Over 100 people attended the two-part Grant Application Training Series offered by the Nonprofit Center, the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County, and Arundel Community Development Services (ACDS). This two-part series introduced nonprofit organizations to some of the major grant programs in Anne Arundel County and provided tips, from grant reviewers, for submitting a competitive application.
The first session, a 90-minute webinar, described several grant programs and how to decide whether or not to apply. The second session, an in-person workshop, opened with an activity where participants reviewed sections of a sample grant application to identify strengths and weaknesses. Attendees then selected two breakout sessions. Topics included understanding the local landscape, writing compelling program narratives, developing program budgets, and the importance of outcome measures.
We are exceptionally grateful to the representatives of Anne Arundel Women Giving Together, Banneker Douglass Tubman Museum, Charting Careers, Chesapeake Arts Center, Hope For All, Impact 100, Kingdom Kare, and The Complete Player Charity, for sharing their time and insights with attendees.
Key takeaways:
- Know who else is doing similar work
- Describe what makes your organization unique
- Use data to support your need statement and
- Make connections among needs, program goals, funder priorities, and overall impact
- Craft one short sentence that summarizes your proposal’s core message
- Provide detailed budget justifications that match your narrative
- Demonstrate how you will measure your program’s success
- Grantors ask for information in different formats - use the format each requests
If you would like copies of the materials provided at the workshop, please contact the Nonprofit Center at 410-222-6999.
