Grant Writing & Fundraising
Location: Online
Dates: 17-28 September 2026
Fee: 250 euro per person
This course provides a comprehensive, practice-oriented introduction to grant writing and fundraising within nonprofit, academic, and institutional contexts. Students will develop the skills necessary to identify funding opportunities, craft persuasive grant proposals, design fundraising strategies, and evaluate funding outcomes. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based proposal development, donor engagement, ethical considerations, and real-world application.
Course Modules
Module 1 (Day 1): Introduction to Grant Writing and Fundraising
• Overview of nonprofit funding structures
• Types of grants (government, foundation, corporate)
• Fundraising vs. grant writing: distinctions and overlaps
Assignment: Reflection on funding models in a chosen sector
Module 2 (Day 2): Understanding the Funding Landscape
• Identifying funding sources
• Prospect research tools (e.g., Foundation Directory, Grants.gov)
• Matching organizational needs with funder priorities
Assignment: Funding prospect list (minimum 10 sources)
Module 3 (Day 3): Needs Assessment & Problem Definition
• Conducting needs assessments
• Using data and evidence to justify funding requests
• Writing problem statements
Assignment: Draft problem statement with supporting data
Module 4 (Day 4): Program Design and Logic Models
• Developing goals, objectives, and outcomes
• Logic models and theory of change
• Measurable impact and evaluation planning
Assignment: Create a program logic model
Module 5 (Day 5): Writing the Grant Proposal
• Structure of a standard proposal
- Executive summary
- Statement of need
- Program description
- Budget and justification
• Writing techniques: clarity, conciseness, persuasion
Assignment: Draft full proposal (Part I)
Module 6 (Day 6): Budget Development
• Budget components and formats
• Direct vs. indirect costs
• Financial justification and sustainability
Assignment: Detailed project budget with narrative
Module 7 (Day 7): Fundraising Strategies
• Individual giving, major gifts, and planned giving
• Events and campaigns
• Corporate sponsorships
Assignment: Fundraising strategy outline
Module 8 (Day 8): Donor Relations and Stewardship
• Donor communication strategies
• Retention and engagement
• Ethical fundraising practices
Assignment: Donor communication plan
Module 9 (Day 9): Grant Submission and Review Process
• Submission platforms and guidelines
• Peer review and evaluation criteria
• Common reasons for rejection
Assignment: Peer review of grant proposals
Module 10 (Day 10): Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting
• Measuring program outcomes
• Writing grant reports
• Accountability and transparency
Assignment: Mock grant report
Module 11 (Day 11): Ethics and Legal Considerations
• Ethical issues in fundraising
• Compliance and regulations
• Cultural sensitivity in funding practices
Assignment: Case study analysis
Module 12 (Day 12): Capstone Project
• Presentation and defense
Biography
Partial Profile of an Expert Trainer, Adm. Kanu Adjah
I am a multidisciplinary professional whose academic and professional trajectory reflects a sustained commitment to knowledge acquisition, capacity building, and institutional development. My career as an expert trainer is anchored in a robust and diverse educational background, complemented by extensive practical experience across multiple sectors.
My academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health, which provided a foundational understanding of health systems, community wellbeing, and policy implementation. Building on this, I pursued a Master of Science in Political Science and Public Administration, where I developed analytical competencies in governance, institutional frameworks, and public sector management. My intellectual curiosity and commitment to global perspectives further led me to obtain a Master of Business Administration with a specialization in International Relations, equipping me with strategic insight into global systems, diplomacy, and organizational leadership.
Currently, I am a PhD research candidate in Development Studies, with a focus on sustainable development, institutional resilience, and socio-economic transformation. This ongoing research engagement informs both my academic contributions and my professional practice as a trainer, allowing me to integrate theory with real-world applications.
In addition to my core academic qualifications, I have pursued a wide range of professional and technical certifications to enhance my interdisciplinary competence. I hold a Diploma in Legal Studies and am presently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Law, reflecting my interest in legal frameworks and regulatory systems. My healthcare-related qualifications include a Diploma in Nursing and Patient Care, as well as certifications in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), underscoring my commitment to emergency care and health training.
My professional certifications further extend into administration, supply chain management, and public diplomacy. I am Chartered by Examination with the Chartered Institute of Administration of Nigeria and the Chartered Institute of Supply Chain Management of Ghana. Additionally, I am an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Public Diplomacy and Management, as well as the Institute of Warehousing and Materials Management. These affiliations reflect my engagement with professional standards and continuous development across diverse fields.
My communication skills have been strengthened through an ESL certification with distinction, alongside a certificate in Journalism, enabling me to effectively disseminate knowledge and engage varied audiences. I also hold a diploma in Hotel and Catering Management, which has contributed to my understanding of service systems and organizational operations.
As an entrepreneur and institutional builder, I have founded and led several organizations, including Intercontinental Global Consultants Limited and Metropolitan Journals Limited, among others. In my capacity as Managing Director and in other leadership roles, I have overseen strategic planning, organizational development, and capacity-building initiatives. These roles have provided me with practical insights into leadership, management, and the dynamics of both private and public sector institutions.
Throughout my career, I have remained an ardent reader and researcher, consistently engaging with emerging knowledge and global best practices. This intellectual discipline underpins my effectiveness as a trainer, enabling me to design and deliver programs that are evidence-based, contextually relevant, and impactful.
In summary, my professional identity as an expert trainer is shaped by a unique integration of academic rigor, professional certification, leadership experience, and a lifelong commitment to learning. My goal remains to contribute meaningfully to human capital development, institutional strengthening, and sustainable progress across diverse sectors.