Spring/Summer GIC Workshops

Upcoming Grants Research Workshops:

Intro to Foundation Grants for Non-Profit Organizations

Sessions will include an orientation to the Collection, background on the world of grantmaking, information on how to build a credible nonprofit organization, as well as general grantseeking tips.  This workshop is suitable for staff of nonprofit organizations and UW clientele.

• Friday, May 20, 2011 ~ 9 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
• Thursday, July 7, 2011 ~ 1 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
• Friday, August 19, 2011 ~ 9 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

Foundation Directory Online
Gain hands-on experience using the Foundation Center's foundation database, Foundation Directory Online.  Those new to grants research, consider taking it with the workshop above!

• Friday, May 20, 2011 ~ 11 a.m. –  12 noon
• Thursday, July 7, 2011 ~ 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
• Friday, August 19, 2011 ~ 11 a.m. –  12 noon

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Identifying Grants for Research & Project Funding

Aimed at those from the University community (and from the public at large) who are interested in identifying grant opportunities for their research and special projects.  Emphasis is on funding for academic pursuits.

• Wednesday, August 10, 2011 ~ 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Grants for Your Education

This free presentation is for current and future students in Wisconsin (of any institute of higher education) interested in researching potential scholarships, fellowships, and grants for one’s education. Focus is on how to identify funding sources beyond those that are available through most offices of financial aid. 

• Tuesday, June 14, 2011 ~ 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

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Further Information

Each semester the Grants Information Collection in Memorial Library at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, sponsors workshops on grant-seeking strategies.  Workshops generally exclude funding for for-profit enterprises and for personal welfare assistance.

Fee:  None ~ free to all

Registration:  Not required ~ but seating is limited.

Location:  Room 231 Memorial Library
at 728 State Street, Madison*

Non-UW participants will be able to get a day pass upon showing an ID at the entrance. For more information telephone the Nikki Busch at (608) 262-6431, or send email to: grantsinfo@library.wisc.edu.

Grant Links: Wednesday, April 27, 2011

UW-Eau Claire:  Nursing Scholarships (Scroll down to view June Deadlines)

UW-Stout:  Jaycees of Wisconsin Foundation (click on related link to view details)

Milwaukee:  Milwaukee Area Technical College Scholarships (deadlines vary)

WI:  American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin Scholarship Program Deadline May 6th (pdf)
 
WI:  E.H. Marth Food and Environmental Sciences Scholarship

WI:  2011 Wisconsin State Fair Blue Ribbon Sale of Champions Foundation Scholarship

WI: Water Supply and Treatment Scholarships from the Wisconsin Water Association (pdf)

WI:  Wisconsin Bakers Association Scholarships (pdf)

WI:  Wisconsin Library Foundation Graduate Education and Continuing Education Grants & Scholarships

WI:  Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra Scholarships  (pdf)

US:  Applications for New Awards; Personnel Development To Improve Services and Results for Children With Disabilities (Department of Education)

US:  B. Davis Scholarship

4th Annual Public Health in Education Symposium

Healthy Classrooms Symposium 2011

On April 27, 2011, the Healthy Classrooms Foundation will be hosting their 4th annual Healthy Classrooms Symposium. The Healthy Classrooms Foundation is a statewide nonprofit organization that works to bring the ideals and practices of public health to the classroom and community through creative, sustainable initiatives and education.  Again, student initiated and led, it is an inspiring example of how next generation nonprofit leaders are making an impact.

Please consider registering to attend this free Symposium, which draws an audience of over 300 participants.  Below you will find this year’s Keynote Speaker and Program Topics, which will provide you with information that will directly relate to your environment, classroom and student body.

When:  5:00 - 8:30 p.m. on
Wednesday, April 27st, 2011
Where:  Health Sciences Learning Center
750 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53705
 
Click HERE to register free online!

Keynote Address:
New Math: Rethinking the Teacher’s Role in the Health Care Equation

Martha “Meg” Gaines, JD
UW Law Professor
Founder and Director of The Center For Patient Partnership

Program Topics Include:

• Diabetes & Exercise – My Triumphant Story
• Bullying and Victimization: What Adults Can Do
• Healthy Spaces, Healthy Children
• Wisconsin’s Obesity Prevention Movement- Get Involved
• Talking the Talk: How to Address Sexual Health in Middle Schools
• Working with Parents: How to Sustain a Positive Relationship
• Ideas into Action: HCF 2010-2011 Grantee Panel
• Physical Education: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Click HERE to register free online!

Grant Links: Tuesday, April12, 2011

UW-Madison:  Marshall Scholarship Program for UK Study

UW-Madison:  Rhodes Scholarship

Fox Valley, WI:  Quarry Quest Funds for Public and Private School Classroom Supplies

Shullsburg, WI: Shullsburg Fund accepting applications through May 13

US (35 states):  Dollar General's Literacy Grant Programs

Free Workshop at MPL: Intro to Foundation Grants for Nonprofits

Date:  Thursday, April 21, 2011
Time:  5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Location:  Hawthorne Branch of Madison Public Library - Community Room
Contact Number:  608-246-4548
Registration Required:  Click here to Register

Class Description:  This workshop will include background of the world of grantmaking, information on how to build a credible nonprofit organization, general grantseeking tips, and a demonstration of the powerful Foundation Directory Online database.  Suitable for anyone involved with or interested in nonprofit associations or organizations.  Presented by Nikki Busch, Grants and Research Librarian at UW-Madison's Grants Information Collection.

My New Favorite Grants Book!

Grant Writing 101:  Everything You Need to Start Raising Funds Today by Victoria M. Johnson really is my new favorite book on grants and fundraising in the broadest sense.

It's not unusual for me to be asked to review books on grantseeking or other issues related to nonprofits - either by authors themselves or by their publishers - but what is unusual is for me to be totally head over heels for one of these works.  I even plan on giving this book as a gift to friends and colleagues in need!

And here's why:

Johnson's guide is an on-point, need-to-know arsenal for those seeking funding.  No time is wasted in obtuse theory or historical ramblings; this book is aimed at those eager to jump right in and grab their fundraising reins.

The author rightly insists that one must know one's organization, its program(s), and the purpose of the funding sought before researching potential funding partners or putting pen to paper to write a grant proposal.  Why?  Because if you don't know what you're looking for, how can you find it?

Johnson translates the multitude of "types of support" variously referred to in grantmaker literature into seven purpose-driven categories--to which novices and gurus alike can relate.  Types of grantmakers are similarly organized into nine flavors, briefly defined, that serve to quickly orient one to the world of funding sources.

With this basic groundwork in place, Johnson then turns to the different questions one must answer with each of the various parts of a proposal.  In-text examples of do's, don'ts, sample wording, and even budget layouts are blocked and highlighted to catch the reader's attention at the point of need during the reading and writing process. 

But, no, she doesn't stop there, the author graciously and wisely prompts the reader not to stop once a proposal has been submitted, but instead use the opportunity to prepare for one's future fundraising needs.  For instance:  How might a grantseeker appropriately communicate with potential funders before and after submitting a grant?  What does a grant matrix look like and why do you need one?  What does an extremely short grant application look like--or an incredibly thorough one?  Different grantmakers will be looking for different formats.  Johnson helpfully closes her book with a variety of sample proposals and a resource list for further learning.


I never thought I'd say this, but if I could only recommend one grant book and one only--this would be it.  For now J