Discover the Best Grant Writing Classes Online
Grants are often used in the nonprofit sector, but what is it used for?
The simple way to look at it is that a grant is one way the government provides money to support community-centered projects and invigorate the economy. Many times, grants fund research and education related programs. If you’re curious, you can look at the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) for a full list of what a federal grant can support.
Preparing materials for a grant application is a labor-intensive process. While there are people who think grants are free government money you can use for anything, that’s not the case. Businesses and individuals awarded grant money don’t have to pay them back, so grants aren’t loans. But almost all grant money must be used in a specific way for items listed in your proposal - it can’t be used for personal or living expenses, at least not most of the time. This funding is set aside for organizations that work in the community, like nonprofits, as well as government initiatives.
Because the grant writing process is complex, organizations often employ grant writers. These writers work to identify, write proposal documents, and submit grant applications on behalf of businesses. To become a grant writer, it’s helpful to have higher education in English or a writing-heavy degree; however, it’s not required and there are plenty of grant writing classes you can take to become proficient. You could even potentially become certified as a Grant Professional Certified (GPC) or Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). The most important quality of a good grant writer is their experience in successfully receiving funds.
Each grant application has its own requirements, but some common common elements include:
- Cover letter
- Project summary
- Objectives for project
- Problem/need statement
- Method for attaining objectives
- Budget
- Timeline
- Community member endorsement letters
The organization providing grant money is called a grantmaker. Each grantmaker has its own priorities, usually reflected in previous grants and in new applications. For instance, one grantmaker might request a brief history for a project and context surrounding expected results. Another might be more focused on project deliverables and timelines. Be sure to follow the instructions exactly as they’re presented, and ask questions if you don’t understand. Grants can be denied if your application fails to meet the standards, and you don’t want that!
Grant awards usually happen in three phases:
- Pre-award phase when a grant writer searches and applies for applicable grants.
- Award phase when the grantmaker reviews and chooses the grant recipient. This is also when recipients find out they’ve been awarded a grant.
- Post-award when the organization receives the funds, completes the project, and documents their findings. Grants often stipulate where and how an organization can use the funds, so documentation is a major part of completing a grant-funded initiative.
Although the government does fund many grants, they’re not the only ones that provide money to nonprofits and other community organizations. Private trusts, usually supported by a wealthy individual or family, can also provide money. A couple of notable examples or private trusts that may be familiar are The Ford Foundation and Google Dot Org.
Why You Should Learn Grant Writing Online
Grant writing may not be as laid back as other skills or interests you could learn; however, if you decide to learn, you’ll be able to make a great positive impact on the community. Grants offer a way for community organizations to make the world a better place, which means that when you learn how to write and submit grants, you can make a direct impact on causes that matter most to you.
Being more actively involved in the community means you’ll meet all kinds of people, those you’re looking to serve and those who are working towards the same goals.
Not to mention, if you enjoy your new skills, there are always job opportunities. Whether you want to have a meaningful side hustle or change careers, you can earn a decent living from doing this type of meaningful work. Plus, many grant writers don’t have to be onsite at an office location. You can learn online and work online, which for many is a win-win scenario.
Virtual Grant Writing Classes
If you enjoy learning online in the comfort of your own spaces there are numerous online grant writing classes you can take. A few major benefits of learning virtually include:
- No commute (especially helpful if you’re in a big city)
- Better control your distractions
- More specific class topics
While you may have to provide some of your own learning materials for online classes, grant writing often doesn’t require many physical resources. It’s common for instructors to send materials to you before class, too, that way you can fully participate.
For artists or aspiring artists, The Los Angeles Center for Photography offers Grant Writing for Artists. During the workshop, you’ll begin to craft your artist statement, learn how to choose samples to send with grant applications, and consider the project budget. For creatives who need support for their work, this class is a great reference for where to look for funding, what elements your proposal will need, and explore a successful artist’s grant proposal.
Grant Writing for Creatives: A Two-Part Workshop, led by grant writer Tracie Holder, will cover everything creatives need to know about grant writing for creative projects. NY Media Center by IFTG hosts this two-day intensive where you’ll learn to think through proposals from a funder’s perspective, incorporate proposal writing into your artistic process, and avoid common missteps.
If you’re familiar with the grant writing process, or want to improve your business writing skills before putting them to use, the well-known Gotham Writers’ Workshop hosts a virtual Business Writing Level 1: Two Day Intensive course. Being that Gotham is the largest adult learning writing school, instructors are experts in helping you draft professional, cohesive writing that resonates with your audience. If you’re not sure who your audience is, they can help you with that, too. During the two-day intensive, you’ll explore how to structure your writing and tone, ways to create your own effective writing process, and why clarity is the key to successful writing.
What to Learn After Grant Writing
There are always new areas and nuances to learn about with grant writing, as with all creative endeavors. That being said, if you’re ready to move on from grant writing - whether you’re confident in your skills or need a break to digest the information - there are additional skills you can begin honing. Employers will enjoy the fact that you’ve taken initiative for your own professional development, and your new skills are likely to make you even more marketable.
In any marketing role, you’ll need solid storytelling skills. Storytelling for Non-Profits and Social Enterprises by General Assembly focuses on story for nonprofits from basics like what makes up a good story to why some stories don’t work even when you think they will. You’ll also learn how to identify effective stories that will be successful for your organization.
Knowing how to network is critical in many roles, but especially if you want to work in a community organization. Be Social Change offers Networking for Social Impact Professionals, an event designed to connect you with other professionals. Those who attend this event are invested in growing their organizations and careers, so you’ll be in good company as you meet people you could partner with. This session is ideal if you’re looking for a new job, need to know what’s going on in the nonprofit sector, and/or want to collaborate with other community leaders.
If you’ve decided to start a nonprofit because of a need in your community, Los Angeles City College’s Create a Successful Nonprofit/Community Service Org class might be a great way to start. Establish a baseline by learning how to incorporate, write a mission statement and bylaws, and select a board of directors. This course includes all the “nuts and bolts” for marketing, budgeting, and anything else you have to know to be successful with your new venture.
Online vs. In-Person Grant Writing Classes
As you’re considering how to learn grant writing, there are several factors to keep in mind.
- Technology—Do you have the tech set up at home to allow you to learn? If you take online courses, you’ll need a reliable device that has a solid internet connection.
- Learning Institution or Instructor—Is the exact school or instructor important to you? How will you determine if the class is reputable?
- End Goal—What do you hope to accomplish by taking the course? Will you be able to get what you need from an online class or would you learn better in-person?
- Time Commitment—How long do you want to spend on a class? Are you willing to commit to a commute?
- Anticipate Distractions—How do you learn best? If you’re at home, will you be able to focus better than in a classroom? Or will you feel the need to multitask?
- Networking and Community—Are you hoping to meet others and establish new relationships during class? Will you be able to do that online or do you feel more comfortable with an in-person conversation?
Online and in-person classes both have their pros and cons. It’s up to you to decide how you’ll learn best and get the most out of the experience.
Can I Learn Grant Writing for Free Online?
Yes, you can learn grant writing for free online - at least bits and pieces. That said, there are many nuances and complexities that will make or break whether your grant proposal is selected for an award. It’s difficult to learn those without working with someone who’s done it before. Learning from someone who actively writes grant applications and has experience with the process is almost always the best solution. You’ll learn faster and more effectively, not to mention you’re more likely to secure funding if you’re not trying to muddle through it on your own.