Grant Seminar Descriptions

Research Associates' course curriculum provide you with the information to help you succeed in the grants field. These curriculum cover proposal writing and program development, grant administration, grant consulting, grant evaluation, and grant reviewing.

Introduction to Grant Writing This detailed one-day workshop introduces beginning grantwriters to the field of grantwriting. This is an excellent pre-requisite to the Certified Grants Specialist class. Participants learn how to: Identify government, private, and corporate grant funding sources Conduct a community needs assessment Write convincing problem statements Develop innovative program designs Create program-driven budgets Prepare grant proposals and applications Integrate unique components to gain extra point	Table of Contents
Certified Grants Specialist Suitable for novice and experienced grant writers, this course provides the knowledge successful grant writers need. Introduction to Grant writing is suggested for novices but not required. Topics include: Finding best-fit funding sources Applying to government, private, and corporate grant programs Analyzing grant applications and RFP's (Request for Proposals) Conducting a thorough needs assessment Developing innovative program activities Establishing goals and objectives Creating a management plan for implementation Disseminating information and program findings Planning for program sustainability Building strong budgets that withstand cuts Using writing styles for visual appeal Understanding e-grant applications and online forms Learning what happens after the grant is submitted	Table of Contents
Certified Grants Administrator Learn how to operate a successful grant program. Prior completion of the Certified Grants Specialist course is suggested but not required. Topics include: Hiring the right staff and developing your team Acquiring grant funds, and draw-downs Gaining new program implementation insights Preparing for a program and financial audit Using consultants and other contract services Planning for an onsite visit with program officers Working with external evaluators Evaluating program components Monitoring and amending your program budget Planning for program sustainability Applying effective administrative strategies	Table of Contents
Certified Grants Consultant Learn how to become an independent grant consultant or improve your consulting skills. Prior completion of the Certified Grants Specialist course is suggested but not required. Topics include: Responding to funding notifications to avoid budget cuts Conduct a market and competition analysis Develop a strategic business plan Set up legal and financial structures Diversify income streams Market services to build clientele Assess an RFP (request for proposal) for grant writers Negotiate fees and assemble pricing schedules Develop well-built contracts and agreements Bid services to compete with other vendors Maintain good customer relations Abide by ethical business standards Avoid going out of business	Table of Contents
Introduction to Evaluation This course guides you through the process of program evaluation. Learn to identify and work with an evaluator or conduct an evaluation independently. Topics include: Understanding the purpose of program evaluation Designing effective evaluation plans Focusing the evaluation Establishing evaluation methods and tools Creating data collection models Developing surveys to measure program performance Analyzing, interpreting, and reporting data Learning interviewing methods Applying the logic model to program components Using evaluation results for program improvement Abiding by standard ethics and guiding principles	Table of Contents
Certified Grants Reviewer Learn the essentials of grant reviewing and how to become a professional reviewer. Topics include: Analyzing government, private, and corporate applications Critiquing proposals for strengths and weaknesses Building an internal grants review team Becoming a grants reviewer for pay Understanding rules and guidelines for reviewers Scoring and ranking grant proposals Working with review panels Abiding by ethical standards	Table of Contents
Certified Foundation & Corporate Grants Specialist Learn the tips for working with foundations and corporations. Topics include: Building lasting relationships with funders Preparing for site visits Assembling strong proposals Reporting outcome measures and objectives And more
Setting up a Successful Grants Office Find out how to set up a grants office in your organization. Topics include: Creating the infrastructure for a grants office Purchasing the right supplies and equipment Building a resource library Hiring the right staff Conducting a needs assessment with staff
Certified Grant Writer Develop your grant proposal from start to finish! Participants will leave the workshop with a written grant draft. Topics include: Compiling research and statistical data efficiently Developing grant proposals in the most logical manner Critiquing your proposal for strengths and weaknesses
Certified Grants Budget Specialist Study how to build strong, program-driven grant budgets that withstand cuts. Topics include: Understanding budget categories Creating easy-to-understand budgets Responding to budget inquiries Monitoring grant budgets