Online Graduate-Level Course
Grant Writing: Funding Your Creative and Teaching Projects
(4-Week Course)
This graduate-level course demystifies the grant development process, guiding you through the essential steps of grant writing as you build a complete proposal for a creative or teaching project. Through research, drafting, budgeting, instructor feedback, and peer review, you will develop funder-aligned goals, a persuasive narrative, and a submission-ready package.
Key Learning Outcomes
- Identify and target the right funders by strategically aligning your project goals with funder missions and priorities
- Write a persuasive, evidence-based grant narrative that clearly articulates need, impact, and significance
- Design a complete, funder-aligned project plan with measurable goals, evaluation methods, and sustainability strategies
- Assemble a submission-ready grant proposal package, including narrative, budget, and supporting materials
Course Description
Whether you’re an artist, educator, or entrepreneur, securing funding can be a key to bringing your vision to life. Grant funding is one of the most powerful options to support creative, educational, and business initiatives. This course demystifies the grant development process, guiding you through each stage with a clear roadmap to success. By the end, you’ll have a foundational understanding of grant writing, from researching funding opportunities to crafting a compelling proposal narrative. Through hands-on exercises, peer collaboration, instructor feedback, and real-world examples, you’ll develop the practical skills and proven strategies to confidently navigate the grant landscape.
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Apply key grant writing terminology, structures, and foundational processes accurately
- Create a balanced, transparent, and well-justified project budget
- Use peer review and critical feedback to revise and strengthen grant proposals
- Navigate ethical considerations and submission procedures in the grant application process
Syllabus
Lesson 1: Introduction to Grant Writing and Funding Sources
- Understanding Who You Are and Why You Need Funding
- A Grant Is an Exchange
- Mission and Vision Statements
- Funding Sources: Public
- Funding Sources: Private
- Fiscal Sponsorship
- Philanthropic Giving
- Exercise 1.1: Project Ideation
- Understanding Proposal Guidelines and Related Terminology
- Assignment 1: Research Funding Sources for Your Project
Lesson 2: Developing a Grant Proposal
- Key Elements of a Successful Proposal
- Project Narrative
- Needs Assessment
- Goals and Objectives
- Exercise 2.1: Writing SMART Objectives
- Project Description
- A Note on Writing Style and Inclusive Writing
- Evaluation Plan
- Sustainability Plan
- Assignment 2: Write a Project Narrative
Lesson 3: Budgets and Peer Review
- Budget Categories
- Example Grant Budget: Voices in A Minor Project
- Budget Best Practices
- Exercise 3.1: Would You Fund This Proposal?
- Practice Exercise: Budget Checklist
- Peer Review Best Practices
- Exercise 3.2: Peer Review
- Assignment 3: Create a Budget for Your Project
Lesson 4: Finalizing Proposals and Submission Process
- Key Elements of a Successful Proposal Redux
- Cover Letter
- Executive Summary
- Organization Statement or Personal Narrative
- Appendices
- Exercise 4.1: Reviewing a Grant Proposal
- Ethical Considerations in Grant Writing
- Submission Process
- Post-Submission Process
- Assignment 4: Putting It All Together: Grant Proposal and Budget
Requirements
Ready to submit an unofficial copy of your transcript?
Submit TranscriptPrerequisites and Course-Specific Requirements
Prerequisite Courses, Knowledge, and/or Skills
Students should have:
- Some familiarity with academic writing and research
- Willingness to develop a proposal for a real or hypothetical project during the course
While there’s no requirement for a predetermined grant project, having a general idea of a funding need is beneficial.
Textbook(s)
- Recommended: The Only Grant-Writing Book You'll Ever Need by Ellen Karsh and Arlen Sue Fox (Basic Books, 5th edition, 2019)
Software
- Office suite, such as Microsoft Office, Google Drive (free), Apple iWork, Apache OpenOffice (free), etc.
Student Deals
After enrolling, be sure to check out our Student Deals page for various offers on software, hardware, and more. Please contact support@online.berklee.edu with any questions.
General Course Requirements
Below are the minimum requirements to access the course environment and participate in Live Classes. Please make sure to also check the Prerequisites and Course-Specific Requirements section above, and ensure your computer meets or exceeds the minimum system requirements for all software needed for your course.
Mac Users
- macOS Monterey 12.0 or later
PC Users
All Users
- Latest version of Google Chrome
- Zoom meeting software
- Webcam
- Speakers or headphones
- External or internal microphone
- Broadband Internet connection
Instructors
Author & Instructor
With more than 20 years of experience in higher education administration and leadership development, Roya Hu serves as the Associate Dean for Faculty Development at Berklee College of Music in Boston. She holds a bachelor's degree in economics from Bowdoin College and a graduate degree in business with a concentration in the public/non-profit sector from Boston University’s Questrom School of Business. In her role, Roya oversees the design and implementation of faculty learning and development opportunities across all Berklee campuses. She manages faculty development grants, supports sponsored research and creative scholarship, advises faculty on promotion and sabbatical processes, and leads high-profile community-building and professional development events. Additionally, she serves as a Fulbright Program Advisor for the US Student Program, and is a course author and instructor for Berklee Online.
Related Music Career Roles
Employers look for skills learned in this course, when hiring for the following music career roles:
Questions?
Contact our Academic Advisors by phone at 1-866-BERKLEE (U.S.), 1-617-747-2146 (INT'L), or by email at advisors@online.berklee.edu.
