FREE Grants Training Sessions

Free Grants Training Sessions

The city of St. Cloud is holding a series of four free training sessions designed to help non-profits successfully secure and manage grant funding. Interested groups may choose to attend as many of the sessions as they choose.

Facilitator for the sessions will be Rob Hogan, CFE. With more than 25 years working with local governments and non-profit organizations, Rob is a leading expert in grants management. He brings a wealth of practical knowledge accumulated from his tenure as a federal audit contractor and consultant for local governments around the country.  Throughout his career, Rob has developed and executed robust grants strategies and shared his insights through training programs,

All sessions will be held at the Cannery Park building, 901 Virginia Ave. (corner of 9^th Street and Virginia Avenue.)

• Wednesday, May 14, 10 a.m. to 12 noon: Writing Compelling Grant Proposals: This training session aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to write effective and persuasive grant proposals. Attendees will learn how to present their organization or project in the best light, tailoring their narratives to match the interests and requirements of potential funders.
  • Key Topics:
    • Understanding what makes a grant proposal compelling
    • Structuring your proposal for maximum impact
    • Essential components of a successful grant proposal
    • Tips for clear and persuasive writing
    • Avoiding common pitfalls in proposal writing
• Wednesday, May 14, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.: Prospect Research and Identifying Funding Opportunities: This workshop is designed to help participants efficiently identify and research potential funding sources. It covers strategies for uncovering and selecting opportunities that align with their mission and projects, thus maximizing their chances of securing funding.
  • Key Topics:
    • Utilizing databases and other resources for funding research
    • Assessing alignment between funding opportunities and organizational goals
    • Strategic approaches to prioritizing prospects
    • Techniques for initial outreach and establishing connections with funders
• Wednesday, May 28, 10 a.m. to 12 noon: Developing a Grant Strategy:The focus of this training is on creating a comprehensive grant-seeking strategy that aligns with the organization’s goals and resources. Participants will learn how to manage their grant pipeline, from planning to submission to follow-up, ensuring a sustainable approach to securing funding.
  • Key Topics:
    • Components of an effective grant strategy
    • Building and managing a grant calendar
    • Engaging stakeholders in the grant strategy
    • Evaluating and adapting the strategy for continuous improvement
• Wednesday, May 28, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.: Understanding Grant Budgets and Financial Management: This session aims to demystify the financial aspects of grant management. Attendees will gain insights into developing realistic budgets that meet both their needs and the funder’s expectations, along with skills for managing finances responsibly throughout the grant period.
  • Key Topics:
    • Principles of budgeting for grants
    • Creating transparent and justifiable budgets
    • Financial reporting and compliance
    • Strategies for effective financial management and stewardship of grant funds