Best Workshops For Nonprofit Fundraisers (Grant Writing) in 2025

The Grant Writing for Nonprofits Certificate Program offered by the University of North Carolina (UNC) is an intensive, comprehensive program designed to equip nonprofit professionals with the advanced skills to excel in grant writing. The in-depth curriculum covers all facets of grant development, from prospect research and proposal writing to program evaluation and budget creation. The instructors are experienced grant professionals, providing real-world insights. The program also emphasizes creating a strong, compelling narrative that aligns with funder priorities. Participants benefit from personalized feedback on their work including developing a mock application. However, this program will require a considerable time commitment because the program typically runs over several months, combining online and in-person sessions. The cost is relatively high compared to shorter workshops or online courses.

Coursera's Grant Writing Specialization offers a flexible, online, and in-depth grant writing learning path. The program, developed by various universities, is composed of several courses to give a complete overview of the key elements in the grant writing process. The strengths of this Coursera specialization consist of its flexible scheduling and its ability to complete the courses at your own pace. Users also get access to a wide breadth of information on grant writing that they need to know and learn to be successful. The program offers a wealth of information to suit varying levels of grant writer. While there is a fee, it does offer a free trial, making it affordable to learn. However, because it is self-paced, users must have a level of self-control in finishing the course to be successful.

The Candid Learning (formerly Foundation Center) offers a variety of online and in-person grant writing workshops, including webinars, self-paced courses, and longer workshops. Candid’s many resources are geared toward those individuals who are looking to learn how grants work. They focus primarily on helping a wide array of individuals learn how to navigate the grant writing world and improve their odds with funders. The workshops are usually presented by experienced grant writers and offer a range of training, from introductory overviews to specific topic deep dives. Due to the nature of the organization, they also have a large amount of funding data for users to utilize. The workshops provide a strong starting point for organizations and individuals who want to learn more about grants. They make it easy for individuals to improve their chances with funders. The workshops are not as in-depth as certificate programs and lack in-person instruction.

Hiring a grant writing consultant or firm can provide expert assistance with all aspects of grant development, from identifying funding opportunities to writing and submitting proposals. Several independent consultants and specialized firms can offer tailored services based on a client's budget and requirements. They offer a great deal of hands-on assistance with grants that include prospect research and provide deep knowledge of the grant world. Consultants bring specialized expertise and experience, saving time and increasing proposal effectiveness. They are also valuable because they can give unbiased, third-party advice on grant applications. There are many consultants to choose from, ensuring that you will find one that matches your particular style of assistance and experience. Costs will vary on experience level, but they are a high-value way to increase fundraising efforts.

Bloomerang, a popular cloud-based donor management platform, offers training and resources for nonprofit fundraising, including grant writing, as part of their subscription service and educational programs. They aim to help nonprofits understand the broader fundraising landscape. Their educational resources cover various fundraising and non-profit related topics and include the technical aspects of grant writing. While they lack the depth of certificate programs, they benefit users by allowing them to better use other fundraising technologies like donor databases. The programs vary by the format, and provide a wide array of informational resources, including access to their technology. The company's ability to leverage donor research to create a deeper and more comprehensive fundraising toolkit is another advantage. Not all the resources focus on grant writing, but these programs still represent a valuable resource.