“You don’t have to be a professional writer to write a great grant. You just need the right approach, and a little bit of strategy.”
Vanessa Burns
Instructor, Halifax NS
Course Details
A practical guide to securing funding with confidence.
If you’re an artist, arts administrator, or creative professional looking to unlock funding for your next project, this course is for you. Grant Writing for Arts Organizations demystifies the grant process with a clear, accessible, and even enjoyable approach. Designed for beginners and those seeking better results, this course helps you build confidence and strategy for your next application.
Over four concise and on-demand modules, you’ll learn how to assess your grant readiness, identify the right opportunities, and craft compelling proposals that align with funders’ priorities. You’ll also gain practical insight into the application process, including what to expect, how to stand out, and what to do if your application isn’t successful. Real-world examples and worksheets help you apply the concepts to your own work right away.
Whether it’s your first time applying or you’re ready to take your grant game to the next level, this course will help you approach funding with clarity and purpose, so you can spend less time guessing and more time creating.
Skills Covered
- Grant readiness
- Grant research
- Grant applications
- Alignment with funders
Who should take this course
- Individuals or organizations preparing for their first grant application
- Individuals or organizations looking to improve their grant win rates
- No previous grant experience necessary
Time commitment
- 30-minutes of instruction + worksheets and resources
Funders & Partners
This course is presented through generous support from:
Register now
Ready to get started? Register for instant access.
Your Instructor
Vanessa Burns
Instructor – Halifax, NS
Vanessa Burns specializes in simplifying the grant process by making it clear, accessible, and even a little fun.
A member of the Grant Professionals Association, Vanessa works with organizations to break down barriers to funding. Her “One-Stop Grant Shop” approach combines education, mentoring, research, and writing to help clients achieve sustainable growth and impact.
With over 25 years of experience spanning social impact, fundraising, and marketing, Vanessa brings strategy and hands-on expertise to every project. She focuses on building relationships and providing ongoing support that extends beyond the application process.
When she’s not helping clients secure funding, Vanessa can be found scaling mountains, planning her next adventure, or spending time with her Border Collie, Arthur. She lives by Marie Forleo’s motto, “Everything is figureoutable.”
Sounding Board
This instructor is available for 1x1 support through The Arts Firm’s Sounding Board. Book your personalized session and receive expert advice to help you get clarity and achieve your goals. Schedule a confidential online voice or video call today.
Course Topics
-
Grant Readiness
What to do before applying for your first grant
-
Grant Research
Finding and identifying grant opportunities for your organization
-
Grant Applications
Crafting a compelling grant proposal that effectively tells a story that aligns with funders’ priorities
-
Grant Best Practices
Navigating the application process with confidence, avoiding common mistakes
Download
Course Syllabus
Sign up to receive a detailed PDF course syllabus and be notified with course news and updates.