The St. Petersburg Foundation recently organized a workshop titled “Planning for Successful Grant Writing” to support the local nonprofit ecosystem. This event was a response to the Pinellas County Nonprofit Survey, which was conducted in collaboration with the Pinellas Community Foundation and USF St. Petersburg. The survey highlighted a crucial need for enhanced resources in grant writing among local organizations.
The workshop, led by Whitney Crettol, GCCF I3 Consultant, drew more than 50 area nonprofit leaders and staff members. It provided valuable insights and skills to empower community organizations, focusing on the art and mechanics of grantsmanship and how to craft compelling grant proposals.
Key Takeaways
Understanding the Funding Landscape
The workshop highlighted significant funding opportunities available to local nonprofits. Participants learned that Florida-based foundations have awarded thousands of grants totaling billions of dollars to Florida organizations, with additional substantial contributions from out-of-state foundations.
Effective Planning and Research
Attendees were introduced to various resources for finding grant opportunities, including the Foundation Directory Online and government grant databases. The importance of thorough prospect research and planning ahead was emphasized.
Core Elements of a Strong Application
The session guided participants through essential components of a grant application, including:
- Project summary
- Organizational background
- Need statement
- Goals and objectives
- Approach
- Evaluation methods
- Budget justification
- Continuation plan
Practical Tips for Success
Crettol provided advice on both technical aspects of grant writing and strategies for making a compelling case for support. These included careful editing, strengthening data usage, and expanding evaluation efforts to demonstrate impact.
The strong turnout of local nonprofit leaders interested in bolstering their grant writing skills underscores their commitment to enhancing their impact in the community. This workshop, organized and funded by the St. Petersburg Foundation, represents a significant step in strengthening the local nonprofit sector’s ability to secure funding and continue their vital work in the community.