Format: 7-Week Hybrid Intensive
Meeting Schedule: Saturdays

Fall Semester Dates:

  • September 27 – Online
  • October 4 – Online
  • October 11 – Online
  • October 18 – Online
  • October 25 – Online
  • November 1 – Online
  • November 8 – In-person, Bronx Campus (online option available; in-person attendance recommended)

Spring Semester Dates:

  • January 31 – Online
  • February 7 – Online
  • February 14 – No Class
  • February 21 – Online
  • February 28 – Online
  • March 7 – Online
  • March 14 – Online
  • March 21 – In-person, Bronx Campus (online option available; in-person attendance recommended)

Time:

  • 10:00–11:50 AM
  • Lunch Break
  • 12:30–2:20 PM

Modality:

  • Weeks 1–6: Online via Zoom
  • Week 7: In-person (recommended) with online participation option via Zoom

Textbook: Provided as a PDF in advance

Designed for professionals eager to secure funding and drive impact, this certification program provides a practical, results-driven approach to grant writing and strategic planning. Whether you’re seeking funds from private donors, foundations, or government agencies, this course will equip you with the expertise to craft compelling proposals and build a strong funding strategy tailored to nonprofit and public sector needs.

Whether you’re new to fundraising or looking to sharpen your skills, this course will provide the tools, confidence, and connections to help you turn your ideas into funded projects.

Program Highlights

  • Strategic Planning Mastery: Learn how to identify high-impact projects, structure a winning plan, and align your vision with funders’ priorities.

  • Grant Proposal Development: Gain hands-on experience writing persuasive, well-structured grant proposals that capture funders’ attention.

  • Real-World Application: Apply your skills to an actual project, from concept development to a final, fundable proposal.

  • Expert-Led Insights: Receive guidance from grant-dispensing professionals who know what funders look for.

  • Networking & Collaboration: Connect with nonprofit leaders, funders, and peers to expand your opportunities and refine your approach.

  • Pitch Competition & Grant Award: Put your skills to the test in a live pitch competition, where participants will present their proposals to a panel of funders. A winning project will receive a grant award, giving you the chance to turn your idea into reality.

Course Objectives

  • Define the scope, vision, and purpose of a strategic project, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and funding requirements.
  • Conduct a comprehensive situational analysis, including audience assessment and SWOT analysis, to inform planning and proposal development.
  • Establish clear and measurable goals, objectives, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to track project success.
  • Develop actionable strategies and a structured implementation timeline for effective project execution.
  • Research and evaluate potential funding sources, such as foundations and other grant-making entities.
  • Design well-structured grant proposals with detailed budget documentation.
  • Craft a professional and compelling narrative that effectively communicates the project’s value and impact.
  • Present and assess strategic plans and grant proposals, integrating feedback for continuous refinement.

Weekly Plan

Week 1

Online

Setting the Foundation - Strategic Vision & Direction
Participants explore Bryson’s Strategic Planning Model, conduct personal and team-based visioning, and decide between building an authentic or scenario-based pitch. Emphasis on mission, values, and setting a north star.

Week 2

Online

Understanding the Landscape - SWOT & Stakeholders
Participants conduct situational analysis through SWOT and stakeholder mapping to identify key strengths, challenges, and allies. These tools build the groundwork for a strong problem statement.

Week 3

Online

From Insight to Action - Goals & Strategy
Participants turn insights into clear goals, SMART objectives, and actionable strategies. Participants begin thinking in terms of funder logic and long-term outcomes.

Week 4

Online

Writing the Narrative - Problem & Project Overview
Participants learn how to draft compelling needs statements and project summaries. Emphasis is placed on clarity, urgency, and connecting community need to program design.

Week 5

Online

Building the Proposal - Methods, Outcomes & Evaluation
Participants write methods and evaluation sections, develop a basic logic model, and learn how to align their outcomes with funder goals.

Week 6

Online

Finalizing the Proposal - Budgeting & Storytelling
Participants finalize their proposals and create budgets. They begin preparing and rehearsing for their final pitches. Focus on persuasive storytelling and connecting with funders.

Week 7

Hybrid - Onsite & Online

Pitch Competition & Networking Event
Participants deliver 3–4 minute project pitches to a panel of judges. Includes prizes, feedback, celebration, and networking.