The University of Maine at Presque Isle will host a workshop entitled Grant Writing Basics, presented by experienced grant writer Kimberly Smith, on Tuesday, March 20, from 9 a.m. to Noon in the Campus Center. This workshop is open to the public.
The presentation will cover many topics within grant writing, including: what the trends are today, who is eligible to apply, how to find the grantors and make sure you’re a good fit for their programs, what should be included in your grant application, what supporting documents you should include, how to create a grant project budget, when to include a cover letter, and what happens after you get the grant (or don’t.)
“The University is very pleased to host this workshop and provide people in the area with important tips and advice for creating the best grant applications possible,” Mary Lawrence, Coordinator of UMPI’s Conferences and Special Programs office, said. “We’re very pleased to have someone with Smith’s experience deliver this workshop and provide important insight into the grant writing and grantmaking processes.”
Workshop presenter Kimberly Smith holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Husson University; and a certificate in Non-Profit Management from Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia. She has served as the CEO of three non-profit organizations, which have won national awards under her stewardship, and has served as a consultant for five other non-profits around the country.
Smith has more than 20 years of experience in computer software application instruction and has taught at the collegiate and graduate levels. Most recently, she was instrumental in obtaining funding for and implementing an 8-course Non-Profit Management Program through a partnership with a local college.
Smith has been an integral part of the Presque Isle Historical Society since 2006, instituting numerous historical tours, preparing exhibits, and operating the Vera Estey House Museum, circa 1875. She has been on both sides of the grant process, presiding over the grantmaking of a community foundation in Virginia and later serving as a grant writer for the Aroostook County Action Program and the Presque Isle Historical Society. In addition, she has given grant writing seminars to several audiences. Smith is listed in several “Who’s Who” directories, serves on several local community boards, and is a member of Mensa.
“In today’s economic environment, non-profits need all of the tools and resources they can find to be more effective,” Smith said. “Trends tell us that 62 percent of grantors have reduced the funding available and that they are operating with fewer assets. In addition, many have narrowed their grant focus. This means that there are more organizations competing for the same dollar. With these circumstances, it is imperative that our grant applications be more competitive. This is an opportunity to learn more about the process and how to be more effective in that process without having to leave the County for a class.”
Cost for this public workshop is $45 for community members, $15 for UMPI students. The registration deadline is Noon on March 16. To register, contact UMPI’s Conferences and Special Programs office at 768-9502 or e-mail marialuisa.udasco@maine.edu.