All grantmakers were trained to do something else before entering the field of philanthropy.  There are no degrees, pre-requisite training, or certifications that demonstrate competence and skill at carrying out this important role.  Even experienced grantmakers continue to be plagued by the uneven results of learning by trial and error.

Prepared or not, the grantmaker role is complex and presents a distinctive set of constantly changing variables and issues.  Grantmakers also have the daunting responsibility to guide precious charitable dollars into the hands of nonprofit organizations.

The Grantmaking School recognizes that for most grantmakers, working with applicants and proposals is the bread-and-butter of their career and how they spend much of their time.  In response, Advanced Proposal Analysis intentionally focuses on the essential skills of proposal review, recommendations, project management, and other core competency areas.  We strongly believe that mastering this work is the key to excellence in grantmaking.

Advanced Proposal Analysis

Advanced Grant Portfolio Management

Evaluation for Grantmakers

Grant Financial Analysis

Key concepts include:

• Assessing proposals more efficiently,
• Spotting financial red flags, 
• Finding and closing any gaps in your due diligence process, 
• Using specialty grants within your organization's mission,  
• Assuring transparent and ethical behavior, 
• Grantee relationship management, and 
• Capturing the knowledge from grantmaking.

Tuition and Scholarships:

Tuition for Advanced Proposal Analysis is $1,295, exclusive of travel and lodging. Alumni of The Grantmaking School receive a $250 discount.

Scholarships are available for qualifying organizations. Members of Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy (EPIP)  and Friends of the Family members of the National Center for Family Philanthropy (NCFP) are eligible for a discount.