Grantseeker Training Courses

Browse our course catalog

Proposal Writing Seminar COURSE DESCRIPTION Want to hear what grantmakers have to say about proposals they've received? Join over 38,000 grantseekers who have strengthened their skills with our most popular course. You'll gain insight on how to prepare a compelling proposal and convince funders to become part of your success. LEARN TO: Write a succinct cover letter and executive summary to the grantmaker Support and humanize your statement of need with relevant data Organize detailed and comprehensive project descriptions Present a concise organizational overview and necessary appendices BONUSES Applicable for six CFRETM International points Free copy of The Foundation Center's Guide to Proposal Writing, 5th Edition (a $39.95 value) “I now feel ready to dive into my first grant proposal.” – Lynne Zele, Camp Sue Osborn Download the PDF registration form

Proposal Budgeting Workshop COURSE DESCRIPTION Not sure how to tell your story through the budget numbers? Gain the confidence and knowledge you need to build and present an accurate budget. This course will teach you how to compile a budget step-by-step, building a complete picture of your financial needs. LEARN TO: Determine the full cost of your project, including overhead Calculate all personnel costs, fringe benefits, and non-personnel expenses Align your budget with project objectives Present your income and expenses per funder guidelines BONUSES Applicable for six CFRETM International points “I feel more confident that I have the knowledge I need to make a budget that can accurately reflect both income and expenses.” – Janice Winston, City Youth Association Gators Download the PDF registration form

Earned Income: Assessing Your Nonprofit's Revenue Options DESCRIPTION For grantseekers, executive directors, and board members. Whether your nonprofit is considering an alternative revenue stream or already pursuing one, this course helps you maximize the opportunities—and avoid the pitfalls—of earned income. BENEFITS Understand the characteristics of successful earned income activities Assess the potential impact of such an undertaking on programs, management, and staff Identify legal issues and tax implications of earned income Prepare a plan for an earned income activity; determine your potential for success TOPICS Understanding earned income and how nonprofits can benefit from it Linking earned income to mission Assessing the interest of staff, board, donors, constituents Using the organizational audit to evaluate revenue potential Identifying the elements of a business plan that are critical to the initiative BONUSES Applicable for six CFRETM International points for initial or re-certification Free copies of Effective Economic Decision-Making by Nonprofit Organizations (a $34.95 value) and The Nonprofit Entrepreneur (a $19.95 value) Workbook outlining all major course topics Templates for worksheets used in the course “I'm so grateful we took this course before we plunged into a business. It showed that there's more to earned income activity than a lot of us realized. Now we know where to start.” – Executive Director, San Jose Download the PDF registration form

Foundation Fundraising: An Introductory Course COURSE DESCRIPTION New to foundation fundraising? Gain a better understanding of the grantseeking process with independent, corporate, and community foundations, and position your organization as a desirable partner for grantmakers. LEARN TO: Adopt the terminology used in foundation fundraising Showcase the characteristics grantmakers look for in their nonprofit partners Establish the match between your funding needs and grantmaker interest BONUSES Applicable for six CFRETM International points Complimentary one-week subscription to Foundation Directory Online Professional Free copy of Foundation Fundamentals, 8th Edition (a $39.95 value) “This course provided all the answers I was looking for to begin to learn how to do fundraising through foundations.” – David P. Green, MD, San Antonio Metropolitan Ministries Download the PDF registration form

Building a Fundraising Board COURSE DESCRIPTION For grantseekers, nonprofit executives, and board members of nonprofit organizations. Your board members can become your most productive fundraising partners. This course will help you develop an action plan to engage your board, and provide you with strategies to accelerate their fundraising efforts. Developed in partnership with BoardSource. BENEFITS Build and sustain a board that's motivated to raise funds Cultivate new members and manage the board to ensure funding diversity Help board members overcome any resistance to fundraising Gain commitments to track their performance TOPICS Clarifying the role of the board and its members in fundraising Assessing the board's readiness and motivation to fundraise Specific engagement strategies Building a culture of fundraising within your board Tracking your board's performance and reinforcing their efforts BONUSES Applicable for six CFRETM International points for initial or re-certification Free copy of The Board Member's Book, 3rd Edition (a $29.95 value) Workbook outlining all major course topics Templates for worksheets used in the course “Excellent course; gave me concrete strategies for empowering my board to be more effective. It should be mandatory for all nonprofit CEOs and Board Chairs.” – Executive Director, Washington, DC Download the PDF registration form

Evaluating Funding Prospects: Strategies for Finding a Match When you research a funding prospect, how do you determine whether it’s a good match for your funding needs? This one-day course shows you what to look for and how to dig deeper to find the match. Through group exercises using a case study, you’ll learn how to use the funder’s perspective to examine your organization — and strengthen your pitch for financial support. This course is a perfect companion to Finding Funding Prospects withThe Foundation Directory Online.

Cultivating Grantmaker Relationships COURSE DESCRIPTION Need guidance on how to build a lasting relationship with your donor? From the initial approach through the life of a grant and beyond, this course will help you become a more effective partner to your funders. LEARN TO: Address what funders expect from their nonprofit partners at each key point of contact Develop compelling points for effective communication with grantmakers Prepare for meetings and grantmaker site visits BONUSES Applicable for six CFRETM International points Free copy of The Grantseeker's Guide to Winning Proposals (a $39.95 value) “Real-world instruction. Very refreshing, invigorating and motivating!” – Libby Murphy, Louisiana Association for the Blind Download the PDF registration form

Developing a Fundraising Plan COURSE DESCRIPTION Need help with diversifying your organization's funding mix? This course will teach you how to craft a fundraising plan that includes a healthy mix of resources—a strategy that ensures long-term sustainability. LEARN TO: Recognize organizational assets that will attract prospective funders Diversify your current funding mix Set a realistic fi nancial goal for each funding stream Build a strategic fundraising calendar BONUSES Applicable for six CFRETM International points Free copy of Securing Your Organization's Future (a $39.95 value) “I knew basic information from working with non-profits, but having the details will give me the support to help our board and staff to go forward into the world of fundraising.” – Gemariah Borough, Evanston Community Television Download the PDF registration form

Grantseeking on the Web Hands-on Introductory Training In this hands-on, interactive training course, experts help you quickly learn how to develop an organized, targeted approach to conducting funding research on the Web. By the close of the one-day course, you’ll have a new appreciation for the value of Web-based research — complete with insider tips!

Foundation Funding Research: Strategies for Finding and Evaluating Prospects COURSE DESCRIPTION Need help with finding and evaluating funding prospects? In this day-and-a-half course, you'll learn the many ways to find and evaluate comprehensive, accurate, and timely information on prospective funders with the nation's premier grantseeking tool, Foundation Directory Online Professional. LEARN TO: Translate your organization's needs into funding research strategies Evaluate funders to determine the best fit for your organization Identify funding prospects based on your location, subject fields, and activities BONUSES Applicable for nine CFRETM International points Complimentary one-month subscription to Foundation Directory Online Professional (a $179.95 value) Download the PDF registration form

Proposal Writing Seminar II COURSE DESCRIPTION For more advanced proposal writers who want to learn how to tailor a basic proposal to appeal to particular funders. What components of your funding proposal need to be changed or strengthened to meet a grantmaker's requirements? This seminar will help you critically assess every aspect of the proposal package in light of a specific funder's interests. You'll learn tactical writing tips that will help you meet the challenges of differing guidelines. BENEFITS Tailor your proposals for multiple funders Analyze the prospective funder's interests to shape your strategy Understand your project's value to the grantmaker Position your proposal for success TOPICS Personalize proposal components that need to be modified to match funder guidelines Refining proposals to meet the funder’s requirements, format, or specific interests Aligning proposal language with the funder’s priority concepts and terms Reframing a foundation proposal for a corporate funder BONUSES Free copy of The Foundation Center’s Guide to Winning Proposals (a $34.95 value) Workbook outlining all major course topics “This is a fantastic seminar. The case studies helped me understand how to modify my baseline proposal to fit the interests and requirements of specific grantmakers.” – Development Officer, Cleveland Download the PDF registration form

Outcome Thinking and Management: Shifting Focus from Activities to Results COURSE DESCRIPTION Not sure how to demonstrate the impact of your program? Learn to shift your nonprofit organization's focus and communication tactics from project activities to outcomes. This course is offered in partnership with the Center for What Works. LEARN TO: Develop client-based targets and milestones for your programs Communicate your project's scope and intended results with outcome language Address outcomes in proposals to build donor confidence about their investment BONUSES Applicable for six CFRETM International points Free copy of Target Setting & Result Verification Guidebook (a $15 value) Download the PDF registration form

Grantseeker Training Institute Master the keys to successful grantseeking in five days. In just 5 days, the Foundation Center's team of expert instructors will teach you the best practices in fundraising today. Develop strategies to sharpen your grantseeking focus Learn to articulate your funding requests more powerfully Network with peers and colleagues from the nonprofit world DAY ONE Learn the characteristics of a sustainable nonprofit organization and how to improve the financial health of yours. DAY TWO Get started with a fundraising plan that maximizes funding for your organization and identify where grants fit in. DAY THREE Search for grantmakers that match your needs with hands-on, interactive training in our computer lab. DAY FOUR Master proposal writing. Learn to craft a comprehensive, compelling proposal package step-by-step. DAY FIVE Build productive grantmaker relationships from the initial approach through the life of a grant and beyond. FREE TAKE-HOME TOOLKIT: ($300+ value) Wise Decision-Making in Uncertain Times: Using Nonprofit Resources Effectively Securing Your Organization's Future One-month subscription to Foundation Directory Online Professional The Foundation Center's Guide to Proposal Writing The Grantseeker's Guide to Winning Proposals REGISTRATION FEE $795 per person for five full days Limited seating...register today! The Institutes sell out quickly. Applicable for 30 CFRETM International points. Download the PDF registration form

Securing Corporate Partnerships COURSE DESCRIPTION Want to add corporate support to your funding portfolio? This course will help you understand the unique characteristics of corporate funders and how to gain their support. LEARN TO: Find the best corporate partnership models for your needs Identify and articulate your organization's assets and values to corporate partners Secure a corporate partner and maintain a mutually beneficial relationship BONUSES Applicable for six CFRETM International points Complimentary one-month subscription to Corporate Giving Online (a $59.95 value) “I plan to use the resources - such as checklists, databases, gift policy examples - to improve my organization's corporate relations work.” – Allison Dragotto, The Sage Colleges Download the PDF registration form

Proposal Writing and Budgeting Courses No description.

After the Grant: Building a Solid Path to the Next One COURSE DESCRIPTION You've received a grant! Now what? Gain advice from funders and expert fundraisers on how to effectively manage your grant and build a solid path to the next one. This course teaches the best practices of grant stewardship. LEARN TO: Anchor the relationship via the proposal and grant award Effectively communicate with grantmakers when faced with challenges Manage the grant responsibly and partner with the funder throughout the grant period BONUSES Applicable for six CFRETM International points Free copy of the Foundation Center's After the Grant: The Nonprofit's Guide to Good Stewardship (a $39.95 value)

Building a Sustainable Nonprofit Organization COURSE DESCRIPTION Is your nonprofit built to last? On a limited budget, maintaining a healthy organization can be a real challenge. This course focuses on strengthening your financial stability and monitoring how well your organization aligns its resources with its mission. LEARN TO: Recognize the main characteristics of a sustainable nonprofit organization Assess your nonprofit's financial health Strengthen your nonprofit's income portfolio Evaluate and improve your organization's competitive edge BONUSES Applicable for six CFRETM International points Free copy of Wise Decision-Making in Uncertain Times: Using Nonprofit Resources Effectively (a $39.95 value)

Starting a Career in Nonprofit Fundraising COURSE DESCRIPTION For anyone considering a career in nonprofit fundraising, including those transitioning from the for-profit sector. This course will introduce you to the field of nonprofit fundraising, understand the roles and responsibilities of fundraising, and gain valuable insights on a wide range of opportunities and career paths in the field. Successful fundraising professionals will share their experiences and wisdom. LEARN TO: Demystify the work in nonprofit organizations and fundraising careers Identify the types of skills needed to succeed as a nonprofit fundraising professional Develop a strategy to jump start your career in fundraising BONUSES Templates of career planning worksheets used in the course Complimentary $50 gift certificate toward any full-day grantseeker training course at the Foundation Center Complimentary one-week subscription to Foundation Directory Online Professional “Working for a nonprofit organization in a fundraising capacity can be an extremely fulfilling job for the right person. This course will introduce you to career opportunities and considerations in the nonprofit fundraising field and help you get started on the right foot.” – Vice President for Educational Services, Foundation Center Download the PDF registration form

Proposal Writers Boot Camp COURSE DESCRIPTION Get in shape with our intensive training on writing proposals. This grantseeker boot camp features three of our most popular courses, taught over three days. We'll show you how to craft a comprehensive and compelling proposal package, and create a sound, well-organized proposal budget. You'll master how to successfully steward a grant, and build a path to securing the next one. LEARN What grantmakers look for in a proposal and how they approach the review process How to use your proposal budget to present a complete picture of your financial needs, and to convey your project's worth for a funder's investment How to build a lasting relationship with your funder through grant stewardship, and secure the next one BONUSES Free copy of The Foundation Center's Guide to Proposal Writing, 5th Edition (a $39.95 value) Free copy of The Grantseeker's Guide to Winning Proposals (a $39.95 value) Complimentary one-week subscription to Foundation Directory Online Professional Download the PDF registration form