Class Overview
The Certificate in Grant Writing course is designed to help you build the skills needed to write clear, compelling, and competitive grant proposals. Whether you work for a nonprofit, school, government agency, tribal nation, or community organization, this course guides you step-by-step through a proven framework used by grant professionals in the field.
You will learn how to design a project using a logic model, develop cohesive narrative sections, prepare a complete project budget, and integrate all proposal components into a polished final submission. By the end of the course, you will have written a full grant proposal for an organization of your choice.
Important Course Format Information
- Delivered fully online through the Circle learning platform
- The first live class meeting takes place during Week 1 and walks students through how to connect and get set up
- Live class meetings are held weekly
- To earn the certificate, students must attend at least 75% of live sessions
What You Will Learn
- How to write a complete grant proposal, section by section
- How to use a logic model to design a clear, fundable project
- How to align goals, outcomes, objectives, and activities
- How to create a project work plan, timeline, and detailed budget
- How to communicate with clarity and persuasive focus
- How to apply ethical standards and the responsible use of AI in grant writing
- Where to find grants and basic prospect research strategies (supporting topic)
- How to build and sustain relationships with grant makers (overview)
This course blends on-demand instruction with weekly live class meetings centered on real-world problem solving. You will receive individualized feedback on your writing and strategy throughout the course — a defining strength of this certificate program. To earn the certificate, you will complete a capstone project consisting of a full grant proposal, logic model, project budget, and grants calendar. This course requires a minimum of three hours of work outside class each week to succeed.
Your instructor, Allison Jones, M.Ed., GPC, brings more than 25 years of professional experience and certification through both the Grant Professionals Association and the Grant Professional Certification Institute. She will guide you through the proposal writing process step by step.
Technology Information
Circle platform + weekly live class meetings. Access information will be provided at the first session. If you are new to online learning platforms, please see “FAQ about Online Classes.”
Learning Objectives
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Design and structure a fundable project using a logic model
- Write a complete, competitive grant proposal
- Develop a project budget and accompanying narrative
- Strengthen clarity, cohesion, and persuasive impact in your writing
- Apply ethical standards and use AI responsibly in proposal development
- Identify appropriate funding opportunities through basic prospect research
- Present a polished grant proposal created with expert guidance
Who Might Enjoy This Class?
- Professionals from government, nonprofit, tribes, and educational organizations
- Fund development consultants who are interested in honing their skills
- Freelance writers interested in expanding their available services
- Anyone interested in a career in nonprofits, government, education, tribes, fund development, or grant writing
Free Info Session
Meet the instructor, find out more about the class, and ask your questions!
Register for the INFO SESSION