Grant writing asks a funder for money to carry out a mission or project, while proposal writing offers goods or services to a buyer in exchange for payment under a contract. Both require careful reading of the instructions, clear writing and a strong case for why you are the right choice. The Government Contracting Academy teaches both: reading grant notices and RFPs, and writing proposals and grant narratives.
The key differences
- Who you write for: grant writers write to foundations, government grant programs and other funders. Proposal writers write to agencies or companies that are buying.
- What you ask for: a grant funds a program or purpose. A contract pays for specific work or products.
- How success is measured: grants often focus on outcomes and community impact. Contracts focus on deliverables, schedule and price.
- Typical organizations: grants are common for nonprofits, schools and public agencies. Proposals are common for businesses of all sizes.
The skills they share
- Reading a long solicitation or funding notice and following every instruction.
- Tracking requirements with a compliance matrix or checklist.
- Writing clear narratives that answer the scoring criteria.
- Building budgets or pricing inputs that match the narrative.
- Meeting firm deadlines.
Careers in each
Grant writers may work for nonprofits, schools, health organizations or local government, or as freelancers. Proposal writers may work for contractors of any size, on proposal teams, or as consultants. Many professionals do both, which can widen your options. See our post on grant writing basics for more on the grant side.
Why learn both
Once you can read a solicitation and write to a scoring rubric, the skills move easily between grants and contracts. Learning both gives you more ways to help an employer, a client or your own organization.
Class details
- Government Contracting Academy: 54 hours, 9 modules, and a finished career portfolio. Modules cover how government buys, procurement and ethics, registrations and certifications including SAM.gov, finding opportunities, bid/no-bid, reading solicitations, RFPs and grant notices, proposals and grant narratives, pricing inputs, and post-award contract administration.
- Academy day cohort: Monday to Thursday, 12 to 4 PM, November 23 to December 16, 2026 (no class November 26).
- Academy evening cohort: Tuesday and Thursday, 6 to 9 PM, January 12 to March 11, 2027.
- Academy tuition: $1,497 paid in full, or 3 payments of $499.
- Friday Contracting Workshops: 2 hours every Friday, 12 to 2 PM (no workshop November 27, December 25 or January 1). Topics rotate: finding bids, reading an RFP, bid/no-bid, compliance matrices, proposal and grant narratives, SAM.gov and certifications. $97 per workshop, or a 4-pass for $297.
- Format: every class is offered in person at 255 N. D Street, Suite #200-XXVII, San Bernardino, CA 92401, or live online from anywhere in the U.S.
- Why it fits this topic: the Academy has dedicated modules on reading solicitations, RFPs and grant notices, and on proposals and grant narratives, so you practice both.
- Funding note: Our application to California's Eligible Training Provider List is in progress. Once approved, eligible residents may have tuition paid by the county.
How to enroll
- Apply online. It takes about 2 minutes.
- Pay with the class pay link: Academy, $1,497 in full, Academy, 3 x $499, one Friday Workshop, $97, or Friday Workshop 4-pass, $297. You can also see every option on the tuition page.
- We confirm your seat within 2 business days.
Want to ask questions first? Join our free Info Session and Orientation every Monday, 5:00 to 5:45 PM Pacific, online. Register on the enroll page to get the link. Full program details are on the Contracting Academy page.
FAQ
Is grant writing easier than proposal writing?
Neither is simply easier. They have different readers and goals, but both reward careful reading and clear, specific writing.
Can I use one portfolio for both careers?
Yes. A portfolio with a grant narrative sample and a proposal section sample shows range. The Academy helps you build both.
Is there a short workshop on narratives?
Yes. One Friday Contracting Workshop focuses on proposal and grant narratives. It is $97, or $297 for a 4-pass.
Questions? Call or text (909) 454-7076, or email info@ayangbahfoundation.org.