Do you know how that playground equipment at the park down the street was purchased? Or the new sign leading visitors to a local landmark? How about initial money for a festival? In any community, chances are that someone, or a group of individuals, wrote a grant proposal and received funding to help with the project.

Individuals and community groups can learn more about writing successful grant proposals at a workshop planned in Holton Kansas on Friday, September 21, 2018. The workshop is presented by Nancy Daniels, a community vitality specialist with K-State Research and Extension and the author of many grant proposals. The training will be at the Jackson County Courthouse Meeting Room at 400 New York Ave, Holton KS from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and includes lunch. A registration fee of $5.00 per person will be charged to help defray the cost of lunch.

“This workshop is for everyone, whether they’ve never written a proposal before and have no idea where to start, to those who have experience but are looking for ways to improve their approach,” Daniels said. “The magic that happens in a local community when people find out they don’t have to wait to get something done, that they can do it themselves, is incredible.”

Participants also learn from each other, Daniels said, adding that even experienced grant writers pick up tips and are reenergized after coming together with peers in their communities. Participants are encouraged to bring their grants or grant ideas to share.

Workshop topics include:

• Sources of data for community needs (where do you find the numbers to back up your request?);

• Where to find grants;

• The five common elements of a great grant proposal;

• Practicing the grant writing elements.

More information and registration is available by contacting David Key, Meadowlark Extension District Agent at 785-336-2184 or by email at dkey@ksu.edu. Registration for the workshop can be completed in by email or phone to the Seneca Office by Monday September 17, 2018 with payment expected by the 21st.