Nonprofit Grant Writing

The Nonprofit Grant Writing Academy provides practitioners with the skills and knowledge required for successful nonprofit grant prospecting, grant writing, and grant management.

Created and taught by faculty at the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, a leader in nonprofit management and policy education, this not-for-credit microcredential is best suited for anyone tasked with finding grant funds for their organization.  

Course Outline

• Session 1: Grant Prospecting that Works
  This module provides strategies for grant prospecting activities that make the grant writing process more efficient and effective. You will:
  • Review how grants are structured and the process of seeking funding
  • Examine strategies for developing current or future grants proposals and prospects
  • Explore options for an effective grant application process
  • Develop a better understanding the importance of prospecting as part of the overall grant strategy.  
• Session 2: Grant Writing for Success 
  In this module, you will:
  • Review common grant application types and sources
  • Explore he pros and cons of granting programs
  • Examine what funders are looking for in grant proposals
  • Learn how to structure and write successful grant proposals  
  • Explore the importance of a strong case statement/case  
  • Learn how to state the impact of your proposal
  • Build an understanding of the type of grants best suited to meet your organizational needs
• Session 3: Strategies for Successful Grant Management 
  In this module, you will:
  • Review the important aspects of a quality grant management program
  • Discuss common requirements to prepare and secure grants from various funding sources, including government, foundation and corporate sources
  • Review available tools to assist you in the grant process
  • Discuss the pros and cons of using AI in the grant process  
  • Ensure compliance and collaboration with funding sources
• Session 4: Developing Your Proposal
  You will participate in a working session to:
  • Review your funding statement
  • Highlight potential funding sources
  • Explore the state of giving

What to Expect

This learning format is a mix of interactive online sessions, short readings and videos, and short written reflections. You will also discuss strategies with your fellow learners as a full cohort and in small breakout groups. Although this is a not-for-credit course, to complete the course, participants will be expected to actively participate in required discussion posts and in Zoom session discussions.

The course is four weeks long. Each week will require: 

• Two hours of participation in Zoom instructional sessions
• One hour of pre-reading before the Zoom session
• One hour of participation in a post-Zoom session, completing analysis and reflection posts

See specific dates and times below.

Final Project

You'll be required to complete a final project, which is a formal written case statement. The last Zoom session will be a sharing event to gather feedback about your case statement and identify possible grant sources.  

Technology Requirements

You will be expected to access BrightSpace, a digital learning environment, for course content. The program will include synchronous Zoom sessions so you will be expected to have a computer with audio and video capability.  

Completion Requirements

To earn a Credly badge, you must: 

• Successfully complete all assignments
• Attend all sessions (or complete asynchronous make-up assignments)
• Produce and submit a written case statement tailored to a grant prospect for a nonprofit organization

Registration Process

Pre-registration for Spring 2026 is now open. 

Pre-registering secures your spot, as space is limited. If you pre-register, you will be sent a link to officially register before the program begins.

Session Dates & Times

The program will meet on Zoom from 5 to 7 p.m. ET on four consecutive Tuesdays: March 10, 17, 24 and 31, 2026.

Registration Fees

• General Fee: $900 
• New York State Resident Fee ($200 discount): $700 
• UAlbany Alumni, Student & Staff Fee ($300 discount): $600