Become a self-reliant grant writer for your organization.  Who knows your operation better than your team?  In three intensive high-energy days, you will walk through business planning from the grant writing perspective. 

 

Here's what you'll learn in 3 days:

 

• How to read the ins and outs of the RFPs and gather resources
• How to develop a solid business plan and grant plan 
• The design of basic evaluation and financial feasibility
• How to write high impact proposals which can create fundable proposals

 

Receive eDirector, part of the Enterprise Executive Business Planning Software (Valued at $5,000) and learn how to use it to streamline your grant writing process

Our sessions emphasize:

• Solid Planning…because it supports evaluation and financial assessment
• Keeping it real…the community and local connection allows you to think globally and act locally
• Map your objectives to your desired outcomes…meet the goals of the grantor while meeting your goals too!

 

Class Logistics

Schedule and Location: 
 All workshops are held in Indianapolis, Indiana.  Each session runs from Tuesday through Thursday, from 8-5, with lunch on your own from 12pm – 1pm. See the detailed agenda for more information. Dress casual and comfortable.

 

What should I bring:
We encourage you to bring a laptop with you to the session. You will be able to load your copy of eDirector software on your machine and work with it in class. If you don’t have a laptop, don’t worry. You will be able to experience the software during class and learn the basics so you can take it back to your site and be ready to go.

 

Traveling and need lodging?
More details soon.

Prices:
Each 3-day session is $2,550 per person and includes the training, classroom materials, and a copy of the eDirector software (valued at $5,000).

Payment Policy:
Payment by credit card at the time of enrollment is preferred, but we do offer flexible payment options. You have the option to pay the whole amount by credit card during online registration, or you can choose to split that into two or three equal payments. Your credit card will be billed for the initial payment, and then your card will be automatically charged for the next payment in 21 days.  If you prefer to submit a check, choose the pay by check during the checkout process. You will not be officially registered for the class until we receive your first payment. If your organization uses purchase orders, you can also choose to pay the invoice all at once, or in two or three payments. You will choose your payment option when signing up for the class. Full payment is required by the beginning of the class.

Cancellation Policy:
Due to the small class size, a $750 non refundable fee will be charged for all cancellations. Withdrawals are allowed up to three weeks prior to the session.  If you cancel within one week of the workshop or do not attend your scheduled session, you are required to pay the full amount for the workshop. You will receive a copy of the the eDirector software. If you need to reschedule, we will work with you to meet your needs and will consider you prepaid for another session, held within the next year.  

 

Class Overview

The Grant College is a 3-day training - 8am - 5pm, 1 hour for lunch
Tuesday - Thursday

 

Day 1
Session 1	Development From Idea To Conceptual Plan Client analysis Partner analysis Framing idea Idea as it stands alone and fits the organizational mission (setup for using eDirector)
Session 2	Framing Goals and Big Steps Writing measurable goals How to step and organize goals for program use Demographics… by categories
Lunch
Session 3	Building a Program Developing process What is job flow/ workflow Tracking outcomes
Session 4	Cost Feasibility of Project The cost of doing business Phases? Or not Fixed versus variable Measuring gifts in kind donations Framing budgets
Day 2
Session 5	Show Me the Money! Where to look for grants… how well do you research? How to leverage matching funds Donors for cash
Session 6	Networking Tips And Tricks Start w/ packet Phases of project Targeted asking list Get out from behind your desk Tell 200 of your closest friends…
Lunch
Session 7	Building Plans And Reasons To Revise Phase the plan vs. revise Write “if then” business rules When to turn down a gift in kind… when the horse eats more that it’s worth Assemble an advisory team for project
Session 8	Rules Of Measurement Pre and post Outcomes assessment Determining true demographics by categories Data mining
Day 3
Session 9	Physically Writing The Grant Study RFP Plan the writing process Identify need resources and timelines Grant rules When things go wrong and backups
Session 10	Budgets, Ratios And Budget Rationales Framing with standards, principles of accounting Percentage by critical categories revealed Why your numbers are the way they are and other things to point out
Lunch
Session 11	Digitally Speaking Going electronic Tracking data Using your records for reporting
Session 12	I Got The Grant, NOW WHAT? Planning execution timetable When the money comes Receipts proof… audits

 

Why do I need a business plan/strategic plan?
A plan is important for several reasons:

• It helps the leader(s) and key staff put plans in writing that explain where they want to go as a company and everyone’s role in that journey.
• It outlines to all the staff and consultants where the priorities are including the goals, measurable objectives, and activities.
• It provides data to the bank or investors so they can understand your business and you can obtain that green stuff that companies need to run on.
• It communicates to the team a clear roadmap with checkpoints along the way for measurable validation that they are headed in the right direction, and it serves as a gauge to know when they arrive.
• It prepares the company and empowers the employees to steer the ship if the owner or leader becomes disabled or dies.
• It makes the organization very effective, efficient, and focused, while promoting teamwork and good communications.

What is strategic planning?
Strategic planning enables everyone in an organization to see the step-by-step process that will lead to achieving that organization’s goals and what their responsibilities will be in this process. It also describes the values of the organization’s people, how these values will be used to make decisions, what the company does best, and how the staff and owner see the company operating in the future. It is important to include all staff members in the strategic planning process because the more they feel they have contributed to the plan (the more they “own” it), the harder they will work to support and carry out the plan. Assigning duties under the plan to people who do not feel they have been included in its development can lead to resentment of the plan and (eventually) its failure. Everyone’s opinions should be heard to maximize success.

Creating a strategic plan can appear complicated, but it’s much easier to develop when broken down into simple, understandable terms. Strategic planning is a process which brings everyone together to develop a mutually agreed upon roadmap that:

• Provides a clear future vision and purpose.
• Explains who we are and who we want to be.
• Illustrates how we work with our customers and who they are.
• Defines products and services we will provide and our geographical target area.
• Depicts our values and work culture.
• Outlines where we are going and how to get there.
• Documents specific key indicators of accountability so we can measure our progress and know when we arrive.

Purpose, Values, Mission, Management Plan and Finance Plan are all keys to grant writing and successful operations.