What Is the Length of the Grant Virtual Assistant (Grant VA) Online Course?
The length it takes to complete the online class depends on you. You could complete the course within a few weeks. Or, you could take more time. Everything is based on you and your schedule and availability. Upon registration, you will be contacted within 48-72 hours during work days (Monday-Friday) by an experienced Grant VA. You can schedule your “onboarding” and “check in” dates/times.
"This is by far one of the best online courses I have ever taken. I only wish I would have had this valuable information sooner." --L-Ikera Retzloff, Clark County Law Foundation
Who Is Eligible to Enroll in a Grant VA Program?
You are eligible to enroll in a Grant VA Program IF you work for, or are interested in helping or being employed by, one or more agencies who are grant-eligible:
- U.S. Nonprofits: 1,036,255 public charities (source: National Center for Charitable Statistics)
- U.S. Schools: 98,817 public schools, 33,366 private schools, 7,021 colleges/universities (source: U.S. Department of Education)
- U.S. Local Government Agencies: 89,004 (source: U.S. Census)
- U.S. Hospitals: 5,686 (source: American Hospital Association)
Do I have to be trained as a Virtual Assistant (VA) first?
No! If you are trained as a Virtual Assistant (VA), that is great! However, if you have not been trained as a VA, the Grant VA Program will pick up the cost for you to enroll in a Work From Home as a Virtual Assistant online course with 3 hours of on-demand videos. This course is designed for people who want to start their own small business and work from a home office. It is perfect for individuals who have not received any formal training as a VA.
What Will I Learn in the Grant VA Online Class? From whom?
There are over 100,000 grant-makers (private and public) in the U.S. Over the years, experts have discovered that most funders want to see similar elements in proposals they fund: 1) summary, 2) agency introduction, 3) need/problem statement, 4) outcomes/objectives, 5) project methods or design, 6) project evaluation in reaching outcomes/goals, 7) future funding after the grant is gone, and 8) an itemized budget. Interestingly, the Federal government also recommends these as the eight basic components to creating solid federal grant proposals.
“Yours is a good example of what I need in a grant. Would you mind if I shared the grant proposal you prepared for Charles Schwab Bank with organizations that are applying for grant funding?” --Nancy E. Brown, Senior Manager, Charles Schwab Bank
Attendees will have a chance to critique and rate 2 sample proposals using our custom-made Evaluation Form using the 8 key proposal elements being taught. All of this is designed to help you be comfortable with the format before you ever write a word. You gain confidence along the way!
You will learn directly from Phil Johncock, MA, MMs, Grant Professional Certified, with a 96% success rate and having taught thousands. Phil is also an Approved Trainer with the Grant Professionals Association (GPA).
You will learn through a variety of proven online learning techniques including:
- Study questions and discussion
- Mock reviews of sample proposals
- Crafting your own mock proposals
- Peer reviews of other attendees’ proposals as well as your own
"...a great help if you are just starting out or if you have written grants before. Evaluating other students' mock proposals is a very good method of seeing examples of what to do and what not to do. I didn't think about having peers also reviewing the draft proposal. I do better on a project when I am not rushed at the end." --Kristine Weeks, North Las Vegas, NV
Why Is It Called “Grant VA”?
When our first course was approved and offered in 2001 by the University and Community College System of Nevada for 2 college credits (30 hours of instruction), it was called “Grant 101” or “GRNT 101.” In 2007, the Grant Professional Certification Institute (GPCI) began offering the GPC exam as an independently administered assessment of skills needed by a “generalist grant professional.” So, the course was renamed “Grant Professional 101.” In 2021, a Grant VA version was designed with a hybrid module training by video online along with supplemental textbooks plus an accountability partner for ongoing support with a specific focus on Grant VAs.
On What Standards, If Any, Is the Grant VA Class Based?
Unlike most semester-long classes, in as few as two weeks, the Grant VA online class introduces you to all nine validated competencies developed by the accredited Grant Professionals Certification Institute (GPCI) that is part of the Grant Professional Certificate (GPC) exam:
- Competency 01 - Knowledge of how to research, identify, and match funding resources to meet specific needs (15%)
- Competency 02 - Knowledge of organizational development as it pertains to grant seeking (06-09) (10%)
- Competency 03 - Knowledge of strategies for effective program and project design and development (20%)
- Competency 04 - Knowledge of how to craft, construct, and submit an effective grant application (25%)
- Competency 05 - Knowledge of post-award grant management practices sufficient to inform effective grant design and development (7%)
- Competency 06 - Knowledge of nationally recognized standards of ethical practice by grant developers (10%)
- Competency 07 - Knowledge of practices and services that raise the level of professionalism of grant developers (5%)
- Competency 08 - Knowledge of methods and strategies that cultivate and maintain relationships between fund-seeking and recipient organizations and funders (8%)
- Competency 09 - Ability to write a convincing case for funding (20%)
Click here to download the full list of validated competencies and skills from the Grant Professionals Certification Institute (GPCI).
"I wanted to have a skill that I could provide to my current employer, and this (online course) was the perfect medium for me to learn this skill." --Gretchen Kuchta, Las Vegas, NV
Do I Have to Have Written a Grant Proposal Before?
It doesn’t matter if you’ve never written a grant proposal before or even if you've written a few. Most expert grant writers tell us that they wish they had training like this when they were thrown into grant writing with no training. You'll find tremendous value in what you learn or we’ll refund your money!
"It's worth the money. What I liked most was making grant writing seem accessible and not mysterious. I like the way the information is broken down in small bits, so each idea has some time to be absorbed and processed." -Karla Nolan, Las Vegas, NV
What Is the Schedule of Topics to Be Taught?
Below is a list of modules covered in 8 hours of video training:
- Module 1 - Confidence & Results (2 hours)
- Module 2 - #1 Grant Writing Format in the World (1.25 hours)
- Module 3 - Crafting an Effective/Fundable Proposal (2 hours)
- Module 4 - Funder Research (1 hour)
- Module 5 - How to Become Grant Ready (1 hour)
- Module 6 - How to Market, Close the Deal, etc. with Clients (.75 hour)
- Bonuses - Quick Tip Videos
"It is worth every penny. Excellent course." --Teresa Pelham, South Carolina
Will I Be Able to Write a Successful Grant Proposal After Completing This Class?
Most graduates write at least one successful grant proposal shortly after completing the course. Many even submit the mock proposal they craft in class.
“The E.L. Cord Foundation gave us $25,000 from my mock proposal created in your class. This past Spring, I took your online class. It has been absolutely invaluable to me. So far, I have heard from 2 grantors that I recently submitted proposals to. Both were funded! Thank You!!!!” -Vinny Ribas, Disability Resources, Sparks, NV
What Training Is Available After I Complete This Class?
Once you graduate, you will be eligible for a paid internship, supervised by a GPC-certified faculty! If you are already employed, you may still wish to use an internship as a mentorship to help hone your skills over time on-the-job. Graduates will be provided with more information about internships and advanced training opportunities.
Are the Textbooks Included in the Cost of the Grant VA Class? Which Textbooks Are Used?
Absolutely! Unlike competitive classes where you pay separately for your textbooks, your two textbooks are included with your fee:
- Program Planning & Proposal Writing by Norton Kiritz
- Dream-Making to Billions: Grant Writing Tips from the Experts by Phil Johncock
On your behalf, we have purchased the last remaining copies of these hard-to-get but highly-sought-after books. You can only access them as a student enrolled in the Grant VA class!
A packet with your textbooks will be mailed to the address on your online registration form within 2-3 working days of your enrollment!
"The biggest benefit I got out of this class is the grant format. The format was extremely helpful and easy to follow. One thing that surprised me was how much easier writing a grant is when you utilize this format." --Peter McCoy, Las Vegas, NV
How Can I Become Grant Professional Certified (GPC)?
Grant VA prepares you by introducing you to the nine core GPCI competencies needed to pass your GPC exam and gain your GPC credential. The GPC exam is offered independently through the Grant Professionals Certification Institute (GPCI).
To be eligible to take the GPC exam, you must have completed at least 5 successful grant proposals over the past 7 years. You also must have a minimum of 3-5 years of professional experience in the grants field within the past 5-7 years. Eligibility is based on education, professional experience, professional practices and community involvement.
Graduates of the Grant VA class are encouraged to study for and take the GPC exam as soon as they are eligible. To help prepare, graduates are invited to take the Grants Academy’s advanced GPC Exam Prep class online when they are eligible and ready to take the GPC Exam!
Is the Grant Professional Certified (GPC) Credential Accredited?
Yes, it is!
According to GPCI, "On May 31, 2019, the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) granted accreditation to the Grant Professionals Certification Institute (GPCI) and the GPC credential for demonstrating compliance with the NCCA Standards for the Accreditation of Certification Programs. The GPC is the first professional credential for individuals working in the grants field to be recognized by NCCA. The GPC credential, which has been in use since 2007, is the only experienced-based exam of its kind."
What Is Your 100% Satisfaction Guarantee?
100% Satisfaction Guarantee - All Grants Academy online classes come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee that you cannot find anywhere else! We will refund your class tuition if you are dissatisfied.
"For someone considering taking the course, I say, 'Go for it. It is worth the cost.'" --Munazza Abbas, Las Vegas, NV
Grant VA Program Overview – Now 50% OFF for a Limited Time!
“This Grant VA Program opened the door to meaningful and profitable employment that enabled me to be flexible enough to still put my family first. I had my first client before I even finished the class!” ~Janet Cushman, Grant VA
Make a Second Income Helping Nonprofits Thrive from Home — No Degree Required
Since 1997, the Grants Academy has trained thousands of professionals nationwide in proven, real-world grant writing resulting in $1.2 Billion in its first 2.5 years. Now, this cutting-edge training is available online for the first time — with six interactive modules, personalized feedback, and hands-on deliverables you can show to clients or employers.
What You’ll Learn (6 Modules)
- Getting Started & Infrastructure – Set up your professional systems, from your email signature and timesheet to your “What’s a Grant VA?” elevator pitch.
- Grant VA Roles & Textbooks – Learn the foundation of successful grants with Dream-Making to Billions and Program Planning & Proposal Writing.
- Winning Proposal Formats – Master the world’s most widely used grant format, rate sample proposals, and craft your own competitive application.
- Funder Research Made Simple – Discover government, foundation, and corporate funders — and how to “reverse-engineer” winners using Form 990s.
- Becoming Grant Ready – Use the Grant Ready Challenge to organize your nonprofit’s materials and build a portfolio that impresses funders.
- Marketing & Clients – Package your new skills, close the deal with clients, and explore paid internship or subcontracting opportunities.
Perfect For
- Homeschool moms seeking flexible, meaningful work from home
- Nonprofit professionals building internal grant capacity
- New or aspiring grant writers who want hands-on, portfolio-based training
“Thank you for your invaluable contribution to IONS, an investment that has improved IONS online presence, will lead to increased funding through increased transparency, as well as improved IONS’ preparedness for responding to new funding opportunities.” ~Cassandra Vieten, President and CEO, Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I have to be trained as a Virtual Assistant (VA) first?
No prior VA experience is required. The Grant VA Program teaches both virtual assistant skills and grant skills step-by-step — even if you’re brand new to the field.
What is the length of the Grant Virtual Assistant (VA) online program?
The program is self-paced and designed to be completed in as few as two weeks, though many participants spread it out over four to six weeks while balancing family or work.
What will I learn in the Grant VA online class — and from whom?
You’ll learn from Phil Johncock, MA, MMs, GPC, who is Grant Professional Certified (GPC), Best-Selling Udemy Instructor and Amazon Author, with over 40 years of real-world success helping nonprofits secure funding and 35 books authored.
The six-module video series covers:
- Setting up your systems & professionalism
- Grant writing basics & proposal formats
- Researching funders
- Becoming “grant ready”
- Marketing your new skills
- Working with clients
Why is it called “Grant VA”?
Because you’ll become a Grant Virtual Assistant — a remote professional who helps nonprofits with grant readiness, research, and writing from anywhere in the world.
Do I have to have written a grant proposal before?
Not at all. You’ll write your first mock proposal during the program using guided templates and instructor feedback.
Will I be able to write a successful grant proposal after completing the class?
Yes — you’ll gain both the skills and portfolio to confidently assist or lead future proposals for real clients or organizations.
Are textbooks included in the cost of the Grant VA class?
Yes. You’ll receive two hard-to-find paperback textbooks mailed to you:
- Dream-Making to Billions
- Program Planning & Proposal Writing
Limited-Time 50% Off Enrollment
Enroll now and get lifetime access for half price! Regular tuition: $1,997 → Now only $997! Includes all 6 modules, templates, and deliverables.
Ready to Put Your Family First with a Second Income?
Learn at your own pace, build a portfolio of real deliverables, and join a growing network of Grant VAs supporting nonprofits across the U.S.
Enroll Today at GrantVA.com
