Unlocking Grant Funding for Educational Success: Insights from Grant Funding Expert
Posted on 02.11.2025
Joelle Ramey3 min read
Educational institutions face increasing demands to secure funding for innovative programs. In a recent CareerStep Lunch and Learn session, Jennifer, Grants Funding Manager at Penn Foster Group, shared her extensive experience in grant funding and nonprofit work to guide Career Step and Penn Foster partners through the grant acquisition process. With over 20 years in the sector, Jennifer provided valuable insights on how educational organizations can secure grants to enhance their programs.
Jennifer introduced Career Step’s new grant funding initiative , designed to help partners navigate the complex grant cycle. This service supports partners in prospecting research, understanding the grant cycle, and aligning their educational programs with funder priorities.
The Stages of the Grant Cycle
- Planning and Strategy: Evaluate budget needs and align programs with funding priorities while establishing measurable impact.
- Prospecting Research: Identify suitable funding sources by analyzing grant missions, geographic limitations, and past funding trends.
- Cultivation and Preparation: Build relationships with funders, especially for grants that require an invitation to apply.
- Grant Writing: Ensure clarity and alignment with funder priorities, understanding specific guidelines to improve application success.
- Annual Review and Reporting: Track program outcomes and ensure compliance, especially for federal grants, to maintain funding.
Types of Funding Sources: Public and Private Grants
Grants fall into two categories: public grants (government-funded) and private grants (from foundations and corporations). Public grants often come from agencies like the U.S. federal system, while private grants target specific areas like workforce development, which is highly relevant to Career Step and Penn Foster partners.
Strategies and Resources for Effective Prospecting
Jennifer highlighted the importance of mission alignment, geography, and average grant size when prospecting. Peer networks are also valuable for uncovering potential opportunities. She recommended starting broad in your research and narrowing your focus to maximize application returns. Many free resources are available to help with initial research including:
Government Grants: We highly recommend registering on grants.gov to receive federal funding announcements and updates. Search your local and state education agency or department for regional funding opportunities.
Grant Database Research: While there are paid subscription services with a range of pricing, free grant database prospecting tools are also available. Often your local library or other public access locations in your community will grant you access to these paid services for free. Here are just a few examples of available and searchable databases:
Other tips: Review nonprofit and peers’ annual reports, convening and conference attendees, or other regional information from your community’s area foundations or associations. Consider signing up for free grant-related newsletters such as GrantStation Insider or Candid Insights.
How Partnering with CareerStep Gives You an Edge
CareerStep provides expert guidance and customized support to help institutions navigate the grant process. With a proven track record of success, CareerStep partners can access the resources they need to secure funding and make a lasting impact on student success.
Grant funding doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right strategies and support from CareerStep , your institution can unlock new educational possibilities. Connect with our Academic Partners team today to learn more about how we can support your grant applications
