San Diego and California are home to thousands of nonprofit organizations, including nonprofit organizations like community food banks, mentoring programs, health clinics, art organizations, environmental organizations,as well as school districts and local governments. These organizations must compete for funding in an increasingly challenging funding environment. Grant writing is a key component of securing funding for many of San Diego's most dynamic organizations.
Fall Courses Now Available!
With a Professional Certificate in Grant Writing from SDSU Global Campus, you’ll learn how to research and construct grant proposals that are clear, persuasive, and aligned with the priorities of your funders.
Overview Courses How To Register ResourcesSan Diego and California are home to thousands of nonprofit organizations. These organizations must compete for funding in an increasingly challenging funding environment. Grant writing is a key component of securing funding for many of San Diego's most dynamic organizations. Nonprofits, school districts, and local governments regularly seek staff and consultants with comprehensive writing, research, and strategic skills to obtain grant funding.
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Build your grant writing skills and learn how to market yourself to employers by earning a Professional Certificate in Grant Writing from SDSU Global Campus. In as few as 10 weeks, you’ll learn how to develop compelling grant proposals that will help your organization obtain the funding it needs.
By taking these courses on Grant Writing, I now have a greater understanding of the nonprofit world. I went into the program as a volunteer at many nonprofits and now I have the tools to help me break into this nonprofit field. With this certificate, I hope to stand out above other applicants that are going for these nonprofit positions."
- Kaitlen Daigle, Assignment Editor, Fox 5 San Diego
Are you an SDSU Alumni Lifetime Member? If so, click here to learn more about how you can receive 20% off registration for this program.
Your organization needs funding. SDSU’s Grant Writing Certificate program can help you get them. Whether you’re new to grant writing, or you’re taking on a new role in your organization, our program can show you how to develop compelling, effective grant proposals in just 10 weeks.
SDSU’s online grant writing courses will show you how to get funds for a variety of organizations, including:
This program is ideal for current and aspiring grant writers working full-time and freelancing, as well as:
This program is focused on nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations that provide charitable or public benefit services. The course is not oriented toward research grants or grants for individuals or businesses.
SDSU is a State-approved provider for the Federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). If you’re unemployed or underemployed, you may be eligible to receive full or partial tuition assistance on this program. Equal Opportunity is the Law. Equal opportunity employer/program auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Click here to learn more.
SDSU’s online grant writing courses will show you how to craft grant proposals that will help your organization compete in an increasingly competitive funding environment.
Employers look for both training and experience in their grant writers. This grant writing program will help you:
The program consists of two 25-hour online courses:
Lessons in both courses are pre-recorded, which means that you can watch them on your schedule. You’ll also connect with your instructor one-on-one via email and the course’s discussion board.
To earn your Professional Certificate in Grant Writing, you’ll need to complete both courses.
Learn how to craft winning grant proposals from grant writing expert Jay Katz. In 1995, Jay founded Grants West a San Diego-based organization that provides grant proposal writing services in California, Colorado, and all over the country. Over the past 25 years, he’s helped hundreds of organizations raise $190 million through 1,300 funded grants and awards .
When you join the program, you’ll be able to get valuable feedback on your writing from the San Diego State University Writing Center. Click here to learn more.
101,300
Job postings in the last 12 months
+16%
Projected job growth in the next 10 years
$73,073
Average salary of graduates
Source: Burning Glass/Emsi, 2022
With budget cuts and revenue shortages across the country, today’s funding environment is fiercer than ever before. As nonprofit organizations compete for funds, they’re seeking well-trained grant writers to research and develop highly-effective grant proposals.
Nationwide employment opportunities for grant writers are projected to grow by more than 10% over the next decade. Compensation is varied — according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many grant writers are self-employed, and they usually charge a flat fee or an hourly rate for their services.
According to Glassdoor, the national average salary for a grant writer is $51,395, and can range from $33,000 to over $80,000 per year, depending on your experience level, location, and other factors.
All courses are 100% online, self-paced, and accessible from anywhere in the world, which makes this grant writing program ideal for working professionals and busy students. You can complete the program in as few as 10 weeks, or take up to two years to complete all your courses.
This grant writing program is led by expert grant writer Jay Katz. He brings over 25 years of professional grant writing experience to every virtual lesson. Through his expertise, you’ll learn what works — and what doesn’t — for today’s grant writers.
As one of the top 100 public colleges in the country, when you earn a certificate from San Diego State University, you’re putting a name on your résumé that will help you stand out in the professional world.
To earn your Professional Certificate in Grant Writing, you’ll need to take both courses. This means that you can complete the program and earn your certificate in just 10 weeks.
View the schedule below and click on the red course names to register.
Block Term Dates: Dates vary, see below.
Registration Opens: June 5, 2024 (Deadline dates vary.)
Cost: $449 per course
| Courses | '24 Fall Dates | Registration Opens | Registration Closes |
|---|---|---|---|
| GW 0001 Introduction to Grants and Funding Research | 9/2-10/6 | 6/5 | 8/29 |
| GW 0001 Introduction to Grants and Funding Research (Section 2) | 9/19-10/23 | TBD | |
| GW 0002 Grant Proposal Development | 10/14-11/17 | 6/5 | 10/10 |
| GW 0002 Grant Proposal Development (Section 2) | 10/31-12/04 | TBD |
*Dates and fees subject to change.
Finished all the required courses?
Click the button below to receive your certificate.
Block Term Dates: Dates vary, see below.
Registration Opens: Oct. 9, 2024 (Deadline dates vary.)
Cost: $449 per course
| Courses | '25 Spring Dates | Registration Opens | Registration Closes |
|---|---|---|---|
| GW 0001 Introduction to Grants and Funding Research | 1/6-2/9 | 10/9/24 | 1/2/25 |
| GW 0001 Introduction to Grants and Funding Research (Section 2) | 1/23-2/26 | TBD | |
| GW 0002 Grant Proposal Development | 2/24-3/30 | 10/9/24 | 2/20/25 |
| GW 0002 Grant Proposal Development (Section 2) | 3/13-4/16 | TBD |
*Dates and fees subject to change.
To register for courses in the Grant Writing program, please complete the following steps:
Enroll in the program at any time, even before registering for a course. It’s free, and offers many benefits:
Enrolling in a program doesn’t mean you’re registered for courses. You’ll still need to register and pay for each course you wish to take.
Students in the Grant Writing Program can check their progress by logging into their SDSU Global Campus student account here. If you need assistance with your account, contact our Registration staff at 619-594-5152 or enrollment.global@sdsu.edu.
Do I receive a letter grade at the completion of the course?These courses do not receive academic credit and will not show up on an SDSU transcript.
However, students who complete courses in our professional certificate programs (other than those that are graded as Pass/No Pass) will receive a final letter score that mimics the grading rubric SDSU uses for credit-bearing courses. Students will also receive a Letter of Completion from our registration team for each course they complete, which will include their final score.
How is the program structured?Our grant writing program is 100% online. The program consists of two 5-week courses that contain 25 total hours of work each. You can complete the program and earn your Professional Certificate in as little as 10 weeks.
What is the program format?Courses in our grant writing program feature a mostly asynchronous virtual instruction learning modality. This means:
Mostly Asynchronous courses may be preferable for students in different time zones as they provide the flexibility to do work on your own schedule at your own pace. However, these courses may require group activities and arranged meetings with faculty.
Is there financial support available for this program?As a student in our grant writing program, you have options when it comes to paying for your courses. This program is eligible for the following discounts and support programs:
Once you’ve completed all the program requirements, fill out a certificate request form. SDSU Global Campus will verify that you’ve completed all the required courses and assignments. Once you’ve been verified, you’ll receive a digital copy of your certificate.
I’m interested. How do I get started?Ready to take the next step? Click on the Courses tab to browse our courses and register. If you have any questions about the program, our Welcome Center can help! Fill out the form at the bottom of this page to get in touch.
