The training will be led by Smithson Mills, a professional grant writer specializing in community economic development.  Mills has successfully written numerous grant proposals to federal, state and private foundation funding sources, raising more than $5 million for projects since 2002.

While this event will focus on life science grants, the information provided will apply to all forms of grant writing, including community development and education.

This two-day grantsmanship training will target opportunities in life-sciences and address the key components of a successful grant request, including development of a statement of need, budgets, timelines, and identifying quantifiable goals and objectives that will be a direct result of project implementation.

Instructors will introduce research tools to participants to help them identify funding sources that match their individual and organizational needs.  A preview of funding sources and their requirements will also be provided, beginning with local foundations and progressing through state government and state-wide private foundations up to federal requests, which typically require the highest skills for grant writing and project management.  Specific life sciences and biotechnology organizations that offer grants will be identified, and examples across the spectrum of relevant grant opportunities will be presented.

Finally, the curriculum will provide an overview of post-grant management and reporting requirements, including examples of successful life science related projects.  Throughout the training, the importance of developing strong relationships and partnerships with current and potential sources of support will be stressed.  Participants will be offered the opportunity to write their own project descriptions and statements of need, which will be reviewed and critiqued by instructors in one-on-one consultations during the two-day program and in coaching sessions scheduled for completion in the weeks following the training events.

The $25 fee includes lunch both days and all materials.  Participants are welcome to bring laptops.  Please dress for comfort, as participants will be sitting in a classroom all day.