- How to draft every core proposal section—including executive summaries, needs statements, program narratives, and accomplishments.
- How to establish SMART outcomes, implement low-cost measurement systems, and structure balanced project budgets.
- How to assemble essential supporting attachments, avoid technical submission pitfalls, and leverage post-award reporting for long-term funder cultivation.
Course Curriculum
Writing the Executive Summary & Organizational Background
Learn how to craft a compelling executive summary that hooks reviewers immediately and an organizational background that establishes credibility. This lesson covers how to distill complex programs into concise summaries and present clear mission, vision, and milestone statements.
Video
09:54
Writing a Compelling Statement of Need
Prove why your organization’s work is urgent and indispensable! Jaime Aguirre explains how to construct an evidence-based Statement of Need by answering key diagnostic questions, sourcing credible community data, and connecting systemic disparities directly to your proposed solutions.
Video
09:32
Defining Your Target Audience
Funders want to know exactly who you serve and why you are best positioned to help them. Jaime Aguirre breaks down how to align your geographic scope with funder priorities, leverage special designations like Opportunity Zones, track client demographics, and showcase community impact through real stories.
Video
05:51
Crafting a Persuasive Program Narrative
Master the core section of your proposal! Jaime Aguirre guides you through structuring a complete program narrative for both freeform applications and online portals. Learn how to navigate portal character limits, build timelines around award announcement dates, and integrate external research to support your approach.
Video
07:32
Showcasing Program & Organizational Accomplishments
Build reviewer confidence by showcasing your past success. Jaime Aguirre shares how to highlight meaningful organizational and program achievements without appearing to chase funding. Discover how to frame accomplishments for operating, capital, and capacity-building requests, and what to do when portal fields seem inapplicable.
Video
07:05
Project Outcomes and Measures 1
Demystify evaluation terminology. Learn the critical differences between countable outputs and behavior-changing outcomes, how to set realistic SMART goals, and how to implement low-cost tracking tools without straining your budget.
Video
16:01
Project Outcomes and Measures 2
Demystify evaluation terminology. Learn the critical differences between countable outputs and behavior-changing outcomes, how to set realistic SMART goals, and how to implement low-cost tracking tools without straining your budget.
Video
12:05
Navigating Grant Attachments & Supporting Documents
Avoid last-minute submission stress by getting your documentation in order. Jaime Aguirre covers the four key categories of grant attachments—organizational, financial, governance, and impact documents. Learn how to build a centralized document repository, understand Logic Models vs. Theories of Change, and meet threshold requirements.
Video
09:27
Building a Strategic Project Budget
Ensure your financial numbers align seamlessly with your program narrative. Jaime Aguirre breaks down operating, simple project, program, capital, and multi-year budget formats. Learn how to allocate indirect/overhead costs correctly, avoid common budgeting pitfalls, and write a clear budget justification.
Video
10:49
Insider Grant Writing Pro-Tips
Gain a competitive edge with field-tested advice from the Futureful grant writing team! Jaime Aguirre, Shannon Carney, Tara Clevenger, Patti, and Amber share practical pro-tips across the entire proposal lifecycle—from thorough pre-application prep and drafting strategies to post-submission follow-ups and donor stewardship.
Video
12:50
Nonprofit Data Tracking Essentials
Stop scrambling for numbers when deadlines hit! Jaime Aguirre explains the five core data categories every nonprofit must track: demographics, outputs, outcomes, documentation, and milestones. Learn how to collect client data ethically, administer pre- and post-surveys, and keep your team permanently grant-ready.
Video
09:29
Grant Reporting and Post-Award Compliance
Turn mandatory grant reports into opportunities for future funding! Jaime Aguirre reviews the standard components of grant reporting—narrative milestones, demographics, and budget-vs-actual financials. Learn how to communicate missed targets with transparency, handle site visits, and build long-term relationships with funders
