Five Town CSD Adult & Community Education

This course will present strategies that nonprofit organizations can utilize to develop proposals for external funding by foundations, agencies, organizations and corporations. Emphasis will be placed on the identification of the various types of grant makers and the process that must be followed to secure support for new or expanded initiatives. The first two classes will cover the “nuts and bolts” of writing a grant – basic grant development and writing process, followed by the anatomy of a proposal and guidance on how to write your proposal and what to include. There will then be a one-week break during which participants will work on a draft of their proposal, the instructor will be available for consultation via email for this week. For the final class students will bring their draft proposals for review and evaluation by peers and the instructor and learn the next steps for submission. Class will also address submission and follow-up strategies. Class meets for 2 hours/night for the first two classes, 3 hours for the third class. Class does not meet on 9/27. Topics covered include: • Grant makers and funding sources • Learning about grants, contracts and gifts • Terminology and definitions • Grant making in the current economic climate • Resources for grant seekers including national, state and local • Dissecting grant guidelines and request for proposals • Varied methods of grant acquisition – Targeting the right source • Types of projects • Program/project development model • Anatomy of a proposal • Importance of accountability, evaluation and dissemination • Developing a budget • Writing strategies and tips for separating your grant proposal from the competition • Submitting the proposal • Grant proposal as seen by reviewer/evaluator