What you will learn?
Identify and analyze different funding sources and proposal requirements.
Develop clear, data-driven problem statements, goals, and outcomes.
Write well-structured, persuasive proposals aligned with budgets and evaluation plans.
Apply best practices for submission, follow-up, and funder stewardship.
Target Audience
Nonprofit staff and program managers involved in fundraising or grants.
Executive directors and nonprofit leaders seeking funding literacy.
Volunteers or board members supporting development efforts.
Early-career professionals entering the nonprofit sector.
About this course
Proposal Writing for Nonprofits is a practical, skills-focused course designed to help nonprofit professionals secure funding through clear, compelling, and well-structured proposals. The course introduces learners to the full proposal development process, from understanding funding landscapes to crafting persuasive narratives and managing post-submission relationships with funders.
Participants will explore how effective proposal writing supports nonprofit sustainability, program growth, and mission impact. The course covers major funding sources—including foundations, corporations, and government agencies—and explains how proposal requirements vary across these funders. Learners will develop the ability to articulate strong problem statements, define measurable goals, align budgets with program narratives, and present evaluation and sustainability plans that build funder confidence.
Emphasis is placed on practical writing techniques, organization, and presentation to ensure proposals are clear, professional, and persuasive to diverse audiences. The course also addresses critical but often overlooked aspects of the funding process, such as submission protocols, follow-up communication, stewardship, and learning from proposal rejections.
By the end of the course, learners will have a personal proposal writing toolkit they can adapt to different funding opportunities and organizational contexts. Whether participants are new to nonprofit work or seeking to strengthen existing skills, this course equips them with the knowledge and confidence needed to contribute effectively to fundraising and resource development efforts.
Requirements
Basic writing and communication skills.
General familiarity with nonprofit organizations or social impact work (helpful but not required).
