Certificate in Grant Writing
Learn to write grants and earn your Certificate in Grant Writing. Follow an eight-week online curriculum that walks you through writing each section of a grant proposal. Work with an expert grant writer as you master the art of writing effective grant proposals and receive individualized feedback on your writing to win the funding you need.
About the Certificate in Grant Writing Course
The course is a blended format of online and on-demand materials combined with a series of eight live video conference meetings with a learning cohort for problem- and case-based discussions. Course topics include proposal writing, organizational readiness, grant strategy, developing budgets, building relationships with grantmakers, ethics, and reporting.
By the end, you'll have written an exemplary grant proposal for the organization or project of your choice with feedback and encouragement from your instructor and peers.
who is this certificate for?
This grant writing certificate is for professionals working in the nonprofit, government, tribal, and educational sectors and those seeking a career in these sectors. The course covers the basics of grant writing for beginners and moves quickly into advanced strategies for those with prior experience writing grants. The course is an excellent certification to add to your resume for those seeking a career change or professional advancement.
What will you learn in this grant writing program?
Certificate in Grant Writing is a comprehensive course in writing grants that will give you the experience and confidence you need to become a grant professional.
Known as “The best grant writing class I have ever taken!” You will write a complete grant proposal step-by-step and receive individualized feedback from Allison Jones, CEO and Founder, weekly times during the course. Along the way, you will learn how to:
Develop a logic model to build a persuasive framework for your proposal.
Describe the organization’s expertise, experience, and governance incorporating storytelling.
Write a research-based community need statement describing why it matters.
Incorporate powerful imagery into the project description.
Demonstrate a powerful impact using evaluation and closing.
In addition, you will learn:
Prospect research, where to find grant opportunities.
Building relationships with grantmakers.
Documentation and how to submit your proposal.
The review process from the perspective of a seasoned grant reviewer.
Ethics of grant writing.
When does the certificate course begin?
You can begin the course at any time and learn at your own pace, or you can take the course with a group cohort that starts and finishes simultaneously. Group courses begin quarterly: winter, spring, summer, and fall.
Learn in a group or at your own pace
The group cohort courses bring together a group of professionals to move through the eight-week course together. Network as you meet weekly on Zoom and participate in peer reviews. Enroll in a group cohort now.
The self-paced course adds you to a community of students taking the course at their own pace. You will receive access to video tutorials instead of participating in live Zoom meetings and the opportunity to participate in an information peer review. Enroll in the self-paced course now.
Want to start a freelance grant writing business? Take the Certificate in Grant Writing course PLUS the Business of Freelance Grant Writing course, and save $100 when you purchase the courses at the same time with the Bundle.
Grant Writing Certificate Approvals
This course has been approved by the Grant Professional Certification Institute and the Certified Fund Raising Executives.
Full participation in 2025 Certificate in Grant Writing courses is applicable for 24 points in Category 1.B – Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and recertification and 24 points towards the GP initial certification and recertification, including:
Winter Quarter 2025
Spring Quarter 2025
Summer Quarter 2025
Fall Quarter 2025
All Self-Paced Courses
All future courses are planned for accreditation as well.
Need to convince your boss?
Download and print our Certificate in Grant Writing course flyer by clicking on the button below.
What Students Say About the Grant Writing Certificate Course
Enjoy this informational video about the Spark the Fire Certificate in Grantwriting course.
Grow Faster with the Executive Certificate in Grant Writing
The Executive Certificate in Grant Writing is an advanced course designed specifically for professionals eager to accelerate their career growth. This exclusive program goes beyond traditional coursework to provide personalized, one-on-one mentorship that caters to your unique professional needs and aspirations. Each participant will benefit from two 45-minute individualized sessions with Allison Jones, the founder of Spark the Fire Grant Writing Classes. These sessions are a cornerstone of the program, offering a private forum to discuss course progress, career ambitions, or particular challenges you face in your grant writing endeavors.
During these strategic meetings with Allison, you will have the opportunity to dive deep into the specifics of your grant writing techniques, troubleshoot complex issues, and refine your approach based on expert feedback. Whether you're looking to sharpen your skills for an upcoming project or seeking advice on long-term career development, the time is customized to focus intensively on whatever you need. This tailored experience not only enhances your learning but also significantly boosts your professional trajectory in the field of grant writing.
Meet Your Instructor
Allison Jones, CEO and Founder
Allison Jones is the founder and CEO of Spark the Fire Grant Writing Classes, which provides experiential instruction in writing grant proposals using brain-based learning. She is one of only twenty-five approved trainers in the country for the Grant Professionals Certification Institute and is an approved trainer of the Grant Professionals Association and Certified Fundraising Executives. With two decades of experience in grant writing and nonprofit management, her classes have been rated as one of the best grant writing courses in the nation for three years running by Instrumentl. She reviews grants for foundations and government entities, giving her unique insight into the current state of fundraising. Jones has an M.Ed. in Adult Education and is a Grant Writing Professor at Evergreen College, Western Washington University, and Seattle Colleges.
Allison Jones is an experienced speaker and trainer for nonprofit conferences across the country, most recently including the Montana State Nonprofit Conference, Idaho State Nonprofit Conference, Association of Fundraising Professionals, and Grant Professionals Association conferences.
Learn more about why I started Spark the Fire Grant Writing Classes.
Course Curriculum
This is the course plan for the Certificate in Grant Writing course. The course capstone projects include a completed grant proposal, logic model, and project budget.
Module One: Welcome to the World of Grant Writing!
The History and Philosophy of Philanthropy
Essential Grant Writing Terms and Facts
Understanding the Role of a Grant Writer
Choosing an Organization for Your Class Project
Grantmaker Application Formats Explained
How to Fully Answer Grant Application Questions
Mastering Character and Word Limits in Grant Applications
ASSIGNMENTS
Download and Save Course Assignment Working Documents
Introduce Yourself Discussion
Module 1 Reading Quiz
Module Two: Logic Model Framework and Prospect Research Strategy
Creating a Strategic Grant Writing Plan
Developing a Strong Logic Model
The Five-Step Prospect Research Strategy
Collecting and Organizing Data for Prospect Research
Building and Managing a Grants Calendar
ASSIGNMENTS
Module 2 Reading Quiz
Grant Framework First Draft
Peer Review
Module Three: Organizational Description and Prospect Research - Foundations
Crafting a Compelling Organizational Description
Defining Mission and Vision Statements
Showcasing History, Experience, and Purpose
Describing Programs and Services Effectively
Understanding Governance, Staff, and Volunteers
Building and Leveraging Strategic Partnerships
An Introduction to Foundations
Exploring Foundation Databases for Grant Research
ASSIGNMENTS
Module 3 Reading Quiz
Grant Database Research Discussion
Grant Framework - Organizational Resources Assignment
Grant Proposal - Organization Description Assignment
Peer Review
Module Four: Community Insight Statement & Prospect Research - Corporations
Writing an Impactful Community Insight Statement
Properly Citing Sources in Grant Writing
Finding Reliable Research for Grant Proposals
Example of Correctly Citing Sources
Checklist for a Strong Community Insight Statement
Understanding Corporate Giving Opportunities
Developing an Effective Corporate Giving Strategy
ASSIGNMENTS
Mid-Course Check-In
Module 4 Reading Quiz
So-That Statement
Grant Framework - Community Insight Assignment
Grant Proposal - Community Insight Assignment
Peer Review
Module Five: Request Info, Project Budget, and Prospect Research - Clubs & Tribes
Creating a Comprehensive Project Budget
Understanding Different Budget Formats
Writing a Clear and Persuasive Budget Narrative
Essential Information for Funding Requests
Exploring Grant Opportunities in Tribal Giving
Developing a Successful Tribal Giving Strategy
Funding Opportunities Through Clubs and Associations
Researching and Engaging Clubs for Funding
ASSIGNMENTS
Module 5 Reading Quiz
Project Budget Assignment
Grant Framework - Budget Column Assignment
Grant Proposal - Request Info Assignment
Peer Review
Module Six: Project Description & Prospect Research - Government Grants
Writing a Clear and Compelling Project Description
Defining the Primary Goal and Objectives
Examples of Effective Goal and Objective Statements
Describing the Project Team and Their Roles
Developing a Timeline and Work Plan
Writing a Project Description for General Operating Grants
Overview of Federal Government Grants
How to Search for Grants on Grants.gov
Navigating Federal Funding Opportunities
Registration Requirements for Federal Grant Applications
Using Grants.gov Workspace for Applications
Exploring Local Government Grant Opportunities
ASSIGNMENTS
Module 6 Reading Quiz
Letter of Interest Discussion
Grant Framework - Project Description Assignment
Grant Proposal - Project Description Assignment
Peer Review
Module Seven: Evaluation & Prospect Research - Grants Calendar
Designing an Effective Evaluation Plan
Methods for Collecting Evaluation Data
Selecting the Right Evaluation Measurement Tools
Understanding Different Types of Evaluation
Conducting a Process Evaluation
Measuring Success with Outcome Evaluation
Assessing Long-Term Effects with Impact Evaluation
Collecting and Organizing Data for Prospect Research
Creating and Managing a Grants Calendar
ASSIGNMENTS
Module 7 Reading Quiz
Grant Framework - Evaluation Assignment
Grant Proposal - Evaluation and Closing Assignment
Peer Review
Module Eight: Documentation, Communications, Ethics
Effective Communication in Grant Writing
Key Steps to Take Before Applying
Essential Organizational Documents for Grant Applications
Understanding the IRS Determination Letter
Preparing a Strong Board Roster
Organizing and Presenting Financial Statements
Creating a Clear and Accurate Balance Sheet
Identifying and Documenting Sources of Income
Compiling a Key Staff Roster for Grant Applications
What Happens After Submitting a Grant Application
Reviewing and Refining Your Grant Proposal
What to Expect During a Site Visit
How Grant Proposals Are Scored
Handling the Outcome of Your Grant Application
Understanding Grant Reporting Requirements
Ethical Considerations in Grant Writing
ASSIGNMENTS
Module 8 Reading Quiz
Grant Framework - Final Assignment
Grant Proposal - Final Assignment
Course Evaluation
Congrats! Here’s What’s Next!