Grant Writing Community of Practice, September 10, 2026

Budgets that Make Sense to Funders

Budgets tell a story. In this session, participants will learn how to build realistic, strategic budgets that strengthen funding requests and increase credibility with grant reviewers.

This class breaks down the fundamentals of nonprofit budgeting in simple, practical language. Participants will learn the difference between program and organizational budgets, direct and indirect costs, and how to align expenses with measurable impact. The session will also address sustainability, surplus planning, and how weak budgets damage otherwise strong proposals.

• program budgets
• organizational budgets
• direct vs indirect costs
• realistic cost projections
• balanced budgeting
• sustainability mindset
• budget storytelling

Participants will leave with a Draft Program Budget and budget framework they can refine and use for future funding opportunities.

Please RSVP to attend. All registered participants will receive a calendar invitation via email containing the Zoom link for virtual attendance. If attending in person, please plan to arrive at Collaboratory at least 10 minutes before the event begins.