Evidence-Based Grant Writing

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

9am - Noon - Workshop - This workshop will be virtual.

Half-Day Workshop: $72

About this session: Generally speaking, evidence-based programs are programs that have been tested, proven effective, and translated into practical models that are widely available to community-based organizations. The same applies for effective grant-writing. We will share time-tested strategies for writing proposals that are grounded in evidence and set the stage for sound implementation, monitoring and evaluation. We will show you how to develop a program logic model and take you through the entire grant cycle from ideation to project close. Using a combination of presentations and case studies, you will have an opportunity to immediately apply lessons learned during the workshop to prepare a mock pitch to funders and get feedback from your peers and instructor.

About the presenter: Valerie F. Leonard, Founder, Nonprofit Utopia, LLC

Valerie F. Leonard is the founder of Nonprofit Utopia, LLC, providing consulting, coaching, courses and an online community. An expert in community and organizational development, Valerie teaches courses and co-facilitates grant writing workshops for UIC’s Certificate in Nonprofit Management program. Over the course of her career, she has helped clients secure over $100 million in grants through proposal writing and technical assistance. Valerie is the host of the Nonprofit Utopia podcast, where guests can share lessons learned in the industry and engage in live Q and A with the listening audience.

As an adjunct instructor with the Roosevelt University Heller College of Business, Valerie also teaches courses in social enterprise, helping students launch social ventures. Valerie has a Master of Management degree in finance and marketing from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management and a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Spelman College.