Workshops & Training: Basic Tools Module
BTM 1: How to Set Up a Nonprofit and What are the Next Steps?
Starting a nonprofit could be a trying experience, with the requirements and demands of governance, management and operations getting in the way. This is a step-by-step workshop developed to help navigate through the maze of organizational structure and best practice methods for running a nonprofit. Areas covered include mission, bylaws, fiscal issues, board of directors, personnel, volunteers and fund development. A road map for grant writing and major development will be provided. Trainer: P.J. Davis.
Participants: 30
BTM 2: Grantseeking Basics
For anyone in the nonprofit sector who wants to learn more about laying out a plan for identifying and researching potential sources of funding. The single most important success factor in seeking funds from foundations and corporate grantmakers is doing the necessary research and preparation. Grantseeking is a process with clearly defined steps.
If you've done thorough research on a grantmaker and believe that your organization or project is a good fit with the funder's guidelines, it's time to apply for the grant. Learning how to read and follow the grantmaker's application guidelines carefully will help you understand how to best match your needs with the needs of the funders. Trainer: Connie Harris.
Topics:
- Understanding types of funders and types of support
- Defining support needs for your organization, program, and project
- Creating your (organization, program, project) funding profile
- Identify potential funders and create Prospect worksheets
- Overview of the grant application process
Participants: 20
BTM 3: Hands-On Writing of "Letter of Inquiry" for Grants
Generally, funders don't ask for a full proposal before they get an introductory picture of your organization, your project, and your eligibility within their funding guidelines. A "Letter of Inquiry" is the document usually required, and this workshop will provide a hands-on writing exercise to create this piece for your organization. Trainer: Stephanie Wolf.
Participants: 20
BTM 4: Proposal Writing: The Project Description
This training is designed to provide an in-depth look at the preparation and writing of the project description section of a grant proposal. Since this is a critical component of proposal writing, participants will be exposed to the skills needed to present their ideas clearly, concisely and effectively. The workshop will help grantwriters incorporate key elements of the statement of need and justify the relationship between the proposed project and the budget. Trainer: Celeste Smeland
Participants: 30
BTM 5: Proposal Writing: The Statement of Need
The Statement of Need is the heart of a grant proposal. It is where the grant writer must clearly define the problem or need, the importance of responding to this need at this time, and why your approach is unique in addressing it. In this workshop, we will examine all the specific components of a statement of need. Additionally, we will review and discuss a few case studies before writing and critiquing our own individual needs statement. Trainer: Celeste Smeland.
Participants: 30
BTM 6: Proposal Writing: Creating a Project Budget
For proposal writers at all levels who want to learn the nuts and bolts of budget preparation to support their project proposals.
A sound, well-organized budget can help convince prospective funders that your proposal is worthy of their financial investment. This workshop will teach you to build a budget step-by-step, to give funders a complete picture of your project's financial needs. Using real-world scenarios, you'll learn to think more strategically about how to strengthen your proposal through budget presentation. Trainer: Connie Harris
Topics
Creating each component of the project budget
Outlining the full cost of your project, including overhead
Calculating personnel costs, fringe benefits, and non-personnel expenses
Strategies for presenting income and other funding sources
Using your organizational budget to help build the project budget
Funder's guidelines for budget presentation and reporting
Benefits
Tell your story through the budget numbers
Present budgets according to grantmaker guidelines
Align your budget with project objectives
Use footnotes and a narrative to add clarity
Participants: 20