Course Curriculum

6 Chapters · 6 Lessons

  1. 1

    Week 1 -: Minding Your Messaging

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Strengthening your organization's messaging, determining your grant goals, and meeting your cohort

  2. 2

    Week 2 - : Budgeting for Realistic Success

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Develop a comprehensive and realistic budget for your organization and timeline for carrying out your goals

  3. 3

    Week 3 - : Crafting a Compellingly Clear Letter of Inquiry

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Craft a versatile LOI that can be adapted for multiple grant applications.

  4. 4

    Week 4 -: Researching and Selecting Grants

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Learn How to Find and Select Grants Efficiently and Effectively

  5. 5

    Week 5 - : Writing a Grant Application

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Learn how to tailor your LOI to a grant application and effectively write a winning proposal

  6. 6

    Week 6 - : Looking Ahead

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Connecting with funders after the grant, setting yourself up for reporting success and diversifying your grant portfolio.

How Will The Course Work?

Each session of the "Grantwriting for Grassroots" course will be three hours long. During the first hour, Lauren will walk participants through key concepts and strategies pertaining to that week's lesson, pausing to answer group questions, and being sure to include personalized content depending on course members. The following two hours are structured as hands-on work sessions, where participants will actively apply what they've learned. This practical time will include opportunities for group work in Zoom breakout rooms, so attendees can collaborate with one another, as well as coaching with Lauren, who will be available to answer questions and provide guidance. This means you'll be sure to GET the work DONE instead of just learning about it! The best part? You work IN COMMUNITY with folks who are in the work with you! 

Who's This Course Best Suited For?

Grantwriting for Grassroots is ideal for: *New organizations that have yet to dive into serious grant applications but are ready to learn. *Organizations looking to refine their approach to grant writing, particularly those who have struggled to secure funding. *Community-founded organizations who feel the typical fundraising courses and supports weren't built for them. *Groups that are ready to roll up their sleeves and fund the revolution!

Meet Your Guide - Lauren A. Burke

This course is led by Lauren Burke, a seasoned nonprofit leader who has founded two nonprofits and raised millions in grant funding. Lauren’s work has centered on empowering system-impacted folks to translate their lived experiences into solutions that directly address the problems they’ve faced. Lauren has taught and coached social impact at prestigious institutions including Smith College, NYU School of Law, Claremont McKenna College, and Echoing Green. Since 2023, she’s worked with the abolitionist organization Movement for Family Power, coaching system-impacted grassroots leaders in the fight to end family policing. Lauren firmly believes in the first part of Glenn Martin’s quote: “Those closest to the problem are closest to the solution.” Her goal is to help those closest to the issues they face gain access to power and resources, which is why this course is specifically designed for those who have been historically marginalized by traditional funding structures. Find more of Lauren's work at www.NBSNP.com.