One of my former students surprised me today! She wrote about her experience as a student in my course. Sonja Pringle was in the Winter 2024 learning cohort. As a recent college graduate from Washington State University with a major in English, she’s a natural writer who wanted to put her writing skills to good use. I can’t think of a better way to do just that than writing grants that help our community thrive. Here is her story…-Allison
A Positive Impact
The decision to pursue a certificate in grant writing stemmed from my work in education and my desire since a young age to make a positive impact through my career. When a friend shared with me her experience with Spark the Fire and the Certificate in Grant Writing Course taught by an amazing instructor, I realized this was the perfect opportunity to further pursue a career where I could make a broader impact. Since completing this course, I have never felt more confident in my writing. With this confidence, I will be able to enter the world of grant writing and help others in my community. These are some of the invaluable lessons I gained through this course:
The Power of Storytelling
I learned how compelling narratives can captivate funders, evoke empathy, and ultimately secure support for projects. By honing my storytelling skills, I discovered it's a great way to learn and share the stories of people who are impacted by the organization's work, as well as the passion and dedication of team members and volunteers. While working on my grant proposal, I was able to develop new relationships with people in my organization.
Importance of Building Strong Relationships
Within the philanthropic community, I came to understand the critical role of building and nurturing these relationships. Establishing connections with funders, stakeholders, organizations, and community members is instrumental in creating a supportive network that can facilitate the success of grant-funded projects. Through the course, I gained insights into cultivating these relationships and leveraging them to foster collaboration. I discovered I’m one email away from making potential connections with key supporters for my cause!
A Deeper Understanding of the Grant Writing Process
One of the most significant benefits was gaining a deeper understanding of the intricate grant writing process. From researching funding opportunities and crafting compelling proposals to navigating budgeting requirements and reporting outcomes, I developed a comprehensive skill set that equips me to take on the complexities of grant writing with full confidence now!
In conclusion, I highly recommend this course to individuals seeking to embark on a new career path or enhance their existing skills in grant writing!