Master Class in Grant Writing Best Practices
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this comprehensive and engaging course, you will be able to:
- Prepare a grant proposal step-by-step with superior writing style, persuasiveness, and readability
- Identify and address the 8 most common reasons for grant proposal denial
- List the 6 key features of all successful grant proposals
- Build a skilled writing team for your grant proposal (key roles, qualifications, skillsets)
- Develop a strategic plan with internal deadlines to help your team submit the highest quality grant proposal on time
- Write an effective and comprehensive Cover Letter
- Write an effective and comprehensive Cover Page
- Write an effective and comprehensive Title Page
- Write an effective and comprehensive Abstract
- Write an effective and comprehensive Table of Contents
- Write an effective and comprehensive Problem Statement
- Write an effective and comprehensive Goals and Objectives section using logic models and SMART criteria
- Write an effective and comprehensive Methods section
- Write an effective and comprehensive Personnel section
- Write an effective and comprehensive Dissemination section
- Write an effective and comprehensive Evaluation section
- Write an effective and comprehensive Sustainability section
- Write and chart out an effective and comprehensive Timeline/Milestones section
- Build a comprehensive line-item Budget with accompanying Budget Narrative
- Assemble an effective and comprehensive set of Institutional Information
- Assemble an effective and comprehensive set of Attachments
- Select, prepare, and caption figures and graphics for your grant proposal
- Apply formatting and collating best practice standards before submitting your grant proposal
- Obtain final institutional approvals before submitting your grant proposal
- Compare and contrast best practices in online vs. paper-based proposal submission
- Strategically select preferred external reviewers for your grant proposal
- Apply best practices in how to respond if your grant proposal is denied
- Apply best practices in how to respond if your grant proposal is successful
Instructor
Amanda Preston, CFRE is one of the leading funding consultants in the United States, having secured over $100,000,000 in grants and gifts for universities and research institutions across the nation. For over 35 years, she has engineered institution-transforming grants via her positions at Harvard University, the Smithsonian Institution’s Astrophysical Observatory, and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. As Executive Director of the Harvard Origins of Life Initiative, Amanda managed 175 researchers, actively engaged Harvard’s early career scientists, and secured funds for cutting-edge astrophysics research. A globally credentialed Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Amanda has extensive experience running programs in external affairs, government relations, inter-institutional partnerships, and inter-disciplinary research. In addition, as a designated Master Teacher for the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), she is a passionate instructor dedicated to building learners’ confidence and promoting professional growth. She frequently presents at leading fundraising conferences and has served as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Environmental Studies at Antioch University New England. Today she advises and coaches non-profit and university leaders on matters of strategy and funding.
9888 Windy Hollow Rd
