Bridging the gap between those with resources and those in need

Grant-Writing and Project Development Training

 

August 13-17, 2007 (Monday-Friday)

 

8:30AM-5:00PM

 

Napa Valley Adult School Campus

1600 Lincoln Avenue (Near Corner of Jefferson and Lincoln)

Napa, California

 

Lead Facilitator:  Dianne Aigaki, Funding Forum

 

When you attend this workshop, you must come with a true project idea.

You will write the proposal during the five days with intensive guidance from trained facilitators.

 

The way to effective grant writing is through insight and clear thinking.  Solid grant proposals are a blend of accurate facts and sincere emotional appeal.  To be a strong contender among the hundreds or thousands of competing proposals that funders receive, the grant-writer must present the problem and the solution in a seamless flow of compelling information.  It is critical to follow the format and address the priorities of the funder.  The Funding Forum Seminar teaches this combination of skills, turning the corner on the attitude of “There is not enough money out there to do good work”.

 

WHO ATTENDS:

Over 4,000 people have participated in The Funding Forum training, writing proposals that secured millions of dollars for worthy projects.  These participants have represented everything from art councils to hospitals, water sanitation, HIV/AIDS, battered women’s shelters, animal rights, teen pregnancy and tiger conservation.

 

WE TEACH FOUR MAIN STRATEGIES:

·         How to write the essential proposal components: Abstract; Statement of Purpose; Introduction to the Organization; Introduction to the Project; Statement of Need; Goals; Specific Objectives; Implementation Plan; Evaluation Plan; Future Funding Strategies; Dissemination Plan; Line Item Budget; Support Materials

·         How to write the Query Letter and Two Page Proposal Letter--two essential vehicles for gaining funder interest

·         The foundation of solid project development--from vision to specifics for implementation.   The process of learning proposal writing is the same process necessary for the development of any sound project management plan, so even in cases where funding has already been assured for a project or agency, this seminar is valuable to guide project development.

·         How to locate, network and contact appropriate funders, starting with local resources and branching out to funders at state, regional and federal levels.  The emphasis is not on locating specific funders for each specific project (although that often happens during the workshop), but on teaching the research skills and the philosophy behind funding that allow this process to happen in a logical and efficient manner.

 

GOALS for the SEMINAR:

Each individual or team:

1)   Develops/enhances skills to prepare professional grant proposals and/or project management plans.

2)   Leaves the workshop with all or the majority of the writing completed for submission of a grant proposal.

3)   Learns how to use various databases of private foundations and corporate foundations as well as search the Internet for leads to possible funders.

4)   Develops a list of possible funders who have a strong presence in their community or state or who have a strong track record of funding their type of organization or project.

 

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR:

Dianne Aigaki has 35 years experience as a grant writer and trainer of grant writers.  She has worked for scores of non-profit organizations the world over in project planning and development, fund-raising, board training, project monitoring and evaluation.  During this seminar, she leads a group of trained editors who give continual, one-on-one feedback to participants as they write their grant proposals.

 

FEE:   

$825 for first participant working on a proposal

$725 for each additional participant writing on the same proposal

 

Fee Includes:

·         Insight and Clear Thinking: The Way to Effective Grant Writing (250-page manual filled with scores of specific examples on all aspects of proposal writing)

·         Funder search for your specific project, with contact information for funders--search is based on the information you provide about your project when you register

·         Intensive one-on-one assistance from the lead facilitator and trained proposal editors as you write your proposal

·         Follow-up consultation by email after the workshop to make sure you are on track with proposal writing and funder applications

·         Continental breakfast and hearty snacks and beverages throughout the week

 

REGISTER FOR THE TRAINING:

Space is limited to 30 participants so we can provide maximum attention to you and your project. If you plan to attend, please contact Dianne Aigaki: dianneaigaki@yahoo.com.

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

More information about the Funding Forum Grant Writing and Project Development Training is available at www.dianneaigaki.com.