A 2-Day Program to Build Proactive Grant Systems
This intensive training helps small community organizations develop the content, systems, and skills needed to pursue grants more effectively. Rather than focusing only on grant writing techniques, the program emphasizes building organizational readiness and creating reusable materials.
Program Goals
Participants will develop a proactive approach to grant seeking by creating foundational content and systems that can be sued across multiple applications. The training addresses the unique challenges faced by small organizations with limited staff and resources.
What You'll Create
During the two days, participants will develop:
- Comprehensive boilerplate content including organizational descriptions, program summaries, and capacity statements
- Organized digital filing system with templates and essential documents
- Budget templates with formulas
- Outcome measurement frameworks that connect community data to project goals
Intended Audience
This program is designed for small community organizations, particularly those where staff member handle multiple responsibilities, including fundraising. Organizations should be prepared to commit two full days to building their grant infrastructure.
Program Structure
Day 1: Building Your Foundation Toolkit
- Extended boilerplate content development with peer review and editing
- Data collection strategy and measurement framework development
- Logic model and theory of change workshop with hands-on practice
- Build your comprehensive data collection plan
Day 2: Application & Visualization
- Strategic grant writing workshop with individual coaching
- Data visualization training using free tools (Canva, Google Charts, Flourish)
- Comprehensive grant application development with real-time feedback
- Action planning and 30-day implementation commitments
Program Format
The training combines presentations, hands-on workshops, small group activities, and individual coaching. Participants work on their own organizational content throughout the program, ensuring materials are immediately applicable to their work.
Duration: 2 full days
Participants: Participants will include community-based sustainability organizations interested in developing materials for general grant-writing, or for developing an application for a specific grant. Small organizations will be prioritized. Faculty participants will be GT faculty experienced in community-engaged research and crafting grant proposals with community partners.
Materials: All templates, resources, and digital systems provided
Expected Outcomes
Organizations will leave with draft content ready for grant applications, organized systems for ongoing grant work, and increased confidence in their ability to pursue funding opportunities effectively.