Mission

Our mission is to help private and public nonprofits make better communities. We do that by providing training and publications that help organizations plan solid programs, write logical, compelling grant proposals, secure and manage grants, and create earned income opportunities. We succeed when you succeed at helping those you care about most.

More than 50 years ago, The Grantsmanship Center founder, Norton J. Kiritz, pioneered an approach where what matters is getting results, where evaluation is welcomed, and where the driving force is benefit to clients rather than the organizations meant to serve them. Today we carry the torch inspired by these ideas.

What is Grantsmanship?

Our trainings and publications are based on a philosophy, a code of ethics, and a set of skills that, when practiced together, produce positive change. Here's how The Grantsmanship Center defines grantsmanship.

When you practice grantsmanship:

• You never lose sight of your organization’s mission.

• You know your field and stay up-to-date on relevant research and best practices.

• You know the people and the community your organization serves and treat them with genuine respect, encouraging their input and involvement.

• You’re committed to planning because you know it’s essential to making a real difference.

• You engage others in planning—staff, constituents, board members, community members, other organizations—because you value diverse opinions.

• You build partnerships with colleague organizations, not because “the funders say you have to,” but because you’re committed to the expanded viewpoints, resources, and program effectiveness that genuine partnerships bring.

• You view funders as partners, allies, advisors and advocates.

• You proactively search for funding opportunities that fit your organization’s mission and priorities rather than passively waiting for something “right” to come along.  

• You refuse to misrepresent or fabricate information, disparage other organizations or compromise a program in order to win a grant.

A grant is not about money alone, because by itself, money doesn’t protect battered families, help children to read, fill the plates of the hungry, clean polluted lakes, or open museum doors. A grant is a tool—a means to an end. A large grant to support an ill-conceived program can be a waste of money. A small grant to support a well-designed program can be tremendously effective. It's not about chasing dollars—it’s about getting good results.

We applaud and support all who practice these principles because we believe they are more likely to make an enduring contribution to society—more likely to get funding and to create good results in their communities.