LibGuides: Robert Hilbert Nonprofit Resource Center: Grant Writing Resources

Additional Nonprofit Guides

Robert Hilbert Nonprofit Resource Center
by Bridget Bruch Last Updated Apr 3, 2025 1676 views this year
Starting a Nonprofit
by Bridget Bruch Last Updated Feb 6, 2025 391 views this year

Candid's Overdrive eBook Collection

Are you familiar with Candid.org? They are the company that encompasses both Foundation Directory as well as Guidestar. They also have a learning portal where you can create an account and get access to all kinds of learning materials, including eBooks.

The eBook collection through Overdrive that is comprised of titles that are of interest to the nonprofit community, with many of the CFRE.org recommended books for the CFRE exam. You will find titles in both eBook and Audio versions. Access to their digital book collection is free and only requires the creation of a free account. If you are unable to find a title in PPLD's print or Overdrive collection, try Candid's collection! Another great reason to get a Candid eBook library card number? It can be added to an already established Libby app. Ask Bridget (BBruch@ppld.org) for more information on how to link both accounts.

Setting up your eBook account is a two-step process.

1. Register for a free Candid learning account (link below)

2. Register for a free Candid Libby Overdrive account (link below)

Sign up for Candid Learning
The first step to setting up a Candid ebook LIbby account.is to register for a free Candid Learning account.
If you have issues with creating an account, contact a Candid librarian at Candid.org.
SIgn up for Candid's e-book library card
Starting Feb 3rd, this database will only be available in-house at Penrose Library and Library 21C. Remote access will be available. The Colorado Grants Guide Online is a comprehensive database of funders that support Colorado-based community organizations.

Training Resources

If you have never written a grant before, you may find the following resources helpful.

Securing a Government Grant
This short video will help demystify the process of securing government grants.
Grantsmanship Center
Offers free and fee-based training on a variety of grantseeking topics and funding sources.
Grant Writing with Udemy
Fee-based grant granting courses through Udemy.
Introduction to Finding Grants by Candid.Learning
A free webinar on the ten most important things to know about finding grants. Geared towards those new to grant funding.
Introduction to Proposal Writing by Candid.Learning
Offers a free webinar or a self-paced eLearning training to introduce beginners to basic grant writing concepts and formats.
NonprofitReady.org
Learn how to find the right grants for your nonprofit and write great grant proposals. Some free and fee-based courses. Eligible for CFRE Continuing Education Credits.
A to Z Grantwriting with UCCS
This course provides students with the hands-on experience and knowledge they need to successfully begin the planning process for projects in need of grant funding. Instructor-led and self-paced options.

PPLD has numerous books on grant writing both in its physical and eBook collection. Search grant writing books here. Candid's Overdrive eBook collection also has a large collection of books on grant writing. See box to the left on how to apply for a free Candid Overdrive library card.

Assessment and Evaluation

Assessment can be required if you are applying for many grants, especially large federal grants. Here are resources to help you define assessment and evaluation.

The Balance of Small Business
Tips on writing the evaluation section of your grant proposal
Council on Foundations
Free and members-only information on grant evalucations.
Monitoring and Evaluating
Ongoing evaluation and monitoring of your evidence-based program are essential because they provide information to the staff implementing the program as well as the stakeholders in the community
National Institute of Justice Journal
Plan for program evaluation from the start
Types of Assessment from MIT
Provides a brief description of the different types of assessment.
Using Evaluation Frameworks to Communicate with Funders
Evaluation tools and frameworks hold great potential for helping organizations understand their impact while at the same time improving planning, fundraising, and overall effectiveness.

Additional Resources

Additional grant resources can be found at the following websites.

Association of Fundraising Professionals
The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) represents more than 30,000 members in over 230 chapters throughout the world, working to advance philanthropy through advocacy, research, education and certification programs. The association fosters development and growth of fundraising professionals and promotes high ethical standards in the fundraising profession.
BoardSource
BoardSource is the premier location for any nonprofit management and board training needs. There is fee to join; it does offer workshops and trainings, with member discounts. In their learning center, they offer community resources that can be downloaded for free, regardless of membership. Topics include board basics, performance, etc. You can also subscribe to their e-newsletter for free.
Candid Learning
Candid Learning is the educational arm of Candid (formally known as the Foundation Center). It provides document examples on a variety of nonprofit forms, such as budgets and letter of intent. It offers both free and fee-based webinars. Should be a go-to for anyone starting out in the nonprofit world.
Colorado Nonprofit Association
The Colorado Nonprofit Association educates and informs Colorado nonprofits about new ideas, best practices, and pressing public policies. They are located in Denver, host trainings and workshops on a variety of nonprofit topics for a fee. Members can have access to their nonprofit help desk and pro bono legal advice. Their website also provides sample policies and forms.
Council on Foundations
Is a nonprofit leadership association of grantmaking foundations and corporations. It provides the opportunity, leadership, and tools needed by philanthropic organizations to expand, enhance and sustain their ability to advance the common good.
GuideStar
GuideStar provides information on nonprofits in the United States. The free search will usually provide you with enough basic information on a nonprofit. To find nonprofits in the area, select Advance Search and input the city and state you wish to search. The full version of Guidestar is available in Penrose Library through 2023.
National Council of Nonprofits
The National Council of Nonprofits (Council of Nonprofits) is a trusted resource and advocate for America’s charitable nonprofits. They identify emerging trends, share proven practices, and promote solutions that benefit charitable nonprofits and the communities they serve. There is a fee for membership. They provide Tools and Resources on a variety of nonprofit topics, from starting a nonprofit to ethics that can be read for free. They offer a blog that does not require membership.

Grant Management

NonprofitReady.org
NonprofitReady.org provides free online training for nonprofit professionals, including financial management, basic technology needs, 990s forms, and nonprofit management.
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) offers an outline on how to manage your grant.