What You WIll Get

✅ Session 1: What Is a Grant & How Does It Work?

In this session, we’ll break down the fundamentals of grants so you can build a strong foundation before diving into the application process. Whether you’re a nonprofit, small business, or creative entrepreneur, understanding how grants work—and whether they’re the right fit for your goals—is the first step toward success.

We’ll answer common questions, clear up misconceptions, and give you the clarity you need to move forward with confidence.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• What Is a Grant—Really?
  Understand what a grant is, where grant money comes from, and how it's typically awarded.

• How Grants Work for Nonprofits:
  Learn how nonprofit organizations apply for, manage, and report on grants—and what expectations come with receiving funding.

• Can For-Profits Receive Grants?
  We’ll explore the types of grants available to for-profit businesses, including innovation, research, and economic development grants.

• Is Grant Money Actually “Free”?
  We’ll discuss the realities behind the phrase “free money”—including what’s required in return, from accountability to impact reporting.

• Grants vs. Donations vs. Loans:
  Discover the key differences between these funding sources so you can decide which is best for your organization or project.

• Types of Grants You Should Know:
  From government and foundation grants to corporate and community-based opportunities, we’ll review the most common types and how they work.

• Common Misconceptions About Grants:
  We’ll bust a few myths—like “you have to know someone to get funded” or “there’s a grant for everything.”

• Should You Apply for a Grant Right Now?
  Get guidance on evaluating whether your organization or project is ready to apply—and what steps to take if you're not quite there yet.

By the end of this session, you’ll walk away with a clear understanding of what grants are (and aren’t), how they work across different sectors, and whether pursuing grants is a smart move for your mission right now.

Included:

• Grant Readiness Checklist

• Glossary of Common Grant Terms

• Nonprofit Boilerplate Outline

✅ Session 2: Where Can I Find Grants for My Nonprofit?

In this session, we’ll dive deep into the process of finding the right grants for your nonprofit, business, or creative project. With thousands of opportunities out there, the key isn’t just knowing where to look—it’s knowing how to look strategically.

Whether you're brand new to grant research or want to sharpen your current approach, this session will equip you with practical tools, recommended platforms, and smart strategies to help you identify funders who align with your mission and goals.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• Where to Start Your Grant Search:
  Discover the most effective online platforms, databases, and tools for grant research—including both free and paid options.

• Our Favorite Grant Research Tools:
  Get a walkthrough of our go-to websites for finding active grant opportunities across sectors, including those for nonprofits, businesses, and individual creatives.

• How to Navigate Popular Grant Directories:
  Learn how to use filters, keywords, and categories to quickly narrow down opportunities that match your mission, geography, and funding needs.

• Reading and Interpreting Funder Guidelines:
  Decode funder language, eligibility criteria, and deadlines so you can determine whether a grant is truly a good fit—before investing time in an application.

• Tracking and Organizing Grant Opportunities:
  Explore systems and tools to help you stay organized, track deadlines, and manage follow-ups—because great ideas deserve great systems.

• Aligning Your Mission with Funder Priorities:
  Learn how to identify what funders care about most and how to connect your work to their values and goals—so your proposal stands out from the start.

By the end of this session, you’ll walk away with a research roadmap, trusted resources, and a clear next step for building a pipeline of funding opportunities that make sense for your unique mission.

Included:

• Grant Research Tracker (Excel)

• Sample Funder Fit Checklist

• Example Grant Listing Walkthrough (Screenshot with Notes)

✅ Session 3: What Do I Need to Apply for a Grant?

In this lesson, you’ll gain a solid foundation in what it means to be “grant ready” and how to prepare for a successful grant application process. We’ll walk through essential steps, documents, and strategies that every nonprofit—whether new or established—should have in place before applying for funding.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• How to Search Effectively:
  Learn how to use specific search phrases and keywords to find grants that align with your mission and programs.

• Essential Documents for Grant Applications:
  Understand which documents are typically required when applying for grants—and why they matter.

• Preparing to Apply:
  Explore the key components of grant readiness and how to assess if your organization is ready to pursue funding.

• Common Grant Requirements:
  Get familiar with the typical questions and sections found in most grant applications so you can prepare in advance.

• Key Documents Every Nonprofit Should Have:
  We’ll cover the core documents funders often request, including IRS determination letters, budgets, program summaries, and annual reports.

• How to Prepare Your Budget, Board List, and Program Descriptions:
  Learn what details to include in your organizational and project budgets, how to format your board list, and how to write compelling, concise program descriptions.

• Creating a Basic Case for Support:
  Draft a simple but powerful narrative that communicates why your organization matters and why funders should invest in your work.

• What Funders Look for in “Grant Readiness”:
  Discover the specific indicators funders use to determine whether an organization is ready and capable of managing grant funds effectively.

By the end of this lesson, you’ll be equipped with the tools and knowledge to confidently begin your grant search, assess your readiness, and position your organization for success.

Included:

• Grant Document Prep Checklist

• Case for Support Outline

• Budget Template (with sample line items)

✅ Session 4: How Do I Write a Winning Grant Proposal?

In this session, we’ll walk through the essential components of a strong grant proposal and break down what funders are really looking for. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to improve your current approach, this session will give you the tools, structure, and confidence to write proposals that stand out.

From crafting compelling narratives to understanding the role of data and storytelling, you’ll learn how to communicate your mission in a way that inspires funders to say “yes.”

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• How to Write a Grant Proposal from Start to Finish:
  We’ll guide you step-by-step through the proposal writing process so you can approach it with clarity and confidence.

• What Makes a Strong Grant Application:
  Understand what funders look for in a proposal—including alignment, impact, clarity, and credibility.

• The Basic Structure of a Successful Proposal:
  Learn the standard sections included in most grant applications (e.g., needs statement, goals, methods, evaluation, budget) and how to approach each one effectively.

• Tips for Writing Clear and Compelling Narratives:
  Discover how to write in a way that is persuasive, concise, and mission-driven—without overwhelming or confusing the reader.

• Combining Data and Storytelling:
  Learn how to balance powerful storytelling with strong data to demonstrate both heart and evidence of impact.

• Common Grant Writing Mistakes to Avoid:
  We’ll review common pitfalls—like vague goals, jargon, or missing information—and how to fix them before submission.

• What to Do After You Submit:
  Learn how to follow up professionally, build relationships with funders, and express gratitude—regardless of the outcome.

By the end of this session, you’ll have a practical roadmap for writing stronger proposals, communicating your impact with confidence, and avoiding common mistakes that can cost you funding.

Included:

• Grant Proposal Template (Fill-in-the-blank)

• Proposal Checklist

• Post-Submission Follow-Up Email Template

🎁 BONUS: Mock Grant Proposal + Grant Prep Toolkit

As a special bonus, you’ll receive a mock grant proposal to help you practice what you’ve learned! This sample includes insider tips and guidance on how to complete each section effectively, giving you a real-world feel for what funders are looking for.

You’ll also get a general checklist of basic documents most grant applications require—so you can start gathering and organizing your materials ahead of time and feel fully prepared when the right opportunity comes your way.

✔️ Practice with confidence
✔️ Learn from a guided example
✔️ Stay organized and ready to apply