The Syllabus

By joining The Grant Workshop community, you will:

  • Complete all the pre-work (like filing your articles of incorporation and securing your federal tax identification number) necessary for a successful grant application,

  • Understand the many different types of funders and identify the funders that align with your mission,

  • Receive two-hours of one-on-one support as you draft, revise and submit your first grant application,

  • Develop an airtight plan for successful donor management, and

  • Turn your initial application into an ongoing development plan.

Session #1: Demystifying the Grant Process (2 hours)

  • How to talk philanthropy and get over your fundraising anxiety

  • What you’ll need before you apply

  • Finding your funder(s)

  • The architecture of a grant application - narrative, impact, budget and more

  • Planning your grant application

    Homework: File your articles of incorporation, apply for your IRS Federal EIN Number and/or identify your fiscal sponsor. Develop your philanthropic calendar & your campaign matrix.

Session #2: Let’s Write Your Grant Together (2 hours)

  • Your role / your Board of Directors’ role

  • Aligning your narrative with your funder’s priorities

  • Crafting a sustainable - and believable - budget

  • Articulating your key performance indicators and measures impact

    Homework: Finalize your first draft grant application for feedback.

Session #3: One-on-One Support (2 hours)

  • In this two-hour session you will work one-on-one with our facilitator to revise and perfect your grant application.

    Homework: Submit your grant application. Pour yourself a drink - you did it!

Session #4: What happens after you submit? (2 hours)

  • How to advocate for your application

  • What happens if you get rejected (spoiler: never say never!)

  • Grant reporting + effective donor stewardship

  • Planning your next five grant applications