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Grant Writing Resources

Wild Apricot:
How to Start Grant Writing (+ Templates)

If you’re new to this process, you could have a lot of questions: How do I start grant writing? Is grant writing difficult? What does grant writing consist of?
Well, you’ve come to the right place! Also check out their FREE Grant Application Template bundle. 

Learn Grant Writing

While aimed at education opportunities for someone looking to become a grant writer (freelance or otherwise), there are a number of helpful resources on the site, including FREE grant writing classes, training videos, templates, and tips. You will need to create a free account to access some of the resources.

Grants Plus

Grants Plus is a consulting agency, but they also have a variety of FREE resources available to grant writers, including this helpful article to get you started on your grant-writing journey! They also have a variety of FREE videos.  

Grant Professionals Association

GPA helps grant professionals seek to continually improve their professional knowledge and skills in grant research, proposal development, and post-award grant management. They have a PAID membership, which provides access to publications, resources, discounts on training, and more. They also have some free articles that are helpful reminders:

Eight Words and Phrases to Avoid

Tips and Best Practices

The Grantsmanship Center

Started to benefit nonprofits in Los Angeles County but has grown to have online webinars and resources for more nonprofits. More in-depth webinars you must purchase, but there are FREE resources as well. 

The Chronicle of Philanthropy

A number of articles are available for FREE. However, a subscription is required to access webinars and search for specific grants (via GrantStation). Access to GrantStation will also provide you with additional online resources. GrantStation has a number of FREE publications as well.

Instrumentl:
Top 15 Things to Do Before you Write a Grant

While you have to pay for access to the search engine, a variety of articles are free from Instrumentl. We have linked to one of our favorites that provides some top tips and tricks for successful grant writing.

Snowball Fundraising:
Grant Proposal Template

Snowball Fundraising’s main purpose is as an online fundraising platform, however if you’re brand new to grant writing, this article contains some great templates to give you an idea of various grant components.

Iowa Grant Watch:
Glossary of Nonprofit Terms

Not only relevant for grant writing, but also a helpful tool to have in your back pocket. However, if you come across requirements or verbiage in a grant that you’re unsure about, this glossary may be able to help you out.

Upward Development:
How Long Does it Take to Write a Grant?

How much staff time will it take to write a grant? Here’s a quick snapshot for your Agency’s planning purposes.

Writing a Compelling Case for Support: Four Steps for Getting Started
Not sure what a Case for Support is or even where to start? CCS Fundraising offers a great overview and tips for getting started. 

Silent Partner Software

How to Write a Nonprofit Case for Support
Why do you need a Case for Support? What does a good example look like? What about a bad one? This article has you covered with a great overview and examples to get you started!
 

SUMAC By Silent Partner

Ready to get started on your Case for Support? Check out a sample template and checklist before diving in.

Case of Support Checklist

Case for Support Template

Data Resources

Iowa Businesses
A breakdown by county from Iowa Workforce Development of the registered businesses in Iowa and their size by number of employees. 

Philanthropic Giving
A breakdown by county from Philanthropy.com of 2017 philanthropic giving and potential giving data. 

Do you know of other grant writing tools and resources that would benefit the Community Action network? Have a particular resource or template you’re looking for?