This summer, the Catholic Foundationof Michigan Grant and Impact Committee once again presented two interactive virtual training webinars on grant writing, which were open to the public.

Nearly 60 individuals from across Michigan participated in at least one of the workshops. Representatives from local parishes, schools, and ministries gained valuable insight and tips for writing grant proposals of all types, with a special emphasis on the Catholic Foundation’s 2021 competitive grant process. 

“So many applicants to our grant process have never applied for a grant before. These workshops help applicants get more familiar with not just our process, but any grant writing process. Our goal is for them to leave our workshops better educated and encouraged to seek out other grant opportunities to help fulfill their mission,” shared Anthony Schena, chair of the Catholic Foundation Grants and Impact Awards Committee. 

Participants are also able to learn from those who have submitted grant applications in the past. 

This year’s Grant Writing 201 Workshop was led by Susan Tippett, the Director of Grant Administration at Ascension Foundation. The second workshop built upon the skills learned in Grant Writing 101 and took a deeper dive into how to write a successful grant, how grant proposal elements fit together to solve a problem, and how organizations can utilize a logic model to help make the grant writing process easier. 

“Many participants noted how much they loved the logic model that Susan shared, have applied it to the Foundation’s application, and also plan to use it in the future,” shared Meg Doyle, the Operations Coordinator at the Catholic Foundation of Michigan. “Susan’s wisdom and explanation of lessons learned from previous grant applications – whether funded or not – gave attendees the necessary tools and techniques need to complete a grant application,” shared Rosanne Brugnoni.

In Zoom breakout rooms, participants had the opportunity to connect with one another and share questions and best practices. Many participants noted how meaningful it was to see so many people who are connected in various ministries across Southeast Michigan. 

“I love the opportunity to connect with so many people doing beautiful work in the community. It’s both encouraging and inspiring to hear from others who are bringing the light of Christ to so many in need,” a participant noted during the Zoom breakout session. 

The Catholic Foundation seeks to educate and build up our community through collaborative training and workshops. The granting workshops provide an opportunity for the Foundation to listen and connect with community organizations necessary to grant seekers and gain valuable insights on the critical work they do.

The Catholic Foundation has awarded $320,000 to 93 ministry programs through competitive grants in the past three years. With your help, we will give even more this year, as nonprofit organizations, parishes, and Catholic schools are seeking additional funding to respond in creative ways to meet unexpected and emergent needs. 

The competitive grant process is underway for 2021 and awards will be presented in December. To learn more visit: catholicfoundationmichigan.org/grants

Grant Workshop Recordings:

Join us in our granting efforts: give now to one of our granting funds