Learn the importance of compelling writing and how to hone your voice and skills for the editing process.
Join us to build your professional writing skills and better support the grantees and communities you care about!
Program officers and other grantmaking staff are essential communicators in the philanthropic ecosystem. Successfully distilling the history, projects, and impact of grantee partners and conveying that information to decision-makers is a critical part of the grantmaking process.
It can be challenging to convey critical observations within a foundation’s grant recommendation template. Strong writing skills, alongside empathy and evaluation, are crucial for determining how to share information in a meaningful way. This four-hour, live online course guides you step-by-step to sharpen your voice and written delivery.
Through the process of effectively communicating an accurate, authentic representation of the proposed work, you will practice writing and editing while maintaining your own voice. By the end of this session, you will increase your exposure to grantmaking tools and writing experience and build confidence in your ability to develop, edit, and revise narratives.
Content will include:
- The role and importance of writing in philanthropy
- Writing for audience/purpose with an authentic voice
- How to effectively present and support an argument from purpose statement to closing paragraph
- Small group practice of identifying, editing, and giving feedback on various writing samples
- Editing: what to look for and resources to support self-editing
- How to give (and receive) feedback
Individual Rate: $495
Group Rate: $445 per person for groups of 3 or more from the same organization
Deadline to register: Friday, Sept. 25
This course pairs well with our Proposal Analysis course, which helps program staff present the programmatic data that best represents community partners.
Please Note: It is essential to the success of this program that participants attend the full four-hour course and participate in polls, breakout sessions, and discussions (either verbally or via chat). The use of artificial intelligence (AI) of any kind is prohibited. The program will NOT be recorded.
Course Instructor
Jennifer Lawson, Ph.D., is a project director at the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy. She is responsible for creating and implementing projects that advance the mission, vision, and values of the organization. Jennifer has more than 15 years of experience working in philanthropy, with nonprofits, and teaching in higher education. Her areas of expertise include grantmaking, program design, private foundation compliance, course development, and training/instruction. Learn more about Dr. Lawson.
Who should attend this course?
This course is intended for foundation staff, donors, and others engaged in grantmaking. If you do not fit this profile but are interested in attending, please email jcp@gvsu.edu before registering.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
This course may be canceled if it does not reach the minimum number of registrants. In the event of a cancellation, you will be notified at least two weeks before the course start date and will be offered a full refund or the option to transfer your registration to another Johnson Center course. Refund requests for any other reason must be made at least two weeks before the start of the course.
Questions about this event or your registration?
Call 616-331-7585 or email jcp@gvsu.edu.