Project Grantsmanship

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We’ve seen the benefit of this project in the proposals submitted to us—the quality is better—and we attribute much of this improvement to participation in Project Grantsmanship.
Wendy Garen, President & CEO
Ralph M. Parsons Foundation
 

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Organizations that have participated in Project Grantsmanship

8-year Evaluation Summary

 

Project Grantsmanship is a collaborative effort established to increase the capacity of small to medium-size nonprofits serving Los Angeles County to fulfill their mission by:

  • Planning programs that deliver results

  • Increasing impact through collaboration

  • Articulating clear and logical arguments for financial support, and

  • Identifying and working in partnership with funders who share their goals

Project Grantsmanship began in 2008 as a partnership of the Annenberg Foundation, California Community Foundation, and The Grantsmanship Center. Project Grantsmanship has been generously supported by the Annenberg Foundation, Dwight Stuart Youth FundThe Ralph M. Parsons Foundation, and S. Mark Taper Foundation.

 

How Does Project Grantsmanship Work?

The partner foundations underwrite up to 90 percent of the tuition for eligible nonprofit board members and paid staff to attend The Grantsmanship Center’s 5-day Grantsmanship Training Program® and receive a copy of the textbook Grantsmanship: Program Planning & Proposal Writing.

The last day of each Project Grantsmanship training includes a Meet-the-Grantmakers event where participants can speak directly with local foundation representative. Graduates receive six months of Alumni Membership Program benefits which includes access to GrantStation funder databases.

 

Are There Other Requirements?

Due to the comprehensive nature of this training and the team approach to certain segments, participants are required to attend all scheduled sessions for all five days and to fully participate in the exercises which are completed during the time between the online sessions. Within five months of completing the training, each participant is required to submit a draft proposal to The Grantsmanship Center for review—a great opportunity to put new skills into practice. Participants complete a brief online survey six months after the training.

 

What is the Cost?

Qualifying organizations pay:

$200 per person (organizations with budgets less than $750,000) or
$300 per person (organizations with budgets between $750,000 and $10 million)

Half of the tuition paid is rebated when participants complete the proposal review component and an online survey. The usual cost for the Grantsmanship Training Program is $1,255 ($1,195 tuition plus $60 textbook + S&H).

 

The standards are set high by The Grantsmanship Center. Nonprofits that participate in Project Grantsmanship are more likely to secure funding because it’s easier for us to fund great proposals for well-planned programs.
Wendy Garen, President & CEO
Ralph M. Parsons Foundation

 

Who May Attend?

Board members or paid staff of organizations based in and serving Los Angeles County with IRS 501(c)(3) public charity status and annual budgets at or below $10 million are eligible. Only two registrants per organization may enroll over the lifetime of the program. Sorry, volunteers and independent consultants are not eligible.
 

2024 Training Dates

The next PROJECT GRANTSMANSHIP training will take place March 25-29, 2024. Delivered virtually, this online training has proven to be as effective and wonderful as our in-person training. Our training uses the Zoom platform which allows easy trainer and participant interaction, including break-out groups. Participants connect, create, and review actual grant proposals in class. Please see the schedule below and plan to dedicate a full week for this exciting learning experience with colleagues.

 

Training Hours

Online learning events plus exercises between online sessions

Each online event will start at the time in schedule below but end times may vary slightly. Friday session is longer because it includes the funder panel along with short breaks.

  Morning online event Between online events Afternoon online event Between online events
Mon 9-11am Exercises, reading & break 1-3pm Exercises, reading & break
Tue 9-11am Exercises, reading & break 1-3pm Exercises, reading & break
Wed 9-11am Exercises, reading & break 1-3pm Exercises, reading & break
Thu 9-11am Group Work Group Work Group Work
Fri Group Work Group Work

1-4pm
Class & Funder Panel

 

 
This training requires a full week of dedicated time. In addition to the online learning events listed above, participants complete projects during the time between the online sessions. Approximate total class time is 37 hours of active learning.

 

How to Apply

The application process is now open. Please complete the Project Grantsmanship Application Form, making sure to include all required documentation. Sorry, we cannot accept incomplete applications. After your application has been approved, you'll need to submit payment ($200 or $300) in order to reserve your seat. For questions, please contact Ashley Wright, Project Grantsmanship Coordinator, email applications@tgci.com.

apply now

 

Please Note:

Training is currently being delivered virtually in compliance with federal pandemic guidelines.

Class size is limited to 24 participants per training. Enrollment is on a first come, first served basis. To withdraw and receive a refund, you must notify The Grantsmanship Center at least three weeks prior to the training program. In special circumstances, a substitute may attend in your place if approved prior to the start of training. That substitute person must also meet eligibility ;requirements and be approved by The Grantsmanship Center. Transfers from one training to another at a later date must be requested in advance and are allowed at the discretion of The Grantsmanship Center.

 

We’re happy to continue support for Project Grantsmanship because we believe that it brings solid value to the nonprofit sector.
Wendy Garen, President & CEO
Ralph M. Parsons Foundation

 

8-year Evaluation Summary