Three-Day Symposium on Grant Writing

Day 1: Foundations of Grant Writing

Thursday, November 13, 2025 | 6:30 PM

Session 1: Introduction to Grant Writing Fundamentals

Participants will gain an understanding of basic grant writing concepts, emphasizing the important role grants play in helping small businesses, women-led ventures, minority enterprises, and churches with big outreach dreams.

This foundational session will cover:

• What grants are and how they work
• The different types of grants available
• Understanding the grant landscape
• Common myths and misconceptions about grants
• Building a sustainable funding strategy

"By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established" — Proverbs 24:3

The necessity of knowledge in building solid projects cannot be overstated. This session lays the groundwork for everything that follows.

Day 2: Constructing Persuasive Proposals

Friday, November 14, 2025 | 6:30 PM

Session 2: Identifying the Right Funding Sources

This session focuses on finding funders who share your organization's goals. Learning to pinpoint these sources is crucial for success.

What You'll Learn:

• Researching grant opportunities
• Understanding funder priorities and requirements
• Matching your mission with funder interests
• Building relationships with funders
• Creating a prospect list

"The mind of the prudent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge" — Proverbs 18:15

This verse stresses the importance of smart research and planning. Finding the right funder is often the difference between success and rejection.

Day 3: From Submission to Success

Saturday, November 15, 2025 | 9:00 AM

Session 3: Developing Effective Grant Proposals

This session guides attendees on how to write compelling proposals. Skills covered include structuring your proposal, setting clear goals, and ensuring your needs are well-articulated.

Topics Include:

• Understanding the components of a winning proposal
• Writing clear, compelling narratives
• Articulating your organization's need and impact
• Creating measurable goals and objectives
• Telling your organization's story effectively
• Common mistakes to avoid

"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might" — Ecclesiastes 9:10

This verse motivates us to give our best efforts. A well-crafted proposal reflects the care and dedication you bring to your mission.

Session 4: Budgeting and Financial Planning

Participants learn to develop realistic budgets aligned with their project goals.

What You'll Master:

• Creating project budgets that make sense
• Understanding direct vs. indirect costs
• Budget narrative writing
• Demonstrating fiscal responsibility
• Cost-effectiveness and sustainability
• Common budgeting pitfalls

"For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost" — Luke 14:28

This session emphasizes the critical importance of careful planning and realistic financial projections.

Session 5: Navigating Submission and Follow-Up

The final session covers how to manage the submission process and maintain communication with funders.

You'll Learn:

• Final proposal review and quality checks
• Understanding submission requirements
• Meeting deadlines effectively
• Following up appropriately with funders
• Handling rejection and reapplying
• Stewardship and grant reporting
• Building long-term funder relationships

"But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God" — James 1:5

This verse encourages attendees to seek wisdom in their pursuits, including knowing when and how to follow up with potential funders.