By the end of this course, you'll go from staring at a blank page to submitting a grant application that actually reflects your organization's strength, backed by numbers and language that funders respond to.
You'll walk away able to:
- Tell the difference between grant myths and what funders actually look for, and speak to your organization with real confidence
- Pull together your numbers and turn them into a story that shows your impact, not just your budget
- Know exactly what belongs in every section of a grant proposal, and why
- Navigate government grants specifically, with a real case study to learn from
- Know when and how to bring in a grant consultant, if and when you need one
What's Inside
Self-paced, 5 levels plus a bonus, yours for a full year.
- Grant Writing 101
- Myths about grants, and how to introduce your organization to funders
- Sharing your numbers
- Everything you need to know about government grants
-
Bonus Level: How to effectively work with a grant consultant
Course Curriculum
- Welcome to Level 1
- History of Philanthropic Giving in the United States
- Section 1 - Grant Basics: What is a grant? (6:37)
- Section 2 - Diversify your funding sources (3:25)
- Section 3 - Sections of every grant proposal (2:00)
- Section 4 - Grant prospecting (3:15)
- Section 5 - Are you ready to write a grant? (4:05)
- Welcome to Level 3
- Logic Models: Friend, Not Foe!
- Section 8: Impact Evaluation. Part 1 & 2 (12:36)
- All the ways nonprofit budgets go wrong
- Section 9: Budgets (5:19)
- Section 10: Future Support & Sustainability (2:26)
- Section 11: Maintaining Relationship with Funders (3:11)
- Section 12: Final Notes on Foundation Grants (2:58)
FAQ
-
Is this right for me if I've never written a grant before?
Yes, this course is built to take you from zero to your first application, no prior grant writing experience needed. -
I've written grants before but keep getting rejected. Is this still useful?
Yes. The myths section and numbers/impact sections are built for exactly this, figuring out what's not landing and why. -
Does this cover government grants, or just private/foundation funding?
Both. There's a full level dedicated to government grants specifically, including a real case study. -
Is this the same as your grant writing services through Mockingbird Analytics?
Not quite. This course gives you the tools to write your own first grant. If you'd rather have an expert write it with or for you, that's what Mockingbird Analytics' grant writing services are for. For more information on that, click here: https://www.mockingbirdanalytics.com/nonprofit-grant-writing-services
About Mockingbird Incubator
Mockingbird Incubator was built by nonprofit strategists who've watched founders sit on a good idea for months, even years, unsure of where to start. We created this course, and the rest of our programs, because that stuck feeling is so common, and so solvable with the right information.
We're part of the Mockingbird family, alongside Mockingbird Analytics, which works with established nonprofits on evaluation, research, and capacity building. Whether you're just starting out or years in, we're here for the whole journey.
Learn more about our programs at mockingbirdincubator.org.
“Jessica and other facilitators and speakers were so thoughtful, engaging, and knowledgeable. We thank you for your service and for not gatekeeping information and resources.”
