Professional Diploma in Grant Writing & Fundraising

Course Overview

Ready to become a proficient fundraiser and grant writer, driving sustained financial growth for your organization? The Institute of Professional Studies and Development (IPSD) at PATHS University proudly offers this comprehensive online Professional Diploma in Grant Writing & Fundraising. This program provides an in-depth understanding of strategic fundraising methodologies, advanced grant proposal development, donor relationship management, and diverse resource mobilization techniques. Empower yourself to secure significant funding and build sustainable financial models for organizations across various sectors, from growing non-profits to international charities.

Course Duration

Deepen your expertise with this flexible program, typically completed within 6 to 9 months, with an estimated commitment of 8-10 hours per week. Our modular structure allows for thorough engagement with advanced topics, fitting seamlessly into your demanding professional schedule.
Target Audience
This professional diploma is perfect for:
Current Grant Writers, Fundraising Officers, and Resource Mobilization Specialists.
Program Managers and Directors responsible for securing and reporting on project funds.
NGO leaders and executives focused on organizational sustainability.
Development consultants specializing in funding acquisition.
Public sector employees managing grants or seeking external funding for government programs.
Professionals aiming to achieve formal recognition of their expertise in strategic resource mobilization.

Requirements/Prerequisites

To make the most of this program, you should have:
A Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field (e.g., Development Studies, Communications, Business, Public Administration) or a minimum of 2 years of professional experience in a fundraising, project management, or non-profit role.
Alternatively, completion of the IPSD Professional Certificate in Grant Writing & Fundraising or an equivalent foundational course.
Proficiency in English (reading, writing, and comprehension).
Reliable internet access and familiarity with CRM (Customer Relationship Management) concepts or basic database usage.
A strong commitment to ethical fundraising practices and accountability.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this professional diploma, you will be able to:
Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies across multiple channels.
Write compelling and persuasive grant proposals for diverse institutional donors (foundations, corporations, governments).
Master detailed budget development and financial reporting for grant applications.
Build and manage strong relationships with individual donors and institutional funders.
Understand complex donor requirements and compliance regulations.
Design and execute successful fundraising campaigns and events.
Utilize prospect research tools to identify and prioritize potential funders.
Apply ethical frameworks and best practices in all fundraising activities.

Course Content

Dive deep into critical areas of grant writing and fundraising through engaging modules, including:
Strategic Fundraising Planning: Developing a comprehensive resource mobilization strategy.
Advanced Grant Proposal Writing: Theory of change, logical frameworks, and compelling narratives.
Budgeting and Financial Management for Grants: Detailed proposal budgets, cost recovery, and financial reporting.
Institutional Grant Management: Compliance, reporting, and donor stewardship.
Individual Donor Cultivation and Stewardship: Major gifts, planned giving, and donor retention.
Corporate and Foundation Fundraising: Building partnerships and corporate social responsibility (CSR).
Fundraising Campaigns and Events: Planning, execution, and evaluation.
Prospect Research and Donor Database Management: Identifying and managing donor relationships.
Legal and Ethical Issues in Fundraising: Compliance, transparency, and accountability.
Online Fundraising and Digital Engagement: Leveraging technology for resource mobilization.
You'll gain access to exclusive video tutorials, interactive case studies from diverse contexts, downloadable proposal templates, and practical assignments designed to refine your strategic fundraising and writing skills.

Career Pathways

Graduates of this program are well-prepared for key leadership and management roles worldwide, including:
Grant Writer / Specialist
Fundraising Manager / Officer
Resource Mobilization Manager
Donor Relations Manager
Development Officer / Manager
Program Manager (with fundraising leadership)
NGO Grants & Compliance Manager
Philanthropy Advisor