Professional Certificate in Grant Writing & Fundraising

 

Course Overview

Ready to unlock vital funding for your projects and initiatives? The Institute of Professional Studies and Development (IPSD) at PATHS University offers this practical online Professional Certificate in Grant Writing & Fundraising. This program provides you with the fundamental skills to identify funding opportunities, write compelling grant proposals, and implement effective fundraising strategies. Whether you're working for a non-profit, a community group, or a social enterprise, these skills are crucial for securing the resources you need to make an impact.

Course Duration

Get equipped to secure funding quickly with this intensive program, designed for completion within 8 to 12 weeks. With an estimated commitment of 5-7 hours per week, our flexible online format allows you to rapidly acquire key competencies without interrupting your current work or personal life.

Target Audience

This professional certificate is ideal for:
New staff at NGOs, non-profits, or community-based organizations responsible for fundraising.
Project coordinators and team leaders needing to secure funding for their initiatives.
Small business owners and social entrepreneurs seeking grants or alternative funding sources.
Volunteers eager to support their organizations' financial sustainability.
Individuals interested in a foundational understanding of how to secure external funding.

Requirements/Prerequisites

To ensure your success in this program, we recommend:
A High School Diploma or equivalent.
Basic computer literacy and reliable internet access.
Good written communication skills in English.
A keen interest in supporting community development or organizational growth through resource mobilization.
Some prior experience with projects or organizations seeking funds is beneficial but not strictly required.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this professional certificate, you will be able to:
Understand the basics of the fundraising landscape and different funding sources.
Identify potential grant opportunities and their requirements.
Structure a basic grant proposal, including problem statement and objectives.
Craft clear and compelling project descriptions.
Understand fundamental budgeting for grant applications.
Develop simple individual or small-scale fundraising appeals.
Recognize ethical considerations in fundraising and grant seeking.

Course Content

This professional certificate program provides a concise yet comprehensive introduction to core grant writing and fundraising topics:
Introduction to Fundraising & Grant Seeking: Overview of the funding landscape.
Identifying Funding Opportunities: Researching donors and calls for proposals.
The Anatomy of a Grant Proposal: Key sections and their purpose.
Crafting a Compelling Narrative: Problem statement, objectives, and activities.
Basic Project Budgeting for Proposals: Aligning costs with activities.
Individual Giving & Small-Scale Fundraising: Appeals, events, and online campaigns.
Building Relationships with Donors: Basic communication strategies.
Ethics and Transparency in Fundraising: Building trust and accountability.
You'll benefit from concise video lectures, practical examples of successful funding applications, downloadable templates for common grant sections, self-assessment quizzes, and engaging discussion prompts to build your foundational understanding.

Career Pathways

This certificate serves as a strong entry point into roles focused on resource mobilization, including:
Fundraising Assistant / Coordinator
Grant Research Assistant
Project Support Officer (with fundraising duties)
Community Development Officer (focused on securing local funds)
NGO Program Assistant
Administrative Assistant (with fundraising responsibilities)