Format: 7-Week Hybrid Intensive
Meeting Schedule: Saturdays

Summer Semester Dates:

  • June 28 – Online
  • July 5 – Online
  • July 12 – Online
  • July 19 – Online
  • July 26 – Online
  • August 2 – Online
  • August 9 – Online
  • August 15 – In-person (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 online 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 provides 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.

Testimonials

Ann Marie

Professor Rivkin’s deep knowledge really came through in every session, but what made the course especially valuable was his experience leading a nonprofit. He understood the real challenges we face and shared practical advice that made sense for my work. He consistently connected theory to practice, helping us understand how to apply grant writing strategies in real-world settings.

Also, his availability outside of class was deeply appreciated. It made the learning experience feel supportive.

Professor Rivkin helped me take a fresh look at the kinds of programs that would truly connect with donors and support the growth of my organization.

The five-minute pitch exercise was a challenge, but it pushed me to be more focused and clear. I left the course feeling much more confident about the grant writing process.

Ann Marie

Shewanna

Shewanna

This course was truly a blessing and came at the right time for me. I started unsure of how to organize my story, goals, and next steps, but I left with a clearer narrative, stronger strategy, and a real plan for moving forward.

Having access to Garri was one of the greatest benefits. It felt like having a consultant helping me think more clearly, strategically, and practically about my work and future direction.

The course also strengthened my AI skills and introduced tools and resources that have been invaluable. The networking and access to City Tutors added even more value, and being part of a small cohort made the experience personal, focused, and meaningful.

Winning the pitch deck competition at the end was an unexpected and affirming surprise. It showed me how much clarity I had gained and gave me even more confidence in the direction I’m building toward.

I would definitely recommend this course. I feel privileged to have been part of it and grateful for the clarity, confidence, and direction it helped me gain.

Best,
Shewanna

Nusiratu

Coming into the course, I had ideas from my work and lived experience, but I needed help shaping them into something clear and actionable.

The course pushed me to slow down and really think through my “why,” the change I want to see, and who it impacts. I was able to take an idea and turn it into a pitch grounded in real experiences, making it easier to communicate my ideas in a way others could understand.

I used tools like mission and vision statements, SWOT analysis, stakeholder thinking, and mandates, which are the expectations and constraints that shape an organization. These helped me better understand both the problem and the approach. Building the slide deck was one of the most valuable parts for me. It helped me organize my thoughts, connect my personal story to the work, and clearly explain the problem, the strategy, and the impact to potential investors or funders.

The class’s environment made a big difference. I felt safe, supported, and empowered. Garri was very supportive and insightful, and he made himself available throughout the week if we needed help. That made it easier to stay engaged and keep going.

After completing the course, I have a stronger approach to my work and how I communicate my ideas. I am already applying what I learned to consulting.

I am really glad I took this class, and I think other students would really benefit from having access to it.

Nusiratu

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.