November 10
10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Lebanon Public Library
$50, Lunch Provided
You know the grant writing fundamentals. You’ve identified an opportunity, read the guidelines, gathered the data, and answered every question on the application. But so have dozens—or even hundreds—of other applicants.
So, what makes a funder remember yours?
In this session, we’ll move beyond the mechanics of grant writing and focus on what makes an application compelling. We’ll explore how a strong strategic plan and a great story are your competitive advantage. You’ll see when AI is your friend and when it’s not. Along with how to transform facts, statistics, program descriptions, and organizational history into a clear and persuasive story—one that helps funders understand not only what you do, but why it matters, why your organization is uniquely positioned to do it, and what becomes possible with their investment.
You will learn how to:
- Identify the strongest narrative hidden in your organization’s strategy.
- Balance data with human impact.
- Create urgency without resorting to exaggeration.
- Demonstrate credibility without simply listing accomplishments.
- Leverage AI to strengthen your grant writing and expertise, not replace it.
- Connect the need, proposed solution, outcomes, and funding request into one cohesive story.
We’ll also examine common grant writing habits that weaken otherwise strong applications and discuss practical ways to make proposals clearer, more memorable, and more persuasive.
A successful grant application doesn’t simply provide all the right information. It helps the reader see the problem, believe in the solution, and understand why your organization is the right one to make it happen.
ABOUT THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF BOONE COUNTY
The Community Foundation of Boone County exists to unite people, organizations, and philanthropy to create a thriving community for all. Since 1991, its leaders have worked to empower and engage local communities to make a difference right here in Boone County, while also leading a vision to collaboratively address the root causes of challenges facing Boone County in diverse and equitable ways. The Community Foundation continues to invest in the people working to fill local needs and has granted more than $33 million to nonprofit organizations and programs working to solve critical challenges in Boone County. With nearly $45 million in assets, the Community Foundation works with donors to create permanent funds for charitable giving, to strengthen Boone County for generations to come.