Mastering the Art of Grant Writing•16 minutes
This module provides an in-depth look at the essential documents and formatting requirements needed for successful grant applications. Learners will gain an understanding of mandatory forms, information-gathering processes, and strategies for effectively structuring grant narratives.
What's included
1 video3 readings1 assignment
1 video•Total 1 minute
- Overview•1 minute
3 readings•Total 17 minutes
- Introduction•6 minutes
- Shuffling Through Funder Information Requests•8 minutes
- Saving the Abstract or Executive Summary Narrative for Last•3 minutes
1 assignment•Total 16 minutes
- Grant Document Preparation Essentials•16 minutes
This module focuses on crafting effective organizational narratives for grant applications, including how to present current programs, capabilities, and partnerships in a compelling and credible manner. Learners will gain skills in structuring consistent and relevant content to strengthen their grant proposals.
What's included
1 video4 readings1 assignment
1 video•Total 1 minute
- Overview•1 minute
4 readings•Total 22 minutes
- Introduction•4 minutes
- Creating Organizational Capabilities as a Grant Applicant•6 minutes
- Sorting Out Relevant Programs and Activities•6 minutes
- Including High Stakes Partners to Boost Your Credibility•6 minutes
1 assignment•Total 16 minutes
- Crafting Effective Organizational Narratives for Funding•16 minutes
This module teaches learners how to create persuasive grant narratives by combining storytelling, data, and visuals. It covers techniques for effectively communicating problems, using real-life examples, and incorporating graphics to maintain reader interest and clarity.
What's included
1 video3 readings1 assignment
1 video•Total 1 minute
- Overview•1 minute
3 readings•Total 21 minutes
- Introduction•6 minutes
- Incorporating real-life information about your target population•11 minutes
- Using Graphics When Allowed by the Funder•4 minutes
1 assignment•Total 16 minutes
- Crafting Persuasive Grant Proposals•16 minutes
This module provides learners with the skills to craft effective program design narratives for grant proposals. It covers how to develop clear goals and objectives, create implementation plans, and design evaluation strategies. Learners will gain practical knowledge on aligning their proposals with funder expectations.
What's included
1 video7 readings1 assignment
1 video•Total 1 minute
- Overview•1 minute
7 readings•Total 39 minutes
- Introduction•4 minutes
- Plotting Goals and SMART Objectives•4 minutes
- Following the funder's directions to write the right types of goals•3 minutes
- Recognizing and writing types of objectives requested by funders•7 minutes
- Providing a Comprehensive Implementation Plan•5 minutes
- Writing the Evaluation Plan for Your Program Design•7 minutes
- Keeping the evaluation process in-house•9 minutes
1 assignment•Total 16 minutes
- Grant Proposal Development Essentials•16 minutes
This module teaches learners how to effectively prepare project management plans and sustainability narratives, focusing on staffing, resource allocation, and grant-writing strategies to secure funding and ensure responsible financial management.
What's included
1 video4 readings1 assignment
1 video•Total 1 minute
- Overview•1 minute
4 readings•Total 27 minutes
- Introduction•6 minutes
- Articulating Qualifications•7 minutes
- The profile for personnel paid by cash match•6 minutes
- Offering Up Cash and In-Kind Leveraging Resources for Matching Funds•8 minutes
1 assignment•Total 16 minutes
- Project Management and Sustainability in Grant Proposals•16 minutes
This module guides learners through the process of developing comprehensive and realistic budgets for grant proposals. It covers key areas such as aligning budgets with project goals, identifying personnel and equipment costs, and securing matching funds. Learners will also gain insights into ethical spending and long-term financial planning.
What's included
1 video7 readings1 assignment
1 video•Total 1 minute
- Overview•1 minute
7 readings•Total 38 minutes
- Introduction•5 minutes
- Personnel•6 minutes
- Equipment•5 minutes
- Other•6 minutes
- Digging Up Matching Funds•6 minutes
- Plotting Ethical Expenses•5 minutes
- Projecting Multiyear Expenses for Grant-Funded Programs•5 minutes
1 assignment•Total 16 minutes
- Budgeting for Funding Success•16 minutes
This module guides learners through the essential steps to finalize a grant application, including verifying components, adhering to formatting guidelines, and organizing attachments for submission. It emphasizes the importance of attention to detail and clarity in the final stages of the application process.
What's included
1 video5 readings1 assignment
1 video•Total 1 minute
- Overview•1 minute
5 readings•Total 27 minutes
- Introduction•6 minutes
- Program design•5 minutes
- Avoiding Editing Red Flags•6 minutes
- Assembling the Proper Attachments in the Right Order•5 minutes
- Meeting Submission Requirements•5 minutes
1 assignment•Total 16 minutes
- Navigating Grant Application Compliance•16 minutes
This module equips learners with essential post-submission strategies, including effective document storage, stakeholder communication, and tracking grant application status. It also covers how to follow up with funders and access relevant information to ensure a smooth post-application process.
What's included
1 video3 readings1 assignment
1 video•Total 1 minute
- Overview•1 minute
3 readings•Total 17 minutes
- Introduction•6 minutes
- Tracking the Status of Your Submitted Application•5 minutes
- Following up on foundation and corporate grant requests•6 minutes
1 assignment•Total 16 minutes
- Navigating the Grant Process After Submission•16 minutes
This module guides learners through the critical steps after submitting a grant application, including managing grant outcomes, developing communication strategies, and handling multiple funding sources. It provides practical insights into maintaining compliance and optimizing financial reporting in grant management.
What's included
1 video3 readings1 assignment
1 video•Total 1 minute
- Overview•1 minute
3 readings•Total 18 minutes
- Introduction•5 minutes
- Tackling the grant-management process•5 minutes
- Handling Multiple Grant Awards•8 minutes
1 assignment•Total 16 minutes
- Navigating Grant Success and Setbacks•16 minutes
This module covers strategies for building relationships with corporate grantmakers, identifying funding opportunities, and crafting effective proposal letters. Learners will gain skills in accessing corporate philanthropy and structuring compelling requests for financial and in-kind support.
What's included
1 video2 readings1 assignment
1 video•Total 1 minute
- Overview•1 minute
2 readings•Total 15 minutes
- Introduction•6 minutes
- Writing a Corporate Letter Request/Letter Proposal•9 minutes
1 assignment•Total 16 minutes
- Mastering Effective Grant Requests and Donor Relationships•16 minutes
This module provides essential guidance on navigating e-grant applications, including setup, template usage, and file management. Learners will gain practical skills to efficiently handle the e-grant process and avoid common pitfalls.
What's included
1 video2 readings1 assignment
1 video•Total 1 minute
- Overview•1 minute
2 readings•Total 8 minutes
- Introduction•4 minutes
- Copy and Re-Create the Template in a Word-Processing Program•4 minutes
1 assignment•Total 16 minutes
- Mastering E-Grant Application Techniques•16 minutes
This module guides learners through the process of transitioning into a freelance grantwriting career by covering strategies for training, salary research, and fee planning, as well as the importance of staying updated on industry trends.
What's included
1 video2 readings1 assignment
1 video•Total 1 minute
- Overview•1 minute
2 readings•Total 10 minutes
- Introduction•4 minutes
- Stay Updated on Grant Industry Trends•6 minutes
1 assignment•Total 16 minutes
- Building a Successful Career in Grant Writing•16 minutes
This module provides learners with actionable strategies to enhance their grantwriting skills, focusing on research, peer review, and professional development. It equips participants with the knowledge to position themselves as expert grant professionals and improve their ability to secure funding. Learners will gain practical insights into developing and refining their grant proposal skills.
What's included
1 video1 reading2 assignments
1 video
- Overview•0 minutes
1 reading•Total 5 minutes
- Ten Ways to Continue Being Viewed as a Grant Professional - The Reading•5 minutes
2 assignments•Total 116 minutes
- Sustaining Expertise in Grant Writing•16 minutes
- The Grant Writing For Dummies Final Assessment•100 minutes
Instructor

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