Grant Writing 101
Find the right funders, write a proposal they can say yes to, and build relationships that fund you again.
For: Nonprofit staff, founders, and development volunteers
What you’ll learn
- Research and qualify funders whose priorities actually match your mission
- Read an RFP and a funder 990 to decide whether to apply before you write a word
- Build every core proposal component — need statement, SMART objectives, methods, evaluation, and budget
- Write a tight LOI and cover letter, avoid the mistakes that get proposals rejected, and steward funders into repeat support
Screen your volunteers for $5
VolunteerBadge runs FCRA-compliant background checks for just $5 — with identity verification built in. No monthly fees, no contracts.
Create a free account →Course outline
- 1
What a grant actually is — and isn’t
5 min
- 2
Prospect research: finding funders who’ll say yes
7 min
- 3
Reading the RFP and the LOI gate
6 min
- 4
The need statement and your goals & SMART objectives
8 min
- 5
Methods, evaluation, budget, and capacity
8 min
- 6
The cover letter, submission, and avoiding fatal mistakes
6 min
- 7
After the decision: reporting and stewardship
5 min
Sources & further reading
This course is educational and provides general information about the Fair Credit Reporting Act and volunteer-screening best practices. It is not legal advice. Laws vary by state and change over time — consult a qualified attorney about your organization’s specific obligations.