What you will learn?
Explain the stages of the grant lifecycle and identify key renewal decision points.
Develop effective grant reports that clearly communicate measurable impact and organizational learning.
Create and implement a strategic funder communication plan to strengthen relationships year-round.
Design and execute a structured approach to preparing and submitting competitive renewal proposals.
Target Audience
Grant writers and grant managers seeking to improve renewal rates.
Development directors and fundraising professionals managing institutional funders.
Program managers responsible for reporting and funder communication.
Executive directors of small to mid-sized nonprofits overseeing grant strategy.
About this course
Grant renewal is one of the most powerful — and underutilized — strategies for nonprofit sustainability. While many organizations focus heavily on acquiring new funders, long-term financial stability often depends on strengthening existing partnerships. This course, Grant Renewal and Relationship Management for Nonprofits, provides a comprehensive, practical framework for increasing renewal rates and building authentic, trust-based funder relationships.
Participants will explore the full grant lifecycle — from initial award through renewal decision — and learn how to embed renewal thinking into everyday grant management practices. The course emphasizes effective reporting, meaningful impact measurement, and strategic communication that goes beyond compliance. Learners will discover how to use data and storytelling together to demonstrate results, address challenges transparently, and align ongoing work with funder priorities.
In addition, the course focuses on relationship-centered strategies: planning year-round communication, preparing for renewal conversations, engaging program staff in funder engagement, and navigating difficult situations with professionalism. Participants will also gain tools for managing internal systems, tracking deliverables, and coordinating across development and program teams.
By the end of the course, learners will be equipped with actionable strategies to transform grant management from a transactional process into a long-term partnership model — increasing funder retention, improving organizational credibility, and positioning their nonprofit for sustained impact and growth.
Requirements
Basic understanding of nonprofit fundraising and grant writing principles.
Experience managing or supporting at least one funded grant project (recommended but not required).
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