Department of Justice Training on Grant Writing

Learn grant writing with government help.

The Department of Justice offers many ways to help the public learn how to write a grant. The help ranges from webcasts, computer-based training, reference information and one-day workshop events through the department's website, to department-recommended providers and information.

First-Time Grant Writing

You can call to get answers about grant writing.

If you have never written a grant before, the Department of Justice offers a page created by Faith Based and Community Initiatives that walks you through the process. Here you can access the webcast "How to Write a Quality Grant Proposal," which is designed to help you write a grant, apply for a DUNS number (a unique, nine-digit number identifying you and required for all federal grant submissions), find links for pages that cover common problems on applications, definitions of federal terms and contact information. On the left side of this page, you will see a tab labeled "Upcoming Conferences and Events," which posts one-day workshops or trainings on grant writing. The workshops or trainings may be offered by the department in your area.

For the Experienced Grant Writer

If you have written grants before but never worked with a federal application, the DOJ offers a separate page with links covering its grant process and how to get Grants Management System (GMS) training and technical assistance to submit your grant information online. GMS training is offered online, but you may request technical assistance to help you set up the GMS system on your network and show your organization how the use the GMS.

Finding Grant Writing Training in Your Area

Attend a class.

To attend a live grant writing training course in your area, contact local college, university or public libraries or local state nonprofit associations for classes. Though they will not be affiliated with the DOJ, they can help you learn to write a proposal. Read your DOJ Request For Proposal (RFP) for dates when you can receive live assistance or attend webinar sessions that can help you write your proposal. These are sometimes offered to assist people in applying for a DOJ grant.

Manuals

Manuals offer step-by-step help.

The DOJ has an online manual that provides examples of clear writing, samples of needed forms and formats and tips on how to write a proposal, which can be read and referred to at your convenience. And the Bureau of Justice Assistance has a 2010 Guide to Grants Manual, with step-by-step instructions.

Recommended Trainers

Live grant training is available.

The DOJ recommends The Foundation Center, which provides grant writing training at little to no cost, for additional help Foundation Center trainers are experienced in preparing federal proposals. The organization offers training online or in a classroom setting, complete with instructional materials and multiple opportunities for questions.

References

• U.S. Department of Justice Archives: Need Help Applying?
• Office of Justice Programs: Funding Resources
• Office of Justice Programs: Online Training
• Office of Justice Programs: Grant Writing Manual
• Foundation Center: Training Opportunities

Resources

• "21st Century Essential Guide to Grant Writing"; U.S. Government; 2003
• "Grants 2010 - Guide to Federal Grant Writing"; U.S. Government; 2010
• "Grant Writing for Dummies"; Beverly A. Browning; 2009