IDS 400: Grant Writing

Course Description

This course will focus on the components of successful grant writing for the nonprofit sector. Research, letter of intent/executive summary, and the elements of a strong, well-written proposal will be discussed. (3 credits)

Prerequisites

  • ENG 101: English Composition 1
  • ENG 102: English Composition 2

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:

  1. Contact and cultivate potential funding organizations
  2. Understand the requirements of various funding organizations and the elements these organizations seek in a successful proposal
  3. Write a professional proposal that includes an Executive Summary, Statement of Need, Project Description, Budget, Organization Information, and Conclusion as well as the other necessary sections of a successful proposal
  4. Proofread and carefully edit a proposal to ensure accuracy and professionalism
  5. Assemble and send the proposal package to the funding organization
  6. Follow-up appropriately after the proposal is either accepted or rejected

Course Activities and Grading

AssignmentsWeight

Discussion Boards (Weeks 1-5)

30%

Written Assignments (Weeks 1-4)

40%

Rough Draft of Proposal (Week 4)

10%

Final Project (Week 5)

20%

Total

100%

Required Textbooks

Available through Charter Oak's online bookstore

  • Geever, Jane C. The Foundation Center’s Guide to Proposal Writing. 6th ed. Foundation Center, 2012. ISBN-13: 978-1-59542-404-4

Course Schedule

WeekSLOsReadings and ExercisesAssignment(s)

1

1, 2

Topic: Report on a Grantmaker

  • Readings:
    • Textbook, “From the Author,” and the Introduction pgs. IX-XVII
    • Chapters 1 & 2, pgs. 1 – 14
    • Chapters 11 & 12, pgs. 117 – 146
    • Sample Proposal, pgs. 261 – 272
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Complete written assignnment

2

2, 3, 4, 5

Topic: The Executive Summary

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 3, pgs. 15 – 18
    • Chapters 5 & 6, pgs. 27 – 60
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Complete written assignnment

3

2, 3, 4, 5

Topic: The Statement of Need

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 4, pgs. 19 – 26
    • Chapters 13 – 15, pgs. 147 – 178
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Complete written assignnment

4

2, 3, 4, 5

Topic: The Budget

  • Readings:
    • Chapters 7 – 10, pgs. 61 – 116
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Complete written assignnment
  • Submit Rough Draft of Proposal

5

2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Topic: Final Draft of Proposal

  • Readings:
    • Chapters 16 & 17, pgs. 179 – 260
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Complete written assignnment
  • Submit Final Project

COSC Accessibility Statement

Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.

COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources

Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.