Grant Writing Resources from UNH Extension

When you hear the words “grant writing” or “fundraising,” what comes to mind for you? For many people, it’s thoughts of trepidation. If you feel this way, you’re definitely not alone. Nonprofit leaders, municipal staff, and community group members are often tasked with generating funding for projects and causes, but they may not have prior experience or specialized skills and training. Your organization’s programs may depend upon external funding, so it can feel like a lot of pressure. Additionally, grant writing can seem daunting when proposals are stacked with requirements for well-devised budgets, compelling letters of support, and other supporting materials. What’s the best way to get started?

Across our areas of work, UNH Extension specialists are often asked by community groups and external partners for help with grant writing. While we generally aren’t in the position of writing grants for other groups or individuals, we do want to help you with wayfinding through the process and developing your own lasting skills so that you can succeed in your fund development endeavors both now and in the future. What’s the best way to avoid feelings of apprehension? To get started today!

To kick off your work, here are some resources from the UNH Extension Community and Economic Development team that highlight tips and best practices. These are aimed at professionals and volunteers who are just getting started with grant writing, as well as those who are looking to brush up on their existing skills.

• Wondering how to establish a strong foundation in your organization and in your broader community for your grant writing and fundraising efforts? Check out the 1-hour webinar “Building Community Readiness for Project Funding” from Sue Cagle and Scott Slattery, UNH Extension Community and Economic Development Field Specialists.
• In the recorded video interview “Navigating the Grant Writing Process,” Dr. Kendra Lewis from UNH Extension’s Health and Well-Being team joins Dr. Jada Lindblom from the Community and Economic Development team for a conversation that spans their areas of work and community engagement. They discuss tips and food for thought, including how to frame grant writing in a positive light and find enjoyment in the process.
• Needing an extra nudge to launch your grant writing efforts? Read this quick article, “5 Excuses to Not Apply for Grants and How to Overcome Them.”

Periodically, UNH Extension’s Community and Economic Development team offers workshops and educational series pertaining to grant writing and fundraising, which tend to be in high demand. You can subscribe to the monthly e-newsletter “Community & Economic Development Update” to learn about upcoming trainings. For a deeper dive, you may also want to consider enrolling in “Introduction to Grantwriting,” offered by UNH Professional Development and Training, or other related UNH certificate programs focused on nonprofit management. 

If there’s a certain grant writing or fund development topic you’d like to learn more about, please let us know and we will consider including it in our future UNH Extension programming!