Turn your ideas into grant winning proposals to fund projects! In this workshop, we’ll cover the essential components of crafting a successful grant proposal, explore how to make a compelling funding request, and break down what foundations are really looking for in some of those trickier grant questions. You will learn how to outline your narrative using a logic model, construct boilerplate proposals to streamline future grant applications, and develop grant budgets that align with your narrative. Participants will also receive a link to a custom grant tracker spreadsheet and learn how to use it for annual grant strategy planning to meet fundraising goals. Designed for beginner and intermediate grant writers, this lively workshop includes ample time for Q&A. Join us and make grant writing less daunting!

This informative workshop is offered at no cost and is being sponsored in partnership with the North Shore Alliance for Economic Development and the Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD).

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Presenter:

Lara Lepionka

Lara Lepionka is an independent consultant with 20+ years of experience working in the nonprofit sector. She offers an array of services to clients, including budget development, grant writing, fundraising, leadership coaching and transition, board development, and strategic planning. In 2010 Lara founded Backyard Growers—a grassroots food justice organization in Gloucester, MA—to help her neighbors increase their access to affordable, healthy food during the recession by providing them with backyard and community gardens and training in how to grow their own food. She later developed a unique, district-wide school garden program for the Gloucester schools that she successfully replicated in school districts throughout Massachusetts. During her 12 years as executive director, Lara grew Backyard Growers into a thriving organization serving over 2,000 public school students and low-income households each year. Prior to Backyard Growers, Lara worked for 10+ years in Chicago and the Greater Boston area in diverse roles at nonprofit organizations with missions focused on the arts, education, human services, and social justice.