Certificate in Grant Writing and Program Evaluation

Hours: 9 Online

About

The Certificate in Grant Writing and Program Evaluation at Fort Hays State University is a 9-credit certificate designed to equip students with essential skills for securing funding across various organizations. As one of the few undergraduate certificates in the nation focused on grant proposal writing and program evaluation, it provides students with the tools to identify funding opportunities from both government and private sources, develop detailed grant proposals, and conduct comprehensive program evaluations.

For graduate students, the certificate is also available for graduate credit, though additional coursework is required. Grants play a pivotal role in supplementing funding for sectors such as education, healthcare, law enforcement, and social services. This certificate prepares students to meet the growing demand for skilled grant writers in the nonprofit sector and beyond. Whether pursuing a career in grant writing or looking to enhance their qualifications for a broader range of professional opportunities, this certificate offers a significant advantage in the job market.

Why pursue a Certificate in Grant Writing and Program Evaluation at Fort Hays State University?

FHSU offers a distinctive Certificate in Grant Writing and Program Evaluation, renowned for its comprehensive curriculum and practical approach. Available at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, this certificate provides flexibility, catering to students at various stages of their academic journey. The certificate’s unique combination of theoretical instruction and hands-on experience ensures that students not only grasp foundational concepts but also gain practical skills directly applicable to their careers.

The faculty at Fort Hays State University are committed to staying up to date with industry trends and advancements, incorporating the latest developments into their teaching. This dedication to excellence ensures that students receive a relevant, forward-thinking education. By pursuing this certificate, students benefit from the expertise of experienced professionals, a strong support system, and the opportunity to develop a skill set that is highly valued in the nonprofit and social service sectors.

Who is this program for?

This certificate is ideal for individuals looking to enhance their professional skill set and make a meaningful impact through effective grant writing. Whether starting a career or seeking to expand existing expertise, this certificate offers valuable training and hands-on experience that directly supports career growth and development.

Aspiring grant writers
Nonprofit professionals
Social service workers
Community leaders
Students seeking specialized skills

Learning Outcomes

The Certificate in Grant Writing and Program Evaluation equips students with a comprehensive skill set tailored to the needs of the nonprofit sector and other funding-dependent organizations. Through rigorous coursework and hands-on experiences, students will develop the expertise to write successful grant proposals, conduct thorough program evaluations, and design effective programs. This certificate ensures that students not only gain technical proficiency but also acquire the practical skills necessary to make a meaningful impact in their professional roles.

Proficiency in Grant Writing

Students will master all 12 essential components of grant proposals, enabling them to create clear, compelling, and fundable documents.

Competence in Needs Assessment

Students will be able to conduct thorough needs assessments, effectively identifying funding priorities and providing strong justification for grant proposals.

Program Design and Logic Modeling

Students will create detailed program designs and logic models that clearly define project objectives, activities, and expected outcomes.

Evaluation Data Collection and Analysis

Participants will be proficient in collecting and analyzing data to assess program effectiveness and inform decision-making.

Real-World Applications

The Certificate in Grant Writing and Program Evaluation is designed to equip students with practical skills that can be immediately applied in the real world. Throughout the certificate, students participate in hands-on projects, such as conducting needs assessments and writing grant proposals for actual organizations. This practical experience enhances learning and prepares students to address the challenges they will encounter in their professional careers effectively.

The certificate also emphasizes real-world applications by offering internship opportunities, allowing students to work directly with nonprofits, schools, and other organizations. These internships provide invaluable experience and often lead to job opportunities following completion of the certificate. By completing the certificate, students build a portfolio of work and gain practical knowledge that distinguishes them in the job market.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

The curriculum is continually updated to reflect the latest trends and advancements in the field. FHSU integrates cutting-edge practices and emerging technologies in grant writing and program evaluation, ensuring students are well-prepared to meet current industry standards. Faculty members, with their extensive experience and ongoing professional development, bring valuable insights into the classroom, sharing the latest tools and strategies with students.

In the competitive field of grant writing, staying ahead of the curve is essential, as funders seek innovative and well-justified proposals. Through this certificate, students will learn the most up-to-date methods and technologies, enabling them to create compelling grant proposals. This forward-thinking approach ensures students are prepared for today's job market and equipped to adapt to future industry changes and advancements.

Hands-on Activities

Hands-on learning is a cornerstone of the Certificate in Grant Writing and Program Evaluation. The certificate includes a range of experiential learning opportunities, such as interactive workshops, real-world case studies, and collaborative projects. Students engage in mock grant proposal reviews, where they critically assess their peers' work and receive constructive feedback. These activities help students build confidence and refine their grant writing skills.

A key hands-on component of the certificate is the internship course, in which students work directly with an organization to conduct a needs assessment and develop a grant proposal. This real-world experience is invaluable, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge to practical situations. Many students see their proposals funded, which not only enhances their professional resumes but also provides a sense of accomplishment. This practical experience ensures that students are knowledgeable, experienced, and well-equipped to make a meaningful impact on their careers.

What You’ll Learn:

Master grant proposal components
Conduct needs assessments
Design effective programs
Create logic models
Analyze evaluation data

How You’ll Learn:

Interactive online courses
Hands-on internship experience
Real-world grant writing practice
Faculty mentorship
Collaborative projects

Courses

The certificate consists of three core courses that provide a strong foundation in the essential skills required for successful grant writing and program evaluation. These courses are designed to offer both theoretical knowledge and practical application, ensuring students are well-equipped to meet the demands of the field.

SOC 470: Grant Writing

This course teaches students to craft compelling grant proposals and enhance each part for maximum impact. It covers grant writing as a valuable skill for career advancement or volunteer work with community organizations, schools, and local services.

SOC 671: Program Development and Evaluation

This course offers an in-depth exploration of topics from SOC 470, Grant Writing, including conducting needs assessments for local data, developing a social program using a 15-step process, and formally evaluating the program.

SOC 677: Internship in Sociology

This course offers practical experience in community organizations and social agencies for students in good academic standing, requiring systematic recording, reporting of work, and supplementary reading.

Discover the full Certificate in Grant Writing and Program Evaluation course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.

Career Prospects

Students who complete the Certificate in Grant Writing and Program Evaluation are well-positioned to pursue a variety of rewarding career paths. Each of these careers offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the community and support organizations in need of funding.

Full-time Grant Writer

Professionals dedicated to securing funding for nonprofit organizations, schools, and other entities.

Program Coordinator

Individuals are responsible for overseeing program implementation and evaluation within organizations.

Fundraising Consultant

Experts who assist organizations in developing and executing fundraising strategies.

Nonprofit Manager

Leaders who manage nonprofit organizations ensure they meet their funding and operational goals.

Freelance Grant Writer

Independent professionals who offer grant writing services to multiple clients, providing flexibility and diverse opportunities.

The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere

Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $2,385.45* (online) per semester.

*Estimated cost based on 9 credit hours at the FHSU Online Undergrad tuition rate ($265.05/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.

Ready for the next step?

Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.

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Related Programs

Fort Hays State University offers several complementary programs that enhance the Certificate in Grant Writing and Program Evaluation, providing further specialization and career advancement opportunities in community service and nonprofit management. These programs allow students to tailor their education to their specific career goals.

FAQ

Is there a formula for successful grant proposal writing that also allows creativity?

Yes! While every successful grant proposal has standard components, there is room for creativity in presenting your ideas and justifying your funding needs.

Can this certificate be completed online?

Yes, the Certificate in Grant Writing and Program Evaluation can be completed online, providing flexibility for students with varying schedules.

What kind of organizations hire grant writers?

Various organizations, including nonprofits, schools, hospitals, law enforcement agencies, and social service organizations, hire grant writers.

Will I have an opportunity to write accurate grant proposals during the certificate?

Absolutely. The internship course requires students to write grant proposals for actual organizations, some of which may be submitted to actual funders.

How does the Certificate in Grant Writing and Program Evaluation enhance my employment prospects?

Employers highly value specialized training in grant writing, particularly in the nonprofit sector. The skills gained through this program can lead to full-time employment, consulting opportunities, or volunteer roles that significantly impact communities.

Information about the School of Criminal Justice, Leadership, and Sociology

FHSU’s School of Criminal Justice, Leadership, and Sociology brings together a diverse range of programs dedicated to preparing students for impactful careers in law enforcement, leadership, and social sciences. Our integrated approach allows students to develop critical skills across these disciplines, fostering an environment where future leaders and professionals are equipped to address complex societal challenges. The Criminal Justice programs offer flexible online and on-campus options, focusing on law enforcement, corrections, and legal systems with a strong emphasis on leadership and integrity. The Leadership programs develop essential organizational skills through interactive coursework and internships, supported by the Leadership Studies Association and VALUE program. Sociology programs delve into social life, behavior, and community issues, emphasizing research and critical thinking. Together, these programs foster cross-disciplinary learning, empowering students to lead and innovate within their communities and beyond.

Together, these programs create a robust educational experience that encourages cross-disciplinary learning and collaboration. Students are empowered to lead, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to their communities and the broader society. Whether you are passionate about justice, leadership, or sociology, FHSU’s School of Criminal Justice, Leadership, and Sociology provides the knowledge and skills necessary to make a lasting impact.

Student Organizations

Additional Information

Criminal Justice Centers

National De-escalation Training Center:

Fort Hays State University’s Criminal Justice Program and University Police joined the National De-escalation Training Center (NDTC) in August 2020 as Region 2 Central Region Training Center. As a regional center, FHSU facilitates the only Level 3 de-escalation training available in the United States.

Level 1 training includes traditional techniques of procedural justice.
Level 2 provides basic crisis intervention.
Level 3 augments traditional de-escalation and crisis intervention with rapid personality identification.

The NDTC De-escalation: Principles & Practice course is evidence-based and has increased officer confidence in utilizing de-escalation skills in working with the public.

FHSU facilitates NDTC’s three training modalities, including an 8-hour online training, two-day face-to-face training, and a 40-hour train-the-trainer program. Due to FHSU’s $2.75 million federal grant funding, the face-to-face trainings can be provided at no cost to agencies. Scholarships may be available for agencies to train officers in the online course.

NDTC training is approved by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community-Oriented Policing Services (COPS) and certified by the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST).

Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence:

The Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence is a regional hub of collaborative research and service, housed in the Criminal Justice Programs at Fort Hays State University. The Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence aims to reduce the constraints facing survivors, to promote the freedom of economic independence, and to empower survivors to seize opportunity freely. The center commits to providing sustainable support and improvement to help survivors break the cycle of violence and transform themselves from victims/survivors to social entrepreneurs. The Center facilitates cross-disciplinary research focusing on the causes and control of gender-based violence in rural areas. It leads and facilitates collaborative networks for researchers to apply evidence-based approaches and to investigate best practices addressing gender-based violence in rural communities. The Center establishes and develops academic-community collaborations through service-learning, research, assessment, and educational opportunities and policy recommendations that enhance the well-being of rural communities.

VALUE Program:

The Voss Advanced Leadership Undergraduate Experience (VALUE) is designed to develop the most promising undergraduates into powerful agents of change. This year-long program offers curricular and co-curricular experiences with three tracks: corporate leadership, civic/non-profit leadership, and scholarship/leadership research.

CNN Heroes Advisory Board:

The Sociology Programs emphasize real-world impact through training in projects designed to help those in need. A notable project involves collaboration with CNN Heroes, individuals recognized for their exceptional work in nonprofit organizations. The CNN Heroes Advisory Board, composed of these national heroes, provides insights and advice to students based on their successful experiences in the nonprofit sector.

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