Craft a Great Proposal with Grant Writing Know-how

by Betsy Natter

If you are thinking of writing a grant for your organization but don’t know how to start, the Bucks County Business Association’s Grant Writing Course may be the place to begin. The three hour, hands-on workshop will teach you all the ins and outs of putting together a stellar proposal for your organization.

Non-profits and smaller organizations often desire to grow and expand their services but lack the financial resources necessary. Securing funding through grants is a great way to acquire the means to pursue that growth. But that means crafting a stellar proposal. So, how do you write a grant? And maybe you are wondering – what really is a grant anyway?

Grants are formal, comprehensive documents designed to secure funding from a potential donor. Funders may be foundations, corporations or state or the federal government. It’s important to know where to look and how to apply for appropriate funding as well as how to write a proposal that will get you noticed among the competition.

The course's seven units cover the preparation, writing, submission and follow-up components of a grant.

Topics include:

Overview of the Grant Writing Process
Identifying Needs and Focus
Finding Funding Sources
Developing General Proposals and Budgets
Preparing and Submitting Specific Proposals
Responding to the Decision
Grant Reporting

The workshop is available to members and non-members, individuals and corporations as well as non-residents of Bucks County. Normally the class costs $160 but it is currently available at a special $99 discounted rate. When signing up for the class, participants earn a $25 credit either toward membership in the Bucks Business Association or annual renewal.

Dates and locations of upcoming classes are as follows:

Sat., July 21 – 9 am to 12 pm

Beneficial Bank
34 S. Sycamore St.
Newtown, PA 18940

Thurs, Aug 2 – 5:30 to 8:30 pm

The Manor at York
2010 York Road
Jamison, PA 18929

Mon., Aug 20 10am to 12 pm

WeWork
1010 N. Hancock St.
Philadelphia, PA 19123

Pre-registration is required and can be found by clicking here or by visiting the Association’s website. Participants should bring a Wi-Fi enabled laptop or tablet to class as well as any grant proposals currently in process.