The Summer '09 workshop series will take place Tuesdays at 2pm, from July 7 until August 18 (no session August 3). A certificate will be issued at the end of the workshop sequence to those who have attended each session.

LMU faculty, staff and student workers are welcome. Students must acquire the permission of a supervisor.

Please RSVP to Cynthia Carr, ccarr9@lmu.edu.

July 7, 2pm: 1. The Process of Searching
Unlock the potential of funding database COS through its advanced (yet simple) search capability. Learn how to think about grant opportunities in order to maximize your time and effort as well as back door strategies to use when considering foundations. A proper search is indispensable to an effective grant plan. (Conducted in the computer lab)

July 14, 2pm: 2. Logic Models and Evaluation
What are logic models, and how do they help in project planning? Dispense with the hype and learn how to stream your project from inception to assessment using logic modeling. Once you have your logic model in place, you’ll be set to consider issues of evaluation. Why evaluate, and what should be evaluated? What’s the difference between a goal and an objective, and how can you make them measurable? It’s both simpler and more complicated than you might think.

July 21, 2pm: 3. Budgets: Going Beyond the Spreadsheet
Preparing a budget is the act of translating your project into financial language. Learn what the numbers mean, and how they can help you prepare powerful proposals that adhere to meaningful timelines. Become acquainted with the LMU fringe benefit and F&A policies, as well as common ways of categorizing expenses.

July 28, 2pm: 4. Elements of a Grant Package
What’s the most important part of submitting grant proposals? Following directions! Come to this session to learn how to read your funder’s directions and follow them. Become acquainted with the common elements of grant packaging, like the Board list, 990 and audit. Learn about the pitfalls of submitting online vs. by mail.

August 3: NO SESSION

August 11, 2pm: 5. Writing Narratives and LOIs
Grant writing has a few distinctive qualities: concision, directness and clarity. Learn how to state your case in the clear way that communicates best with busy foundation and agency professionals, as well as how to adjust the emotional tone of your ask for maximal impact. Learn about the common elements and basic structure of the narrative and Letter of Interest (LOI). Learn why short online applications are often more difficult than traditional proposals.

August 18, 2pm: 6. Post Award: Yay, I Got the Award! Now What Do I Do?
Learn the basics of administering your award, from setting up an account with Post Award Administration and Accounting (PAAA) to managing grant funds and tracking expenses. How does the project begin? How does it end? Learn best practices in assessment, compliance, reporting and reapplication for federal agencies as well as foundations.

Questions? Please email Cynthia Carr at ccarr9@lmu.edu.