Clinical Associate Professor
Grant Writing and Crowdfunding for Public Libraries
What You'll Learn
- How to read a grant application and understand what organizations are looking for
- How to keep a file of go-to grant writing materials
- Strategies for crafting a strong grant proposal
- Crowdfunding stories and strategies
9 Modules
18 Hours
2 hrs per module (approx.)
About Grant Writing and Crowdfunding for Public Libraries
This course, part of the Public Library Management Professional Certificate program, explores strategies for developing effective grant proposals and for engaging the community in crowdfunding campaigns.
In this course, you will mock up a crowdfunding campaign and create a grant proposal for a local or state-level funding source.
Skills You'll Gain
- Fundraising
- Grant Applications
- Grant Writing
- Library Management
What You'll Earn
- Certificate of Completion:
- Certificates of completion acknowledge knowledge acquired upon completion of a non-credit course or program.
Welcome Message
Grant Writing and Crowdfunding for Public Libraries equips learners with practical strategies to secure funding through grants and community-based campaigns. The course, part of the Public Library Management series, focuses on proposal development, persuasive storytelling, and data-informed writing while allowing learners to practice safely without disclosing sensitive ideas. Real-world case studies highlight successful funding approaches.
This abbreviated syllabus description was created with the help of AI tools and reviewed by staff. The full syllabus is available to those who enroll in the course.
Course Schedule
Module 1: Introduction
- Navigating the edX Platform
- Welcome to the Course
- Syllabus
- Video: Introduction (3 Questions)
- Discussion Forum: Introduce Yourself!
- Help Us Learn More About You!
Module 2: Getting Organized in Advance
- Video: Lesson 2 Introduction
- Video: Collecting Background Material
- Video: Building a Community Profile
- Assignment: Community Profile (1 Question)
Module 3: Reading Calls for Proposals
- Reading: Sample Grant Proposal
- Video: What to Look for When a Call is Announced
- Video: Identifying an Underserved Population
- Assignment: Underserved Population Question (1 Question)
Module 4: Preparing a Typical Grant Proposal
- Video: Introduction
- Video: Project Management
- Video: Abstract
- Video: Project Timeline
- Video: Letters of Support
- Video: Memos of Understanding (MOUs)
- Video: Program Officers
- Video: Advisory Boards
- Video: Evaluation
- Video: Sustainability
- Assignment: Letter of Support (1 Question)
- Discussion Forum: Take a Spin Through IMLS.gov
Module 5: Finishing Touches and Checking Your Work
- Video: Running the Numbers and Checking Your Work
- Video: Checking Your Work (3 Questions)
- Optional Additional Task
Module 6: Reviewing Process
- Video: How are Proposals Reviewed (2 Questions)
- Discussion Forum: Optional - Share your proposals in process
Module 7: Yay! You Got Funded!
- Video: Things to be Aware of as the Project Unfolds (2 Questions)
Module 8: Case Study: Ypsilanti District Library
- Video: Introduction
- Video: Interview with Ypsilanti Team (Lisa Hoenig & Kristen Sexton) about TexttoLearn.com (3 Questions)
Module 9: Crowdfunding - Another Path to Outside Funding
- Video: Introduction to Crowdfunding
- Video: Interview with Patronicity co-founder Ibrahim Verravia (3 Questions)
- Closing Message
- Post-Course Survey
Grading Policy
Learners must earn at least 80% overall to pass. Quizzes account for 10%, Community Profile for 35%, Underserved Populations for 35%, and Letter of Support for 20%.
Course content developed by U-M faculty and managed by the university. Faculty titles and affiliations are updated periodically.
Beginner Level
Access to a public library community.
