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Specialization in Grant Writing

Write Winning Proposals for Mission-Driven Work

About This Program

Grants can be an important source of support for projects or programs that are designed to meet community needs. Because grants don’t need to be paid back, this funding can be especially valuable to nonprofits, research institutions and social-impact businesses — and the competition can be fierce. Successfully winning a public, private or donor-funded grant starts with a compelling, research-based application.

In this one-course specialization, you’ll get hands-on, in-depth experience with grant writing. Working with a nonprofit or educational or government organization, you’ll learn to use research, storytelling and measurable objectives to align the organization with funders. You’ll also understand the post-award grant process, including how to track progress and follow up with grantmakers, win or lose. Plus, you’ll get insights from national fundraising experts about strategies and emerging trends in grantmaking, and learn how AI tools can support your grant writing process.

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Designed For

Professionals and volunteers working in the nonprofit or public sectors who want to build or improve their grant writing skills, as well as others who support nonprofits and want to get started working in the field.

See Requirements

Explore More: Interested in managing grants or the financial side of nonprofit organizations? Consider our Specialization in Grant Management or our Specialization in Budgeting & Finance for Nonprofits.

Skills You’ll Gain

  • Grant writing

  • Grant applications

  • Case statements

  • Project planning

  • Project documentation

  • Prospect research

  • Relationship building

  • Storytelling

  • Stewardship

Get Real-World Experience

  • Research prospective grantmakers and find quality funding opportunities

  • Write grant proposals, define need statements and collect community-based evidence

  • Understand the post-award grant process, including project tracking and reporting to grantmakers

Career Stats

11%

Projected growth in U.S. demand for grant writing skills (2025–27)

12%

Projected growth in U.S. demand for grant applications skills (2025–27)

Source: Lightcast. Learn about career stats data.

Earn a Certificate

Combine this specialization with the Specialization in Grant Management and the Specialization in Budgeting & Finance for Nonprofits to earn the Certificate in Grant Writing, Management & Nonprofit Finance.

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Earn a Digital Badge

After successfully completing this program, you can claim a digital achievement badge that can be shared on LinkedIn and other social media sites. Learn more about digital badges.

Our Enrollment Coaches Are Here to Help

Connect with an enrollment coach to learn more about this offering. Or if you need help finding the right certificate, specialization or course for you, reach out to explore your options.


This program is intended for professional development and is not designed to meet educational requirements for professional licensure or certification.

Approved by the UW Department of English.


Specialization, Certificate or Course: What’s the Difference?

Specialization
Deep dive into an in-demand skill
Courses: 1-2 | Class Hours: 35+ | Credential: Certificate of Completion

Certificate
In-depth preparation for a new career or career advancement
Courses: 1-3 | Class Hours: 90+ | Credential: Certificate of Completion

Course
Foundation in a topic and step toward further study
Class Hours: < 30

Learn More