JUST GRANTS! Arizona

Training Topics Catalog

Following are the titles of workshops in the JUST GRANTS! Arizona  “catalog” of grantsmanship-related trainings. Click on any title for a complete description of the workshop.

NOTES:

  • Not all workshop topics are included in the current season’s training schedule. To see our current offerings, visit our Current Training Schedule.
  • Or visit How to Host or Sponsor a Workshop for information on how you can bring any JUST GRANTS! Arizona training to your community or organization, conveniently and affordably.
Title Level Length
Building Blocks for an Unbeatable Proposal Budget – Guaranteed! 3 hours
THE 90-MINUTE GRANT PROPOSAL: "Speed-Thinking" Your Way to a Clear, Compelling -- And Fundable! -- Project Concept 3 hours
THE LOGIC BEHIND THE LOGIC MODEL: Essential Tools for a Rock-Solid Evaluation Plan 3 hours
BUILDING A WINNING PROPOSAL . . . ON THE SPOT! E 1 day
GRANTSMANSHIP ESSENTIALS: Principles & Practice Certificate Course E Six sessions, 3-1/2 hours each (21 hours)
THE GRANTSMANSHIP GAME: Playing to Win E 2 days (12 hours)
THE ULTIMATE GRANTS TOOLKIT WORKSHOP E 1 day
GRANTSMANSHIP ESSENTIALS: Introduction & Overview E, L 3 hours
GRANTS READINESS: The Culture and Practices of Successful Grantseeking Organizations L 3 hours
BUDGET BUILDING FOR GRANT PROFESSIONALS P 3 hours
CAPACITY-BUILDING GRANTS: Funding Your Mission from the Inside Out P 3 hours
GRANTS CONSULTING: Is it for You? P 6 hours
GRANTS MANAGEMENT: The What, How and Why of Maintaining an Effective Grants Fundraising Program P 3 hours
GRANTS RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET: What Works, What Doesn't Work -- and What Makes the Difference P 3 hours
PARTNERSHIP PAYS!: Building Collaborations that Work P 3 hours
POWER WRITING FOR NONPROFITS: Principles of Clarity and Structure P 3 hours
PRACTITIONER SERIES - 6 SESSIONS P 18 hours
THE ESSENTIAL EVALUATION TOOLKIT: Defining and Measuring Success P 3 hours
WINNING FEDERAL DOLLARS: Essential Skills of Federal Grantsmanship P 1 day (6 hours)

Building Blocks for an Unbeatable Proposal Budget – Guaranteed!

Length: 3 hours
Level:

Workshop Description:

Worthy grant proposals often don’t make it to the final cut because the proposal budget is poorly put together. However, crafting a budget that clearly and accurately reflects all the resources your program needs is not a complex or mysterious process!

In this workshop you'll learn the principles of mission-driven budgeting, and practice applying those principles to a real-life scenario as you build a detailed proposal budget, step by step. You'll learn how grantmakers evaluate budgets -- and what your budget says about your organization. And you'll work with simple but powerful tools to help you organize your financial information in the clearest, most powerful way.

Join us at this workshop and you will:

  1. Understand the importance of a sound, detailed, mission-driven budget as both a key proposal component and a planning and management tool

  2. Learn how the concept of "total-value budgeting" supports your project planning and management -- and simplifies the process of building a proposal budget

  3. Learn what you need to know about "in-kind," match, valuing volunteer time, indirect or administrative costs, and much more.

  4. Learn the easy-to-follow,step-by-step process guaranteed to result in an unbeatable proposal budget

  5. Work with -- and take home -- planning tools that will guide you through the process start to finish -- guaranteed!

Comments From Previous Attendees:

"Extremely useful!" - Angela Peatman, SUN/Puertas, Calistoga, CA

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THE 90-MINUTE GRANT PROPOSAL: "Speed-Thinking" Your Way to a Clear, Compelling -- And Fundable! -- Project Concept

Length: 3 hours
Level:

Workshop Description:

Do you have a great grant idea you'd like to create, but not sure how to start?

Come and join us as we show you how to develop and test a project concept in a matter of minutes. No more going back to the office to get it done - have a first-draft proposal concept in 90 minutes! Introductory Level.

In this fast-paced interactive session you'll learn what questions will lead you more deeply into your own best thinking about a successful project or funding need. You'll learn how to organize your ideas quickly. You'll learn how to tap into your own passion to discover the most compelling story possible. You'll have a chance to preview your concept for your colleagues and get their feedback. Come with your own good idea -- you'll leave with a head start on a clear, compelling project proposal - one that grantmakers can fund.

Topics covered will include:

  • Your grant proposal as a strategic planning tool

  • The key planning questions that every grantmaker needs to have answered in order to make an informed, intelligent and confident decision about your proposal

  • The Project Profile/Planning Worksheet: Planning tool and proposal template

  • Crafting the 90-minute grant proposal, step by step:

    1. The summary

    2. The need statement

    3. Intended outcomes

    4. Action plan

    5. Resources needed

    6. Project evaluation

    7. Partnership and collaboration

  • Speed-testing your project concept: Team exercise

  • Now what? - Sharing your project concept with the people who can help you make it happen

Comments From Previous Attendees:

"Great! Really demystified the grant proposal and simplified the process. Thanks for an informative session." --- Julia DeNatale, Wolfe Center, Napa,CA

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THE LOGIC BEHIND THE LOGIC MODEL: Essential Tools for a Rock-Solid Evaluation Plan

Length: 3 hours
Level:

Workshop Description:

Inputs . . . Outputs . . . Outcomes . . . Goals . . . Logic Models: Everywhere you turn, grantseekers are talking about them. And more and more funders -- private and public alike -- are requiring them as part of your grant application package.

But what is a "Logic Model," anyway? How does it work? What are the key elements, how do they fit together, and -- most important -- how can knowing how to construct a solid, makes-sense Logic Model support not only more successful grantseeking, but the success of your program itself?

In this workshop, longtime grant professional and national workshop leader Maryn Boess strips back the myths and mysteries surrounding the Logic Model Process and gives you the tools and concepts you need to put the Logic Model to work for you. You'll discover:

  • A new, powerful way of looking at the underlying framework of your program or project plan

  • A no-jargon, easy-to-remember, real-life "roadmap" to the key elements of a Logic Model and how they fit together

  • How to use the Logic Model process to create knock-their-socks-off outcome statements and evaluation plans that funders will love

  • The Logic Model as a key tool for more successful, high-quality program management

  • The Logic Model in action: Samples from a variety of community organizations

Comments From Previous Attendees:

"Excellent model. Makes us focus on goals, not chasing money." -- Sara Cakebread, St. Helena Family Resource Center, St. Helena, CA

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BUILDING A WINNING PROPOSAL . . . ON THE SPOT!

Length: 1 day
Level: Essentials

Workshop Description:

NOTE: This workshop is exclusively reserved for those who have taken one of our "Essentials" programs within the past 18 months, including:

  • The Ultimate Grants Toolkit Workshop (1 day)

  • The Grantsmanship Game: Playing to Win (2 days)

  • Principles and Practice: Six-Week Certificate Course

  • Grant$ Magic (1/2 day)

Your "Essentials" program gave you the power tools for constructing a grant proposal that's clear, compelling, cohesive and complete -- in other words, a winner. Now with "Building a Winning Proposal . . . On the Spot!" you can put your power tools to work right now, on the spot . . . and go home with a first draft of a winning proposal.

The first part of the morning we'll review the key JUST GRANTS! power tools for building a winning proposal -- the Project Profile/Planning Worksheet; the Program Logic Model Map; the SMART? outcomes statement worksheet; the "Five W's" metholodology worksheet; the Master Budget Checklist; and more.

  • The rest of the day you'll spend working on an idea of your own choosing, using the power tools to craft a winning first-draft proposal, step by step.

  • Members of the JUST GRANTS! training team will be right with you every step of the way to support you with one-on-one coaching, trouble-shooting and feedback.li>
  • Finally, you'll share the day's work with fellow participants for thoughtful feedback and suggestions as we honor and celebrate each other's journey to grants success.

Don't miss this unique, one-of-a-kind opportunity to work under the individual guidance of The JGA Training Team . . . so you can take your own good idea to winning grant proposal . . . on the spot.

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GRANTSMANSHIP ESSENTIALS: Principles & Practice Certificate Course

Length: Six sessions, 3-1/2 hours each (21 hours)
Level: Essentials

Workshop Description:

Are you ready to make a deeper commitment to your practice as a grants professional?

Expand your knowledge of effective grantsmanship through intensive, hands-on skill-building experiences. In this six-week, 21-hour course, you'll explore in greater depth the essential principles -- the "Five Rules" -- of effective grantsmanship and learn to apply them in the successful grantseeking organization.

In "Principles and Practice," you'll:

  • Select a specific real-life project from your own grants environment to develop as a case study over the six-week course.

  • Learn how to build a solid, fundable grant proposal from the inside out and the bottom up.

  • Discover first-hand what goes on during the proposal review process -- and what reviewers see when they read your proposal.

  • Work with a variety of planning tools and worksheets to make your grant proposals clear, concise, complete, coherent and compelling.

  • Learn how to organize and manage all the details of your grantseeking effort, from planning to partnering, from researching funders to building a solid budget.

In order to earn your "Certificate of Competency," you will be required to complete a series of portfolio assignments to your instructor's satisfaction. You will receive regular, one-on-one instructor guidance and feedback during your six-week session.

PREREQUISITE: None

Comments From Previous Attendees:

Enjoyed every minute of this class and could not bear missing even one session. So much information and so much to learn. Everything about this class was superior, even the participants. -- Virginia Chomiak- Reel Kids Productions Inc.

Thank you. Your six-week class has totally opened my eyes to the grantmaking and grantseeking world. I appreciate the sincere help that you give to your students and would have no problem referring you to other people interested in this field. -- Todd Baio, Town of Queen Creek

Just wanted to share some good news with you, and it's due, in large part, to the ["Grantsmanship Essentials: Principles & Practice"] classes. I received word yesterday that a grant I had requested for our [church's] youth program was awarded. I had requested a grant for $10,000. To my surprise I was awarded a grant of $20,000! I have never heard of being awarded a grant for more than I requested. Obviously the conversations I had with my contact person, and the application narrative, must have been persuasive. I am now up to $72,000 in grant money that I have been able to secure. Thanks for the help you have given me! -- Phil Petrasek, Lutheran Pastor (Tucson)

I wish to say a very big THANK YOU [to JGA instructor Barbara Polston] for your outstanding instruction over the past six weeks (Grantsmanship Essentials Principles & Practice, Phoenix location). I have learned many practical and applied "real world" techniques. I enjoyed each of the six sessions to the extent that I'm actually disappointed that class is finished! I'm extremely motivated to successfully seek grants on behalf of my clients. -- Leslie Linquist, MBA, Strategic Management Consultant

Thank you for sharing your knowledge! I took your grantsmanship class last fall ["Grantsmanship Essentials: Principles & Practice"] and submitted my class project for funding after completing the grant application, abstract and budgets. Well, we just received notice that our project, 'Mujeres Saludables,' has been funded by the Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Phoenix Affiliate, for 2003-2004!! What an exciting time for this novice writer. I am stunned, elated and somewhat taken aback. It's been a wonderful adventure, and I wanted you to know so that you can celebrate too. Thank you so much. -- Carole Allen Weishaar, President, Desert Cancer Foundation of Arizona

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THE GRANTSMANSHIP GAME: Playing to Win

Length: 2 days (12 hours)
Level: Essentials

Workshop Description:

Arizona's leading workshop on becoming a successful grantseeking organization in an era of change! For beginners and veterans alike, this workshop offers an intensive, hands-on, skill-building approach to corporate and foundation grantsmanship.

This workshop presents the five fundamental, underlying, nonnegotiable principles on which an organization's grantseeking effort must be founded for long - term success:

  • Rule 1: Know Yourself -- The Power of Mission-Driven Grantsmanship

  • Rule 2: Build True Partnerships -- Collaborating for Success

  • Rule 3: Plan, Plan, Plan -- Plan! Building Your Master Proposal Blueprint

  • Rule 4: Know Your Funding Source -- Grants Research and Relationships

  • Rule 5: Create the Perfect Proposal -- Putting It All Together, On Paper

You'll learn the practical application of these 5 Rules to to build a solid, fundable grant proposal from the inside out and from the bottom up. You'll work with planning tools and worksheets to make your proposals clear, concise, complete, coherent and compelling. And you'll learn how to organize the details of your work in a way guaranteed to take you to the next level of grantseeking success -- no matter where you're starting out.

PLUS TWO GREAT BONUSES:

  1. Free two-week guest pass to the Arizona Guide to Grants Online's searchable database of over 1900 foundations and corporations that have an interest making grants in Arizona.

  2. A free CD with all the Planning Worksheets presented during class -- plus JGA's Proposal Planning Guide which includes three additional worksheets to help you map out the myriad details in developing a winning proposal.

PREREQUISITE: None.

Comments From Previous Attendees:

Thank you for an excellent workshop. Not only do I feel prepared to begin the discipline of grant-writing, but I also received a considerable amount of helpful information about nonprofit structure, culture and organization. This was money well spent!! -- Alice Broscheird, Sustainable Resources, Ltd.

If there were a higher score than 5 Barbara deserves it...As a new grantwriter, this course has given me the confidence, that I can succeed at my craft. Thank you! -- Bobbi deHann, Positive Network Alliance, Inc.

I found that the workshop quelled some of my fears regarding grant writing. I really appreciated learning how to locate funding sources and developing an organizational plan.-- Trishia Nash, Arizona State University

I loved this workshop! Lisa is so helpful and clear with her presentation! She also took the time to answer everyone's question - without hesitation. I would recommend this training to anyone. --Goldie LaPorte, Banner Health

The information I learned in the workshop will certainly help our organization to plan better and improve our chances of winning proposals with funding. This is a workshop that every grantseeker should attend. -- Leonard Rivera, St. Vincent de Paul, OLPH Glendale

The presenter's energy, expertise and enthusiasm were contagious, enlightening and infectious. I'm on a seriously restricted budget but felt I got excellent value for my money (which doesn't happen all that much). -- Maryruth M. Monahan, Sun Sounds Radio for the Reading Impaired

I'm so excited about all the info! I walked in knowing nothing and feel prepared to write/plan a successful grant. Thanks so much!" -- Jillian Asplund, Flagstaff Cultural Partners

I want to share a quick story which validates the tools presented in your "Grantsmanship Game" workshop. We operate a family-model home for pregnant teens and teen moms. I decided to use the workshop tools to form a letter to send to five of our primary supporters. The object was to raise cash for an August "family" vacation to San Diego, and for upcoming training that I wanted to attend. I was requested approximately $2,000. Overall, $5,500 was raised from the five people we contacted. They all thought the letter was the most organized appeal they had received from a non-profit. To say the least, the letter was a grand success. Thanks for the tools! -- Kevin George, Compassion House (Phoenix)


It was such a gift and blessing to share these two days . . . Awesome! Life-changiing! We are now able to have more opportunities to make our dreams come true! -- Dr. Karen Peters, The Petroglyphs at Partridge Creek

This workshop was amazing. I . . . learned more about grantsmanship in this two-day workshop than I've learned in a full semester at NAU. The instructor was very experienced and knowledgeable. Worth every penny! -- Lauren Ristig, Arts Management Student, NAU

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THE ULTIMATE GRANTS TOOLKIT WORKSHOP

Length: 1 day
Level: Essentials

Workshop Description:

For beginners and veterans alike, this full-day workshop offers an intensive, hands-on, skill-building approach to corporate, foundation and government grantsmanship.

  • You'll learn how to build a solid, fundable proposal from the inside out and the bottom up.

  • You'll work with planning tools and worksheets to make your proposals clear, concise, complete, coherent and compelling.

  • And you'll learn how to organize the details of your work in a way guaranteed to take you to the next level of grantseeking success -- no matter where you're starting out.

This workshop will introduce you to a unique, powerful, success-proven approach to grantsmanship as a mission-centered, strategic organizational process. You'll leave with:

  • A new, powerful way to think about your role in the grants field . . .

  • New, powerful strategies for organizing and managing a successful grants effort . . .

  • And new, powerful tools for winning corporate, foundation, and government dollars to support your organization's work in the world.

NOTE: "The Ultimate Grants Toolkit Workshop" presents the GrantsUSA/JUST GRANTS! "Grantsmanship Essentials" curriculum -- the Five Rules of the Grantsmanship Game -- in a first-ever one-day format.

BONUS: Your registration includes:

  • A free copy of The Ultimate Grants Toolkit -- GrantsUSA's new collection of print and electronic grants worksheets and planning tools -- a $75 value! (For more information, visit www.GrantsUSA.net); and

  • A free two-week guest pass to the Arizona Guide to Grants Online, the premiere resource for comprehensive, complete information about who's making grants in Arizona!

OUR GUARANTEE TO YOU: Whether you’re a grants rookie or a seasoned veteran, join us for this high-value, fast-paced session . . . we guarantee
you’ll leave with at least three new tools to take your grantseeking to the next level of success . . . right now!

QUESTIONS? For more information, please contact Sally Clifford at sally.clifford@grantsusa.net, or call (602) 230-5326, ext. 11.

Comments From Previous Attendees:

A wealth of information at a reasonable price! --Jane Crothers

The methodology presented was practical for both the novice and experienced grant seeker/writer. -- Gail W. Corkill

Excellent -- enticing -- left me thirsty for more information! . . . Most useful and encouraging. Great trainer, no doubt about it. -- Debora Guevara, Arizona Women's and Youth Foundation

This was great! I gained a better understanding of why grantsmanship is so critical! As a "rookie" in this realm, this workshop gave me a great start at this topic. -- Russ Funk, M.A.D. Ministries, Inc.

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GRANTSMANSHIP ESSENTIALS: Introduction & Overview

Length: 3 hours
Level: Essentials; Leadership

Workshop Description:

Your "Starter Kit" Workshop for Grantseeking Success:

Here's everything you need to get started on your way to grantseeking success -- all in one fast-paced, resource-rich three and one-half hour session.

  • You'll explore the essential rules of the grantsmanship "gameboard," including mission-driven grantsmanship, the power of partnership, effective program planning, funder research and relationships, and creating winning proposals.

  • You'll discover how the overall grants process works and how you can contribute to your organization's grantseeking success.

  • You'll learn the six key planning questions that must be answered in any successful grant request.

  • You'll learn the key strategies and resources for zeroing in quickly on those funders most likely to be interested in your project or service.

  • And you'll leave with three of the most powerful tools you need to get you started on your way to grants success.

Your Workshop Fee Includes:

  • Class Workbook

  • A free CD with all the Planning Worksheets presented during class -- plus JGA's Proposal Planning Guide which includes three additional worksheets to help you map out the myriad details in developing a winning proposal.

  • A free, two-week guest pass to the Arizona Guide to Grants Online database of more than 2,000 foundation and corporate grantmakers. NOTE: To learn more about the Guide Online, click here .

  • A copy of the 2008-2009 Guide to Arizona Grantmakers --the only annual print directory of philanthropic resources exclusively for Arizona grantseekers, and includes detailed profiles of nearly 800 corporate and foundation grantmakers that are both located in Arizona and give to Arizona organizations (a $75 value!). NOTE: To learn more about the book, click here .

Who Should Attend:

  • Anyone new to the field of grantsmanship looking for a "starter-kit" workshop.

  • Board members, volunteers, administrative staff, and others who, while not directly responsible for the grants function, do serve a supporting role or could benefit from a basic understanding of the grantsmanship process.


Comments From Previous Attendees:

A wealth of information at a reasonable price! --Jane Crothers

This workshop was very focused and clearly presented. It will be very useful for me and for the clients I serve. Great value for the time and money. --Sharon Tolma, AZ Dept. of Housing

Very useful training. I no longer feel I am a novice! The material was very clear and explanatory. -- Katie Cain, MDP Victim Services, Inc.

The instructor was extremely knowledgable. If you want to learn the basics, this is a must-register course. -- Sarat Pratapchandran, Volunteer Center of Maricopa County

Excellent -- enticing -- left me thirsty for more information! Wish I could spend the day at your seminar. Most useful and encouraging. Great trainer, no doubt about it. -- Debora Guevara, Arizona Women's and Youth Foundation

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GRANTS READINESS: The Culture and Practices of Successful Grantseeking Organizations

Length: 3 hours
Level: Leadership

Workshop Description:

What does it take to be a successful grantseeking organization? Success in grantsmanship involves much more than being able to write a good proposal. In this workshop, you'll learn how to lay the groundwork for effective grantsmanship in both your organization's culture and its practices. You will:

  • Understand the importance of mission-driven grantsmanship;

  • Have tools to determine your organization's strategic priorities;

  • Be able to identify your organization's needs and resources for your grant-funded projects;

  • Have a framework for developing and strengthening financial and program accountability; and

  • Know the resources and practices necessary to position your organization for grants readiness.

FEATURING: The exclusive "Grants Readiness" checklist assessment tool

PREREQUISITE: None

Comments From Previous Attendees:

I have learned so much that I hardly know where to begin. I anticipate adopting at least a half dozen ideas and suggestions that I learned today. -- Mary Anne Doty, Junior Achievement (Phoenix)

This was an excellent workshop and is appropriate, not only for those in fund development, but for anyone in a non-profit leadership role. -- Andrew Schwartzberg, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona

This was not only an excellent review of the Principles and Practice course but also provides excellent new tools in terms of documenting what we need for grants readiness. -- Kim Back, Center for Biological Diversity

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BUDGET BUILDING FOR GRANT PROFESSIONALS

Length: 3 hours
Level: Practitioner

Workshop Description:

At the heart of every mission-driven grant proposal stands a mission-driven budget. A good budget provides an honest, complete and clear picture of the total value of all the resources necessary to perform the proposed work. It also stands as an invaluable management and evaluation tool when it comes to running the grant-funded program.

In this workshop you'll learn:

  • Learn the principles of mission-driven program budgeting;

  • Apply the principles of mission-driven program budgeting to a foundation grant request, a state or local government grant request, and a federal grant request;

  • Be familiar with resources for more information on developing federal grant budgets;

  • Understand and be able to apply the concepts of "direct" and "indirect" costs;

  • Understand and be able to apply the concepts of "matching" and "in-kind" resources;

  • Learn additional resources for building program budgets for various kinds of grant requests.

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CAPACITY-BUILDING GRANTS: Funding Your Mission from the Inside Out

Length: 3 hours
Level: Practitioner

Workshop Description:

One of the most exciting developments in grantsmanship in recent years is the interest among many funders in "capacity-building" as it relates to capital, endowment and advancement campaigns. Grantmakers such as the Kresge Foundation help organizations build capacity through challenge grants for capital projects. This workshop will explore "capacity building" as a means to help an organization strengthen themselves from the inside out.

This workshop is presented in a seminar style format -- where what you bring to the discussion will be as important as what the instructor brings to you. Together, we'll explore:

  • What does "capacity-building" really mean -- to you and to grantmakers.

  • How do proposals to support capacity-building differ from funding requests for programs and services.

  • How to determine the "capacity building" projects that will move your organizations's mission forward.

  • What do you need to know before approaching a funder with a capacity-building proposal.

  • How to connect with funders on the "capacity bulding" level, while remaining in line with their philanthropic passions and your organizational mission.

Note: If your organization has a written strategic plan, it would be beneficial to bring a copy with you to enhance your seminar work.

PREREQUISITE: It is strongly recommended that you attend an "Essentials" class before registering for a workshop in the "Practitioner" series.

Comments From Previous Attendees:

Very interesting and terms were well-defined!..great materials, highly interactive --Silvanna Vetere, Best Buddies Arizona

I found the information useful, its something we can definately use to measure where our organization is and if we're aligned. It also provided me with ideas our organization can use for capacity building. --Vanezza Gallego, Nogales Community Development Corp.

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GRANTS CONSULTING: Is it for You?

Length: 6 hours
Level: Practitioner

Workshop Description:

The workshop you've been waiting for -- everything you need to know about building and maintaining a successful practice as an independent grants professional. This practical, reality-based workshop offers clear, workable advice on how to:

  • Position yourself for success;

  • Set a flexible, realistic fee structure;

  • Build your client base through successful marketing;

  • Deal with the most common tricky situations;

  • Manage the ethics of grants consulting;

  • . . . and much more.

Includes worksheets and templates to help you plan and manage the details of your consulting practice.

PREREQUISITE: It is strongly recommended that you attend an "Essentials" class before registering for a workshop in the "Practitioner" series.

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GRANTS MANAGEMENT: The What, How and Why of Maintaining an Effective Grants Fundraising Program

Length: 3 hours
Level: Practitioner

Workshop Description:

Congratulations, you got the grant! Now what?

The time to be asking the "now what?" question is before you submit the proposal, not after you receive the award. Good grants management begins with good program planning and design. In this workshop, we'll explore how to assure your program's success by building a solid management plan into your proposal from the very start. You will:

  • See how the grants funding environment really works;

  • Learn what you need to know about grants management before you write the proposal;

  • Examine the down-to-business, nitty-gritty realities of managing a grant award;

  • Explore the principles of ethical grants management; and

  • Get hands-on experience in outlining a plan to manage a grant-funded program.

PREREQUISITE: It is strongly recommended that you attend an "Essentials" class before registering for a workshop in the "Practitioner" series.

Comments From Previous Attendees:

This information will benefit our organization when we apply for grants knowing the "what not to do" ahead of time. Thank you so much for your time and expertise. Sylvia Williamson, Phoenix First Assembly

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GRANTS RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET: What Works, What Doesn't Work -- and What Makes the Difference

Length: 3 hours
Level: Practitioner

Workshop Description:

With its vast scope and lightning speed, the Internet's the best thing that ever happened to grantseekers -- right?

Well, yes . . . and no. In this hands-on, interactive Internet lab session, we'll cut through the many misperceptions about grants research on the Web, and zero in on the sites, services and strategies to help you connect quickly with the right private and public grants resources for your program.

  • You'll learn what to consider when designing your search criteria.

  • You'll learn how to use standard search language to get the results you want.

  • You'll learn which online resources are best for researching federal, state, and private grant opportunities.

PREREQUISITE: It is strongly recommended that you attend an "Essentials" class before registering for a workshop in the "Practitioner" series.

Comments From Previous Attendees:

Thank you for presenting a very informative session packed with very useful info & tools & resources.. --Carol Shaw, Theatre Works

This was a great workshop...I learned a lot of tips and resources I didn't know before. Worth the price. -- Evelyn Rens, Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation

...Thanks again for equiping the non-profit world with the resources it needs to survive. --Cara Winters, International Rescue Committee

Fantastic resources to keep with me and use at the office... --Ian Esquibel, Southwest Human Development

I learned new information beyond what I have leaned in other courses. --Janet Rae Humphrey, ALS Association Arizona Chapter

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PARTNERSHIP PAYS!: Building Collaborations that Work

Length: 3 hours
Level: Practitioner

Workshop Description:

A federal program officer was speaking for many 21st-century grantmakers when he said a few years ago: "Whether we require partnership or not, the truth is, if your proposal ain't collaborative, it ain't gonna be competitive!"

Thinking and working collaboratively "pays" in many ways for your grantseeking organization. But creating and sustaining meaningful partnership doesn't get any less challenging when there's a grant proposal at stake. In this thought-provoking, down-to-reality workshop, we'll take a close look at what "collaboration" means in the community -- and how you can make it work for you. Topics covered include:

  • "Cooperation" to "collaboration": The partnership continuum

  • The four essential stages in the life cycle of a collaboration -- what to expect and how to manage each

  • Five major steps to developing a collaborative grant proposal

  • Partnership protocols and issues

  • You got the money! -- Now what?

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POWER WRITING FOR NONPROFITS: Principles of Clarity and Structure

Length: 3 hours
Level: Practitioner

Workshop Description:

Clear, compelling writing is vital to all your on-the-job writing projects -- not just grant proposals. In this hands-on workshop, you'll learn and practice simple but powerful and often overlooked techniques that will have you writing more clearly, quickly and confidently -- right away.

The focus is on presenting your message in a way that makes it as easy as possible for your reader to understand -- so you get the results you want. Topics include:

  • Writing so clearly your reader cannot possibly misunderstand your message;

  • Organizing your material for maximum impact;

  • Who are your readers, and how do you get inside their heads?

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PRACTITIONER SERIES - 6 SESSIONS

Length: 18 hours
Level: Practitioner

Workshop Description:

The JUST GRANTS! Arizona training team presents six of our most timely, popular "Practitioner" workshop topics in a special money-saving package. Sign up for all six -- and you'll save as much as $45 off the single-workshop price. You also receive a complimentary Binder with Tabs to store your individual class workbooks. Click on workshop titles below for topic descriptions.

NOTE: To receive the special "Practitioner Series" discount, you must click on the REGISTER NOW link on this page.

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THE ESSENTIAL EVALUATION TOOLKIT: Defining and Measuring Success

Length: 3 hours
Level: Practitioner

Workshop Description:

This workshop presents the must-have tools and must-do techniques for constructing a solid evaluation plan for your program -- and integrating it into your funding proposals. In this interactive, hands-on session you'll explore these topics and much more:

  • Understand what “evaluation” means in the context of mission-driven grantsmanship, and why it’s important to funders;

  • Understand the difference between process measurement, success indicators and outcomes measurement;

  • Understand which evaluative tool to apply to a specific situation;

  • Become familiar with the concept of “logic models” as a framework for developing solid evaluation plans, and have hands-on experience working with a simple logic model;

  • Understand and be able to recognize the difference between “outcomes” and “outputs”;

  • Understand the difference between “quantitative”
    and “qualitative” measures.


PREREQUISITE: It is strongly recommended that you attend an "Essentials" class before registering for a workshop in the "Practitioner" series.

Comments From Previous Attendees:

I enjoyed the group activities and interactions with others, Thanks! -- Steve Ebbinga, Rescue Mission Alliance

This was a fantastic workshop and has made the entire evaluation process clear. I feel more confident in my ability to understand this portion of the grantwriting process. This class should be required for everyone working in the non-profit community because evaluation should be what we are all about. It isn't about the money alone, it is about the outcomes. Thank you so much. -- Deborah Hudson

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WINNING FEDERAL DOLLARS: Essential Skills of Federal Grantsmanship

Length: 1 day (6 hours)
Level: Practitioner

Workshop Description:

Federal grantsmanship: It's a challenging, often perplexing funding arena -- but one with the potential of tremendous reward as well. Designed for novices and experienced grantseekers alike, this workshop will give you the tools, techniques and confidence you need to make your way successfully through today's changing federal-grants environment. We'll take an insider's tour of the federal grants process; reveal what to really look for when you read an RFP; dissect a typical federal funding proposal; explore the key up-to-the-minute Internet resources to support your federal grants research; and much more!

WORKSHOP TOPICS OUTLINE:
Part 1. GETTING STARTED

  • The Life Cycle of a Federal Grant

  • Selection Criteria Overview and Sample Reviewer Comments

  • Five Strategies for Success

  • Federal Grants Readiness Assessment

Part 2. GETTING CONNECTED
  • Important People, Places and Resources

  • How to use Grants.gov

Part 3. GETTING ORGANIZED
  • How to Read a Federal RFP

  • Proposal Package Checklist and Planning Guides

  • Review Sample Federal Register Notice

Part 4. GETTING IT ON PAPER
  • Anatomy of a "Typical" Federal Funding Proposal

  • Rules for Good Proposal Writing

Part 5. GETTING FUNDED
  • Simple Steps to Success in Winning Federal Dollars

  • Most Common Mistakes

  • Follow-up: What Happens Next?

PREREQUISITE: It is highly recommended that you attend an "Essentials" class before registering for this workshop.

Comments From Previous Attendees:

Very well done. Made me excited about applying for many federal grants. Enjoyed the scavenger hunt! --Margaret Stephens-Reed, Florence Crittenton

Thank you, Maryn; this was a lot of overwhelming information. Your skillful presentation made it much less intimidating, I enjoyed the workshop. --Alice Broscheid, Sustainable Resources, Ltd.

Very informative, clear and comprehensive. This was also a good review for general grants writing! --Mridul Nanda, Aid To Adoption of Special Kids

Excellently organized materials to gain traction in federal funding through grants. --Patrick Hesselmann, American Medical College of Homeopathy

The information learned today has given me confidence to apply for AZ Game and Fish Heritage grants and others... --C. Clemens, DVUSD

The Planning information is terific - Thanks! I will use it! --L. McPherson, TUSD

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