Grant Writing

Much has changed since we introduced our Grant Writing & Management Institute in 2012. We’ve seen advances in technology, joint program funding, sustainability, the collaborative process, capacity building, and more! Our award-winning program was designed with all this in mind.

Grant Writing has turned into a true “team sport.” If a program is designed collaboratively, with the grant writer included on the team, a more powerful proposal can be written to help you obtain funding.

In our Grant Writing Institute, we’ve incorporated the latest trends together with theoretical and practical insights. Our instructors are expert practitioners who are writing and evaluating grants, as well as those who are engaged in identifying and communicating community needs. You’ll have the opportunity to apply what you learn to your own organization’s project and develop your network of people to help you secure funding.

Who should attend?

Whenever possible, we encourage attendance by both a grant writer/fundraiser and program director for a program you are looking to be funded. Additional students are those looking to grow their fundraising career, career switchers, and future grant writers. Participants should come prepared for a fast-paced-learning environment. We believe that investing in your staff growth accelerates impact for your organization.

Institute Overview

Successful grantsmanship is much more than writing grants. It’s a collaborative process of defining needs, determining the best funding possibilities and strategies, researching opportunities, writing and packaging winning proposals, and managing grants after an award or decline.

The Grant Writing Institute is an intensive 23-hour program. During the institute, you’ll work on parts of a grant for a project you are looking to be funded. You’ll also learn how to manage a grants program for your organization. At the conclusion of the program, you’ll earn a certificate in Grant Writing from the University of Richmond.

Outcomes

During this institute, you will:

  • Understand what it means to be “grant ready”
  • Learn how to uncover your community’s needs, and the connection of your program/nonprofit
  • Participate in writing exercises to communicate your solution to a community need
  • Learn how to use a logic model to design a program and its evaluation measures together, for a better proposal
  • Understand how to find the right funders, build a budget and tell your financial story
  • Learn how to build and steward relationships with funders, both corporate and foundation

CFRE Approved Program

CFRE logo

The University of Richmond Institute on Philanthropy is a CFRE-approved provider for continuing education. Full participation in IOP courses is applicable for points in Category 1.B - Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and/or recertification based on the number of contact hours listed for the class.

Earn the Grant Writing for Nonprofits Badge

Grant Writing badge

In addition to earning a Certificate from the University of Richmond, students who complete this Institute successfully will earn the Grant Writing for Nonprofits badge. Once earned, you can share this badge on your website, digital resume and social media profiles to demonstrate to employers and colleagues that you’ve completed the program’s outcomes.