Adult education programs are facing increasing demands while navigating a competitive funding landscape. To help programs identify and secure new funding opportunities, COABE has partnered with GrantPilot to launch an exclusive six-month Grant Development Cohort for COABE members.
This innovative initiative combines access to GrantPilot's powerful grant discovery platform with expert-led training, peer collaboration, and hands-on support designed specifically for adult education organizations. Together, COABE and GrantPilot share a common goal: helping adult education programs build their funding capacity and successfully compete for grants that expand opportunities for adult learners.
The cohort will bring together adult education leaders from across the country, including representatives from local programs, state associations, and partner organizations. Participants will engage in a structured, intensive six-week learning experience, which is one component of the six-month cohort, that combines practical grant development training with individualized support and networking opportunities.
Each month, cohort members will participate in a virtual session that begins with a focused presentation on a key grant development topic, such as identifying funding opportunities, building relationships with local foundations, project development, budgeting, grant writing strategies, and long-term funding sustainability. Following each presentation, participants will have the opportunity to ask questions, receive guidance, and engage in discussions with peers and experts.
During the first months of the cohort, participants will learn how to maximize the GrantPilot platform, assess organizational readiness, and identify funding opportunities aligned with their mission and goals. As the cohort progresses, the focus will shift toward project development, proposal preparation, application support, and strategies for successfully securing funding.
Participants will Gain:
Access to the GrantPilot grant discovery platform
Monthly expert-led grant development training
Practical tools and resources to strengthen grant readiness
Opportunities to network with peers from across the adult education field
Individualized support throughout the grant development process
Guidance on identifying, developing, and submitting competitive grant applications
Increased organizational capacity to secure future funding
Participation in the cohort is available exclusively to COABE members and is offered at a discounted rate through this partnership.
Because personalized support is a key component of the experience, participation is limited. Interested individuals must complete an application to be considered for the program. A cohort of up to 150 participants will be selected through a competitive application process, with the goal of creating a diverse group representing various organization types, leadership roles, geographic regions, and levels of grant development experience.
Whether your organization is pursuing grant funding for the first time or seeking to strengthen an existing development strategy, this cohort offers a unique opportunity to build the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to secure new resources and expand your impact.
This initiative directly supports COABE's commitment to helping adult education programs access sustainable funding and strengthen services for the more than 3.2 million adult learners served annually across the nation.
