Grant-writing seminar to assist non-profits obtain funding

1 year ago

PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — As part of its 60th anniversary celebration in 2023, Presque Isle Historical Society is once again offering a comprehensive but affordable grant-writing workshop for the area.  The workshop is being offered on Saturday, Feb. 25 and is only $75 per person.

LaNiece Sirois, executive director of the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce, who has attended previous grant workshops by the Society, said, “It is important to provide training at an affordable price in these challenging financial times. However, the low cost of this workshop definitely does not speak to the quality of knowledge participants will gain.”

The workshop is being taught by Presque Isle Historical Society’s Kimberly Smith. Smith, who has been writing grants and offering grant workshops for over 20 years, is also the resource development officer (grant-writer) for the City of Presque Isle. Smith gained her experience in the grant arena by serving as the executive director for four non-profits, one of which was a grant making foundation. She holds a master’s in business administration from Husson University and a diploma in non-profit management from Shenandoah University in Virginia.  

The workshop is open to anyone interested in learning to write grants – whether as a new skill to add to a resume or as a staff member or volunteer of a non-profit organization. Topics covered include: terminology, documents needed, who gives grants and where to search, types of research one should do, elevator speeches, logic models, components of a grant application, writing a goal or objective, preparing a budget, letters of inquiry, and what happens after you have been notified of award or denial.  

The grant-writing workshop will be held on Saturday, Feb. 25 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. Proceeds from the workshop will benefit the Historical Society. The deadline to register is Feb. 17. To sign up for the workshop, email the Society at pihistoricalsociety@hotmail.com. The workshop will be held in the McCain Conference Rooms, East Annex, 2nd floor, AR Gould Hospital, 140 Academy Street, Presque Isle. Seating is limited so register now!