Education is a critical component of the West Virginia Grant Resource Centers’ work. In addition to providing one-on-one technical support for clients pursuing grant funding for their economic, community, and workforce development projects, we strive to bridge gaps in grant writing capacity through training.
The Grant Centers are proud to offer three types of training opportunities: Live Grant Assistance Sessions, our grant writing webinars, Grants 101 Workshops, and two eight-week microcredential courses. These training offerings, which vary in depth and duration, are designed to meet West Virginians where they are. Whether you’re a new grant writer or a seasoned professional, we aim to equip you with the knowledge and nuance needed to elevate your grant proposals and strengthen your existing abilities.
See the descriptions below to help determine which Grant Centers’ training best aligns with your goals.
Live Grant Assistance Sessions
The Live Grant Assistance Sessions (LGAS) are biweekly webinars that take a one-hour, deep dive into a single grant-related topic. These webinars often explore elements of the grant writing process, specific funding opportunities, or other capacity-building resources. LGAS events are sometimes co-hosted with guest experts and partner entities.
What To Expect:
- Cost: Free!
- Duration: 1 hour
- Experience needed: No previous experience is needed to participate in LGAS events.
- Takeaways: During LGAS events, registrants can expect to gain a more thorough understanding of one element of the grant writing process, a specific funding opportunity, or a partner’s resources. Registrants will receive a copy of the presentation, as well as a link to the session’s recording, following the event.
How to register: Register for individual events using our Event Calendar and subscribe to our newsletter for LGAS event alerts.
This training is recommended for: Individuals who are interested in incremental learning about the grant writing process, featured funders/funding opportunities, or partner resources.
Grants 101 Workshops
The Grants 101 Workshop is a comprehensive in-person and/or virtual training that guides participants through each critical step of the pre-award process. Developed and presented by our team of grant writing experts, these workshops aim to help West Virginia communities, organizations, and other eligible entities grow their independent application preparation and grant writing skills. Grants 101 Workshops can be tailored to support our clients’ unique needs and may be co-hosted with a partner entity.
What To Expect:
- Cost: Free!
- Duration: 5 hours
- Experience needed: No previous experience is needed to participate in a Grants 101 Workshop! These events are an introductory, day-long dive into the grant writing, researching, and assembly process. All who are interested in learning more about grant writing — or brushing up their existing skills — are encouraged to attend.
- Takeaways: In this workshop, registrants will become acquainted with the following topics, complete with insight from our experts: Building community capacity, seeking and finding funding, building project narratives, maximizing community partnerships, developing budgets, matching funds, letters of intent, and grant readiness.
This training is recommended for:
- Individuals and staff serving West Virginia communities; nonprofit organizations; businesses and for-profit operations; public/private/higher educational institutions; and other grant-eligible entities who are interested in engaging with the grant writing process.
Interested in hosting a Grants 101 Workshop for your staff, community, or in collaboration with a scheduled event? Submit a Training Request here!
Microcredential Courses
The Grant Centers offer two eight-week virtual microcredential courses: the introductory “Essentials of Grant Writing (EoGW),” and the intermediate “Advanced Grant Writing (AGW).” These courses, hosted seasonally through Marshall University and West Virginia University, provide participants with an opportunity to elevate their grant writing skills, receive tailored support and feedback, and earn a microcredential in the process. Participants will meet weekly with their instructor and cohort at a designated time.
What To Expect:
- Cost: One-time fee of $250 (hosted through Marshall University and West Virginia University)
- Duration: 8 weeks
- Experience needed? No previous experience is needed to participate in the “Essentials of Grant Writing” course. Although no formal training is required to take “Advanced Grant Writing,” we recommend that participants have taken the “Essentials of Grant Writing” course or have existing familiarity with the common components of a grant proposal to ensure preparedness.
- Takeaways: Topics will vary based on the week’s area of focus as outlined in the syllabus.
This training is recommended for:
- EoGW: Individuals interested in gaining a greater understanding of grant writing, assembly, and submission.
- AGW: Individuals who have experience applying for grant funding opportunities and wish to strengthen their existing skillset.
How to Register for Events
Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram to receive monthly event overviews, LGAS reminders, and microcredential course announcements!