The grant proposal landscape: A Q&A with George Nunes, ASU Lodestar Center Knowledge Specialist
The Nonprofit Management Institute at the ASU Lodestar Center offers two intensive Grant Development and Proposal Writing Certificates designed to help nonprofit professionals strengthen their funding strategies and build competitive proposals. ASU Lodestar Center Knowledge Specialist George Nunes shares insights from more than three decades of experience in the nonprofit and grantmaking fields, along with what participants can expect from these fast-paced, hands-on programs.
About George Nunes
Q: Could you introduce yourself and share a bit about your background in grant development
A: I’ve spent 35 years working in the nonprofit world, often wearing more than one hat at a time. I’ve written, edited, managed and reviewed grants. I’ve also served on proposal review panels for agencies like the National Endowment for the Arts, the Arizona Commission on the Arts, and the Maryland State Arts Council.
Proposals I’ve written or edited have secured six- and seven-figure grants from funders including the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust. I’ve also worked on the grantmaking side through regranting programs funded by the Pew Charitable Trust and The Wallace Foundation. and I’ve consulted for the Arizona Community Foundation.
In addition to ASU Lodestar, I’ve taught for Grantwriting USA and National Arts Strategies. I’m a member of the Grant Professionals Association. I’m looking forward to sharing what I’ve learned to help students build practical, real-world grant writing skills.
Trends in today’s grantmaking environment
Q: What trends are you seeing right now in grantmaking?
A: Accountability is still a big deal, so funders want to see how an organization is tracking what’s working and what’s not. And sustainability matters just as much—basically, how this work will keep going after the grant runs out and where the future funding will come from.
Q: What do you enjoy most about teaching with the ASU Lodestar Center?
A: I was drawn to teaching at the ASU Lodestar Center because of the quality of the courses and the curiosity and thoughtfulness of the learners. What I enjoy most is watching students grow into more persuasive writers and become more confident in telling the story of their organization’s impact.
Grant Development: State and Foundation Proposals Certificate
Q: For someone new to grant writing, how would you describe the Grant Development: State and Foundation Proposals Certificate in practical terms?
A: Over the seven weeks, participants write a real grant proposal using the Arizona Common Grant Application, which many funders accept. Each week, they write a different section—like organizational history, purpose of the request, community context, evaluation, sustainability and the project budget. I review each section and give feedback on how to strengthen and improve it as they go.
Q: What are some common mistakes nonprofits make when applying for grants?
A: One common mistake is not spending enough time explaining how you’ll prove the impact of the work. This program helps you build a strong, competitive evaluation plan so you can clearly show what will change and how you’ll measure it.
Q: What will participants walk away with after completing the certificate?
A: They’ll walk away with a real grant proposal for a project they’re excited about—and the confidence to research, write and submit proposals that really stand out.
Advanced Grant Development: Federal Proposals Certificate
Q: How does federal grant writing differ from state and foundation proposals?
A: Federal proposals come with a higher burden of proof. They require detailed information about how your project will address a real need, and, at the same time, help the agency achieve its own goals. Your proposal will be competing with organizations from all 50 states. To give students hands-on experience, we use an actual 26-page federal Request for Proposals (an RFP), helping them learn to read and follow complex instructions without feeling intimidated.
Q: Who should consider enrolling in the Advanced Grant Development: Federal Proposals Certificate?
A: This certificate is ideal for participants who already have experience writing state or foundation proposals and want to take their skills to the next level. It’s fast-paced, intensive and focused on producing a competitive federal application.
Career impact and advice
Q: If someone is unsure about the time commitment, what would you tell them?
A: Ask yourself why you want to write grants. Maybe you volunteer at a local animal shelter and want to help keep its doors open. Maybe you already work at a nonprofit and your supervisor has asked you to strengthen your grant writing skills. Whatever your motivation, investing in yourself through this program will set you up for long-term success.
Q: Have you seen examples of participants transforming their careers after the program?
A: Anecdotally, we’ve had students complete our grant writing courses and land new jobs or volunteer roles that better matched their philanthropic interests. Others took what they learned back to their organizations and used it to secure funding for programs they’d wanted to start or improve for years—but hadn’t had the tools to do so.
Program Snapshot
Certificates:
- Grant Development: State and Foundation Proposals
- Advanced Grant Development: Federal Proposals
Format: 100% virtual
Duration: 7 weeks each
Workload: Approximately 12–15 hours per week
Outcome: Participants develop a real grant proposal with expert feedback and mentoring.
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