GWC Grant Writing Workshop, “Grant Writing 101”, July 25, 2023
GWC hosted our annual workshop, “Grant Writing 101”, on Tuesday, July 25. The workshop was offered at no charge to 18 registrants from local nonprofit staff and volunteers. West Side Baptist Church generously provided the meeting space.
Christopher Timmons, Associate Pastor of West Side Baptist Church, warmly welcomed all workshop participants and presenters. Mary Woodiwiss, Chair of GWC’s Advisory Board and member of the Grants Review & Awards Committee, extended GWC’s welcome and made introductory announcements.
Workshop sessions were conducted by Jan Puzar, Kathy Emily, Donna Foster, and Kerry Ignatovich, GWC Members who have professional experience in program direction, grant writing, assessment, and management. These presentations included discussion of a homework assignment to help participants focus on their organization’s funding priorities, writing an effective grant proposal, and outcome measures for assessment of a program or project.
During the workshop, we enjoyed a break for coffee and bagels.
The workshop also featured a Funders Forum comprised of representatives of local granting organizations. Each spoke about the granting process, funding priorities, and other aspects of their grantmaking as well as responding to workshop participants’ questions. Presenters were: Cyndi New, Self Regional Community Health; Mamie Nicholson, Self Family Foundation; Justo Chalaire, United Way of the Lakelands; Sally Kauffmann, Greenwood Women Care; and Mary Woodiwiss, Greenwood County Community Foundation.
This training provided attendees with fundamentals for improving their grant application practices, whether for GWC Grants or requests made of other local or external funders. GWC’s Grants Review & Awards Committee members believe that Grant Writing 101 is a valuable way to be of service to our local nonprofits as they carry out their missions for the benefit of our whole community.
