Why Take this Course

Why Funders Say No

If you're wondering if you should take this masterclass on grant writing, just consider the top-six reasons that funders give for rejecting grant proposals.

  • Misalignment with Funder Priorities

    Proposals fail because the project doesn't align closely with the funder’s mission, strategy, or desired impact, even if the proposal is well-written.

  • Lack of Compelling Evidence

    Successful proposals must demonstrate need, impact and effectiveness using data, case studies and evaluation plans. Many nonprofits present this proof poorly.

  • Weak Statement of Need or Solution

    A vague or poorly defined problem, or a solution that seems unrealistic, unfocused or unsustainable, quickly disqualifies your proposal.

  • Budget Issues

    When your budget doesn’t align with your narrative, when it lacks detail, when it seems padded or unrealistic, you sink an otherwise great proposal.

  • Poor Writing and Organization

    Funders read dozens, even hundreds, of grant proposals. If your proposal is hard to follow, lacks clarity, or is riddled with jargon or typos, funders will set aside and refuse to fund your project.

  • Failure to Follow Instructions

    Missing required documents, ignoring word limits, or using the wrong format, results in automatic rejection, regardless of how well your proposal is written.

The Good News

You can learn to write grant proposals that get funded.

Alan Sharpe's Grant Writing Course is the masterclass for aspiring grant writers. It’s your step-by-step guide to crafting grant proposals that stand out, speak to funders, and secure the support your nonprofit needs to grow.

The course is based on Alan Sharpe's book, Write to Win. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a fundraiser who wants to sharpen your skills, this course teaches you how to plan, write and tailor every section of a grant proposal with confidence. 

Based on over 40 years of real-world experience (Alan's, that is), this masterclass walks you through the entire grant-writing process, from understanding the grantmaking ecosystem to writing the proposal to submitting it successfully.

Eight Modules

Learn every aspect of writing a winning grant proposal

  • Introduction to Grant Writing

    Learn the fundamentals—how grants work, who gives them, and why writing winning proposals is essential for nonprofit survival and growth.

  • Writing the Organization Description

    Position your nonprofit as credible and capable. Craft a clear, funder-focused description that showcases your mission, programs, expertise, and capacity to deliver results.

  • Crafting the Statement of Need

    Make your case by clearly defining the problem you aim to solve. Learn how to use data and human stories to demonstrate urgency and align with funder priorities.

  • Writing the Project Description

    Translate your ideas into action. Describe your project plan, target outcomes, and expected impact—backed by timelines, strategies, and facts.

  • Establishing Goals & Objectives

    Set SMART goals that reflect both your mission and the funder’s intent. You’ll learn to write measurable, achievable objectives that clarify what success looks like.

  • Writing the Evaluation Plan

    Show funders how you’ll track progress, measure results, and use data to improve. Learn how to create a logic model and evaluation strategy funders trust.

  • Writing the Sustainability Plan

    Prove your project has staying power. Discover how to assure funders that their investment will deliver long-term impact beyond the grant period.

  • Crafting the Budget

    Build a transparent, funder-friendly budget—complete with direct and indirect costs, a clear narrative, and matching gift/in-kind strategies.

Alan Sharpe has delivered keynotes and fundraising workshops for

Seven Hours of Proven, Practical Advice

Learn to write grant proposals that funders are thrilled to approve

    1. Grants 101 – Key Terms and Concepts

    2. Understand the Grantmaking Ecosystem

    3. Types of Funders and Grants

    4. Anatomy of a Grant Proposal

    5. Planning Your Grant Proposal

    1. Understand Why Your Statement of Need is Vital

    2. Statement of Need Example 1 - Health

    3. Statement of Need Example 2 - Education

    4. Statement of Need Example 3 - Health

    5. Statement of Need Example 4 - Arts

    6. Statement of Need Best Practices

    1. Purpose of Organization Section

    2. Craft Your Mission and History

    3. Describe Your Programs, Services and Expertise

    4. Showcase Your Achievements and Track Record

    5. Demonstrate Capacity with Staff, Board and Resources

    6. Polish the Section and Tailor It to the Funder

    1. Align Project Description with Community Needs and Funder Priorities

    2. Create a Detailed Project Plan

    3. Focus on Outcomes and Impact

    4. Use Data and Evidence for Credibility

    5. Anatomy of a Project Description

    1. What Is a Project Goal?

    2. Craft Clear and Compelling Goal Statements

    3. Tailor Project Goals to Funder Priorities

    4. Create SMART Objectives

    1. What an Evaluation Plan Is

    2. Outputs Versus Outcomes

    3. Map Your Program with a Logic Model

    4. Choose KPIs and Data Collection Methods

    5. Formative Versus Summative Evaluation

    6. Internal Versus External Evaluators

    7. Write the Evaluation Plan

    8. Common Pitfalls and Best Practices

    9. Why Include an Evaluation Plan

About this masterclass

  • $199.00
  • 54 lessons
  • 7 hours of video content
  • 8 modules

Meet Your Instructor

Grant writing course instructor and author Alan Sharpe

Alan Sharpe is an online grant writing course instructor and author. He's the author of Write to Win: A Comprehensive & Practical Guide to Crafting Grant Proposals that Get Funded. And he's the publisher of grantwritinganswers.com. Alan Sharpe has been helping nonprofits raise funds since 1997. He speaks internationally at AFP conferences and workshops, has earned the CFRE designation twice, and has work as an in-house fundraiser and as a fundraising consultant for more than two decades. Sharpe has raised funds for Amnesty International, Doctors Without Borders, Greenpeace, Habitat for Humanity, Oxfam and dozens of other international NGOs and charities. Through his newsletters, books, keynote talks and workshops, Alan Sharpe has trained thousands of fundraisers around the globe on how to write fundraising appeals, donor newsletters, grant proposals and other materials that attract donations, steward donors, and increase lifetime donor value.

What Your Nonprofit Colleagues Are Saying

Very thorough

Carol O'Connor

Brilliant so far in terms of content. Very thorough. I think I'll be well placed to write a grant proposal by the end. I have questions about finding funders, finding non-profits to write for, marketing of freelance grant writing services and ferreting out different types of opportunities.

Excellent

Timmy JG

I have bought other courses by Alan, and this course on grant writing is excellent.

Simple to grasp

James Laman

Simple to grasp and elaborate enough.

Effective strategist

Steve Slaunwhite

I've admired Alan's marketing savvy and copywriting for many years. He is a passionate and effective strategist, especially in the area of fundraising. I remember reading one of his fundraising letters a few years ago with a combination of awe and envy.

Sharpe tips are sharp!

Paul Nazareth

Three fundraising marketing peers mentioned Alan Sharpe's enewsletter to me at a conference. When I returned my most respected communications peer confirmed that they subscribe (and they are ruthless about what enewsletters they read for time purposes). Over the past year I have found wisdom from Alan's experience in his newsletter and been thanked by several peers for recommending his books on fundraising letters, especially for those that don't have the time or resources to get it wrong! Thanks Alan!

Watch a Sample lesson

Types of Funders and Grants

Watch a Sample Lesson

Why Your Need Statement is Vital

Watch a Sample lesson

Common Budget Pitfalls to Avoid

Your Satisfaction Guaranteed

This masterclass comes with a watertight, no-questions-asked, money-back guarantee. If you are not satisfied with your experience, simply tell Alan Sharpe within 30 days of purchase and he will refund your course investment in full.