What do you do if you can't find online courses for Grant Administration?

If online courses are not available for grant administration, I have found a better way to learn and sharpen my skill set through 1. Read articles from the Non Profit organization and Funders / Donors' websites which are related to the topic i need to be aware off 2. Participate in most of the stakeholder's meetings concerning various topics such as financial management for nonprofits can provide valuable insights into budgeting, accounting, and reporting for grants 3. Participate in LinkedIn groups or other online forums focused on grant writing and management to engage in discussions which will sharpen the skill i need

Your local library will have books and journal articles, like Harvard Business Review, as well as nonprofit management, grant writing and accounting. You also want to print out any grants policy updates and information from the Council for Chief Financial Officers or Grants.gov. On the job training, from a peer mentor is critical and you can develop desk guides and standard operating procedures from shadowing your coworker. Get a mentor in your workplace or your dream job and get feedback and coaching. Lastly, join a professional grants organization for networking, weekly newsletters, presentations and knowledge sharing. You might want to apply to present, take on a leadership role, or start a collaboration with a peer.

There are alot of books written on grant writing and management. Use the tools you have access to. Writing a grant is a craft. Hone your craft by practicing it

There are so many skills that lend themselves to Grant Administration. Honing your accounting, analysis, project management and finance skills will help so much. When I began in this field with no prior experience, I attended an industry conference and attended all of the 'New to RA' lectures and workshops I could. I read publications, joined listservs, and made connections. Reach out to ask for guidance from industry experts and experienced peers. Most people are genuinely happy to help you learn. This field is all about problem solving and 'finding the answer', so I put my own research skills to use in various ways on the internet, in trade books, got familiar with the NIH website, eRA Commons website, and sometimes, I even ask AI.

Online courses provide interactive learning, but books are still invaluable. They offer deep insights from experienced authors on grant administration, covering everything from grant seeking basics to financial management intricacies. Reading widely builds a thorough and nuanced understanding of the field.

It is not beneath anyone to reach out and seek peer mentorship at any stage of life or career! I can only speak for myself but if you reach out seeking guidance or advice I always welcome it! I believe everyone’s unique experiences give us insights we might not have otherwise considered or adopted into our lives. So don’t be afraid to mingle! CONNECT CONNECT CONNECT ????

Networking is key for growth and learning. Connect with grant administration professionals on LinkedIn, through associations, or local groups. These connections can provide valuable advice, resources, and potential mentorship, offering practical insights beyond formal education.

Job shadowing a grant administrator offers firsthand insight into the role's daily responsibilities and challenges. This hands-on experience helps you understand the skills needed for effective grant management and provides a clearer view of your potential career path.

Volunteering with a nonprofit or organization that handles grants offers hands-on experience in grant writing, compliance, and financial reporting. This practical experience not only deepens your understanding but also boosts your resume, demonstrating your initiative and commitment to learning.

This is one of the best options whether online or in person. Not only are you learning from a workbook but you are learning from the experienced professionals.

Attend workshops and seminars from professional organizations and continuing education programs. Led by experts, these events offer the latest best practices in grant administration and opportunities to ask questions and explore real-world scenarios, enhancing your understanding of the field.

Start with the basics, such as the encyclopedia. What can you discern from that compendium about grant management, in the most basic terms? Identify where your understanding stands and what remains to investigate. How might you follow the leads there (references, citations, hyperlinks) to begin to map a new body of knowledge? The more you learn via this method, the more material will make itself available to you. Prioritize the sources which seem most accessible yet address areas which you are not yet familiar. Most importantly, consider those avenues which pique your curiosity. By following these leads, the process can be fruitful and lead to new opportunities.