Grant Writing Community of Practice, September 10, 2026

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.

Topics include:

• 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.