Grant Writing Fast Track Program
The Grant Writing Fast Track is an intensive and interactive cohort program designed to equip mission-driven entrepreneurs with the tools, skills and knowledge needed to turbo charge their efforts in the field of grant writing.
What sets the Grant Writing Fast Track Program apart is its emphasis on the internal process required to prepare entrepreneurs and their ventures, for-profit or nonprofit, to successfully apply for financial support. Many times, grant seekers are insufficiently preparing the core building rocks of their ventures thus reducing their chances for success.
The program is industry agnostic. The participating entrepreneurs represent both for-profit and nonprofit sectors and focus their ventures on a plethora of industries: education, healthcare and wellness, arts and culture, economic development, services etc.
Who will benefit
The Grant Writing Fast Track Program is designed to help for profit mission-driven entrepreneurs better position their ventures for accessing grants and funding. Startups and early-stage entrepreneurs will benefit from this approach as they have the opportunity to clarify their messaging and design and streamline a process that will increase the success of their fundraising efforts.
FORMAT & COSTS
format
The Grant Writing Fast Track Program is a cohort program that brings together entrepreneurs, for-profit and nonprofit, with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and interests. The meetings are virtual (Zoom).
Costs
Free of charge: Nonprofit entrepreneurs that are based or serve Riverside County will benefit from a total tuition waiver (restrictions apply).
For a fee: Nonprofit and for-profit entrepreneurs that do not qualify for a free of cost participation. The participation fee is $1,000.
How to join
1. apply
Submit your application and self-assessment form
2. enrollment
Receive confirmation and invitation to enroll
3. Program
Upcoming Cohort:
February - March 2024
4. Graduation
Receive your
Certificate of Participation
Syllabus
Upcoming Cohort: February 29th – March 28th
9 workshops (20 hours) || 4-6 hours a week || 6 weeks
Previous Cohort: November 1st – December 11th
Business Models for nonprofits (Week 1 - February 29th)
An introductory session to welcome all participants, explain the program and how best to navigate the resources offered.
- Duration: 2 hours
- Zoom live
- Mandatory participation
Grant searching and matching (Week 2 - March 5th)
A concise and interactive session designed to equip participants with essential skills and strategies for effective grant research and identify the options that reflect their organization’s profile. This workshop provides practical guidance on identifying relevant funding opportunities, navigating grant databases, and optimizing search criteria to match project needs. Participants will gain insights into crafting compelling grant proposals and increasing their chances of securing funding for their projects or organizations.
- Duration: 2 hours
- Zoom live
- Mandatory participation
Clarifying the organization's mission, vision and value proposition (Week 2 - March 7th)
This workshop is designed to help organizations gain a clear understanding and articulate their mission, vision, and value proposition. Participants will engage in interactive exercises and discussions to identify the core purpose, future direction, and unique value of their organization. By the end of the workshop, attendees will have a cohesive and compelling plan to guide their strategic decisions and enhances their communication with stakeholders.
- Duration: 2 hours
- Zoom live
- Mandatory participation
Refining the customer profile (Week 3 - March 12th)
This workshop focuses on helping for-profit and nonprofit entrepreneurs refine their customer/beneficiary profiles to better understand and connect with their target audiences. Participants will learn practical strategies to gather valuable insights, analyze customer data, and create detailed customer/beneficiary personas.
- Duration: 2 hours
- Zoom live
- Mandatory participation
Designing Compelling Narratives (Week 3 - March 14th)
This 2-hour workshop is designed to guide participants through the process of crafting a compelling grant narrative using principles of design strategy. By incorporating creativity, and a little bit of drawing, participants will learn how to design services and products that not only meet the requirements of funders but also address the real needs and aspirations of their target communities.
By the end of this 2-hour workshop, participants will have the knowledge and tools to design products and services into compelling narratives, which not only enhance their chances of securing funding but also ensures their projects are truly aligned with the needs of their target communities.
- Duration: 2 hours
- Zoom live
- Mandatory participation
Financial Management, compliance, and accountability (Week 4 - March 19th)
Through practical examples and case studies, attendees will gain insights into effective budgeting, financial reporting, and resource allocation. The workshop also focuses on regulatory compliance and best practices to ensure transparency and ethical decision-making. Participants will leave the workshop with the tools and understanding necessary to enhance financial stewardship and accountability within their organizations.
- Duration: 2 hours
- Zoom live
- Mandatory participation
Grant Budget design and budget narrative (Week 4 - March 21st)
Attendees will learn how to develop well-structured budgets, aligning with funding guidelines and demonstrating financial accountability. They will also gain insights into crafting persuasive budget narratives that clearly communicate project goals, expenses, and anticipated outcomes, enhancing their ability to secure funding and maximize project success.
- Duration: 2 hours
- Zoom live
- Mandatory participation
Describing impact, monitoring and evaluation (Week 5 - March 26th)
This workshop offers participants the tools and techniques to effectively describe the impact of their projects and initiatives and build specific narratives for different audiences. It focuses on key concepts in monitoring and evaluation to measure outcomes and successes, enabling organizations to make data-driven decisions and enhance their overall effectiveness.
- Duration: 2 hours
- Zoom live
- Mandatory participation
Case study: Grant application / Meet a Funder (Week 5 - March 28th)
This final workshop has two parts. The first focuses on building a grant application and providing a plan on managing such a process. The second is dedicated to an engaging interaction with a funder to better understand their expectations.
- Duration: 3 hours
- Zoom live
- Mandatory participation
