Incorporating Community Grant Writing as a Service Learning Project in a Nonprofit Studies Course A Case Study

Implementing community based grant writing and service learning into a nonprofit studies course can create a compelling environment for the achievement of many elements of service learning. In this case study, students are paired with local nonprofit organizations in a service-learning structure to collaboratively produce work products that improve the nonprofit's ability to create grant proposals. The service-learning partnership provides real-life experience for students while increasing the capacity of the nonprofits. These activities allow students and their paired organizations to go beyond theory and engage in the practice of developing together the key elements of grant writing-a successful articulation of the nonprofit's operations, value propositions, messaging, and community impact.