Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Grant Yourself Success ® (GYS)?

Grant Yourself Success®  is a comprehensive training program offered by Ascend NBS that equips individuals and organizations with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in grant research, proposal writing, and budget management.

• Who can benefit from GYS Courses?

GYS Courses are designed for nonprofit professionals, aspiring grant writers, and anyone interested in learning the ins and outs of grant seeking and writing. Our courses cater to individuals at various skill levels, from beginners to experienced grant writers.

• What topics do the GYS Courses cover?

Our courses cover a wide range of topics, including grant research, proposal writing, budget development, grant management, and organizational grant readiness. You’ll also learn best practices, strategies for success, and the latest trends in grant writing.

• Are GYS Courses suitable for organizations as well?

Yes, GYS Courses are beneficial for organizations seeking to enhance their grant-seeking capabilities. We offer customized training options for organizations to help them build an effective grant-seeking team.

• Are the courses available online?

Yes, all GYS Courses are conducted online, providing you with the flexibility to learn at your own pace and from anywhere with an internet connection.

• Do I need any prior experience in grant writing to enroll in GYS Courses?

No prior experience is necessary. Our courses are structured to accommodate participants with varying levels of experience, from beginners to advanced learners.

• How long does it take to complete a GYS Course?

The duration of each course varies, but most are self-paced, allowing you to complete the material according to your schedule. Some courses offer certification upon completion, which may have specific time requirements.

• Do I receive a certificate after completing a GYS Course?

Yes, participants who successfully complete the course requirements will receive a certificate of completion, which can be a valuable addition to your resume or professional portfolio.

• Are there any prerequisites for specific courses?

No prerequisites are required.

• How do I enroll in a GYS Course?

Enrolling in a GYS Course is easy. Simply select the course(s) you’re interested in, and follow the enrollment instructions.

• What is the cost of GYS Courses?

Course fees vary depending on the specific course and level of certification. Please check the course details on our website for pricing information.

• Can I get personalized support during the course?

Yes, we offer various levels of support, including access to instructors, discussion forums, and Q&A sessions, to ensure that you have the guidance you need throughout your learning journey.

• How do I access the course materials once enrolled?

Upon enrollment, you will receive login credentials to access the course materials through our online learning platform. You can access the course content at any time during your enrollment period.

• What happens if I need an extension to complete a course?

If you need an extension due to unforeseen circumstances, please reach out to our support team, and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

• Are there any networking opportunities through GYS Courses?

Yes, participants have access to discussion forums and community spaces where you can connect with fellow learners, share insights, and network with like-minded individuals.

• What sets GYS Courses apart from other grant writing training programs?

GYS Courses are backed by Ascend NBS’s extensive experience in grant writing and a commitment to empowering individuals and organizations. Our courses offer a unique blend of practical knowledge, hands-on experience, and the latest industry insights.

•   How is this course different from other grant writing courses?

Most of the time, grant writing courses are one of two things: classroom-style learning where they talk at you for hours, or a very quick, superficial introduction to grant writing. This curriculum is neither, you get a well-rounded, real-world all-encompassing experience as you build and grow your grant writing skills… Not to mention: Arlene’s experience is unmatched. She’s condensed 28 years of knowledge into an amazing, easy-to-follow, implementation program. In short, Story-Based Grant Writing is different because it’s SUCH high value and it really, really works.

•   Can I send my staff for training?

Yes, of course! Honestly, we know you don’t have the time to take this course or train your staff, and that’s exactly why we created this course, to take more tasks off your plate. So often, grant writers learn on the job, voluntold to write a proposal and then all of a sudden, it’s their job. Depending on the training they received in-house, they may have learned the wrong way to write grants and keep repeating the same mistakes over and over, costing the organization thousands of dollars in missed funding. We’ve had multiple organizations enroll their development/fundraising team in our course and we’ve even had an Executive Director and her Board President take Story-Based Grant Writing together.

•   Am I ready for this?

Honestly, with anything new in life, you’re never going to feel fully “ready” but if you’ve learned anything during your time with me, you may not feel ready but we are here every step of the way. Isn’t it better to start this journey with someone who has been in your shoes but now has years of experience to guide you along the way? It’s okay to take uncomfortable action because on the other side could very well be the next level for your organization. Plus, if you jump in and it’s not for you, just let us know within 15 days and we will issue you a full refund. The risk is on us and we are totally cool with that. We have one of the best people in the game giving you a world-class education & if you’re willing to put in the work and follow a plan we have laid out, you got this!

•   I’m terrible with tech, can I still do this?

We totally get how confusing tech can be. We specifically designed the program to be VERY simple and streamlined. Plus, there is a fully trained support staff who can help you with anything you need a little bit more hand-holding.