Grant writing courses will help you find, apply and get funded

By: United Methodist Foundation of Western NC

**The Friday, Sept. 8 grant writing workshop is now full. We have added an additional session on Friday, Oct. 27 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Foundation. Use the same registration link.**

Ministry leaders from across North Carolina – particularly those with little or no grant writing experience – are invited to hear from experts and confer with peers. 

A series of events in August and September will help you step up your game in identifying prospective grants and writing competitive proposals. Below, find details and meet the facilitators. 

Among the topics: 

• Finding the right grant(s) for your ministry or cause 

• Best practices for grant writing 

• What NOT to do 

• How to present a budget 

These events, offered in cooperation with the NC Rural Center, are designed for clergy, staff and lay leaders from the Western North Carolina and North Carolina Conferences. You can register here to attend any or all of the sessions. 

Faith-based grants for churches typically are available for any church. Specific organizations may have their own guidelines – for example, an organization may only offer grants to churches in urban areas. Others may be for churches with memberships of under 300 people. In both cases, the collection plate may not bring in enough money to cover expenses. 

By searching for your specific needs, you’ll find it easier to find a church grant that works for your congregation. 

There is one important thing that applies to every church seeking a grant. You must ensure that your church has a 501(c)(3) IRS ruling. This establishes your church as a non-profit organization. You cannot receive grants from either the government or a private foundation if your organization is not a 501(c)(3). 

Webinars: Finding grant opportunities 

• Two options will be offered. 

• Tuesday, Aug. 15 from 6 to 7 p.m. 

• Thursday, Aug. 17 from 11 a.m. to noon 

• Learn smarter ways to search for funders — and keep your goals and timelines on track. 

• Both sessions are led by Susan Cothern, the Foundation’s Chief Operating Officer. Prior to joining the Foundation, Susan worked in higher education development for 20 years. 

Workshop: Grant Writing 101 

• In-person event at the Foundation 

• Friday, Sept. 8 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

• Lunch is provided. 

• Learn tips and practical advice to make your grant applications stand out. 

• Facilitator Karen Martin advises nonprofit executives, managers and volunteers on successful strategies needed to help others understand what you do, why your work is so important and how they can support your efforts. 

Online event: Funders Forum with NC Rural Center’s Faith in Rural Communities 

• Tuesday, Sept. 19 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. 

• Q&A session and breakout groups with grant funders 

• Get advice from professionals who decide on grant applications. 

• The Rural Center helps communities articulate clear visions, invest in building their assets and create cultures of collaborative problem solving. 

For details on these offerings, contact Rev. Annalee Allen, Director of Reynolds Ministries and Programs, at aallen@umfwnc.org or 888-450-1956, Ext. 1504.