Writing   

Class Overview

The world of grant-seeking is becoming more competitive. Gain the knowledge to become a successful grant writer, whether you're a program manager, fund developer, or the head of an organization. Learn a series of essential skills, from project design to development and persuasive writing. 

Discover where to find grant opportunities, how to write grant reports, and how to build relationships with grantmakers so that you have all the information you need to get funding for something you care deeply about. Explore the ethics involved in writing proposals and reports, and receiving funds. 

Topics will include:

• Grantwriting is an essential skill for organization leaders, program managers, and fund developers
• Prospect research -- learning where to find grants and the best approach to research
• Project development – using the logic model to design your project
• Formulating goals, outcomes, and objectives
• Preparing a project work plan and timeline
• Budgeting your project
• Evaluation 
• Editing for persuasive communications
• Packaging your document for either snail mail or email
• Building relationships with grantmakers
• The ethics involved in the grantwriting process

This online class includes 18 lessons with videos, text, writing assignments, and quizzes, plus an hour weekly meeting for group discussion. It is usually taught as a college-level course with 16 hours of instruction plus additional writing time outside of class. However, as an online class, you can do the class at your own pace. You will receive one-on-one personalized feedback on your writing and grant strategy - a huge asset of this class that sets it apart from others. 

In order to achieve the certificate, you will need to complete a grant proposal within eight weeks, following the course curriculum. Your instructor, Allison Shirk, has more than 20 years of experience writing grants. She will guide you through this process step by step.

Meet weekly via Zoom for discussions, and use course communication systems for written assignments and online group interaction. Students must create an account in the online course. Google Drive is utilized for peer review of writing assignments.

Learning Objectives

• Properly outline goals for grants
• Develop proposals that will help you win grants
• Utilize skills in how to present your proposal
• Develop relationships with grantmakers
• Have a finished grant proposal developed with the guidance of an expert 

Who Might Enjoy This Class?

• Nonprofit founders, program managers, or employees who are responsible for securing funding
• Fund development consultants who are interested in honing their skills
• Freelance writers interested in expanding their available services
• Anyone interested in a career in nonprofits, fund development, or grantwriting

Free Info Session -- Wednesday, November 30; 6-7 pm

Meet the instructor, find out more about the class, and ask your questions!
REGISTER for the Info Session.

Class Overview

The world of grant-seeking is becoming more competitive. Gain the knowledge to become a successful grant writer, whether you're a program manager, fund developer, or the head of an organization. Learn a series of essential skills, from project design to development and persuasive writing. 

Discover where to find grant opportunities, how to write grant reports, and how to build relationships with grantmakers so that you have all the information you need to get funding for something you care deeply about. Explore the ethics involved in writing proposals and reports, and receiving funds. 

Topics will include:

• Grantwriting is an essential skill for organization leaders, program managers, and fund developers
• Prospect research -- learning where to find grants and the best approach to research
• Project development – using the logic model to design your project
• Formulating goals, outcomes, and objectives
• Preparing a project work plan and timeline
• Budgeting your project
• Evaluation 
• Editing for persuasive communications
• Packaging your document for either snail mail or email
• Building relationships with grantmakers
• The ethics involved in the grantwriting process

This online class includes 18 lessons with videos, text, writing assignments, and quizzes, plus an hour weekly meeting for group discussion. It is usually taught as a college-level course with 16 hours of instruction plus additional writing time outside of class. However, as an online class, you can do the class at your own pace. You will receive one-on-one personalized feedback on your writing and grant strategy - a huge asset of this class that sets it apart from others. 

In order to achieve the certificate, you will need to complete a grant proposal within eight weeks, following the course curriculum. Your instructor, Allison Shirk, has more than 20 years of experience writing grants. She will guide you through this process step by step.

Meet weekly via Zoom for discussions, and use course communication systems for written assignments and online group interaction. Students must create an account in the online course. Google Drive is utilized for peer review of writing assignments.

Learning Objectives

• Properly outline goals for grants
• Develop proposals that will help you win grants
• Utilize skills in how to present your proposal
• Develop relationships with grantmakers
• Have a finished grant proposal developed with the guidance of an expert 

Who Might Enjoy This Class?

• Nonprofit founders, program managers, or employees who are responsible for securing funding
• Fund development consultants who are interested in honing their skills
• Freelance writers interested in expanding their available services
• Anyone interested in a career in nonprofits, fund development, or grantwriting

Free Info Session -- Wednesday, November 30; 6-7 pm

Meet the instructor, find out more about the class, and ask your questions!
REGISTER for the Info Session.

Class Overview

Are you ready to tell the story of your life (or at least a few stories)? In this class, the goal will be to find new ways to keep the writing flowing as you explore the themes, subjects and scenes that you feel most compelled to write.

Each 90-minute class will include one or more short in-class writing exercises. In the sixth and final class, you will have an opportunity to read a polished short excerpt from your work to your classmates. There will be some handouts and/or reading suggestions. You will be expected/encouraged to write between classes.

Receive support and guidance to overcome any fears you have about writing and sharing your work with others in a gentle community setting. This is a chance for you to find your voice and learn how to write your story comfortably as yourself with more skill and focus.
For students who have taken the Introduction to Memoir Writing class (not required), this workshop will be an opportunity to deepen and strengthen your craft and confidence. 

Learning Objectives 

• Overcome fears you might have about writing
• Find your voice and learn to write comfortably and confidently as yourself
• Discover your story through writing
• Treat your writing seriously and with respect
• Learn to think, observe, interview, and read as a writer
• Share your writing with others
• Understand the tools of the trade, borrowing from fiction writers, journalists, and poets

Who Might Enjoy This Class? 

• Anyone interested in discovering their story and voice through writing
• Writers interested in exploring memoirs and seeking the structure of a class, the support of an instructor, and a community of peers
• People who have begun a memoir and would like support to continue 
• All levels are welcome

Class Overview

Are you interested in learning how to write a book, but need more information and support to get it done and make it a success? Learn the art of publishing your book, from writing to editing, design, and final publication.

In this course, we will focus on writing your book and consider all of the questions needed to create excellent content. What is the story you want to tell and how do you tell it? Who is your audience and how do you approach your audience and readers?

Learn about storytelling, refining your topics, the editing process, and all of the steps and considerations for writing your book. How do you want the final product to look and feel when it is complete and being held and read? Consider the visual aspects of your book, including layout, illustration, design, and your book's cover. We will offer a course in the next quarter that will focus on working towards final publication, including choosing a publishing house, book promotion, and online retail selling. 

You can publish your book in your native language, whether it is English or another language. Instructor Georgetta Gancarz, explains, "I want students to express themselves in their identity and culture. For me as an artist, freedom of self-expression, including cultural, is necessary to be true and creative."  She has written and published 20 books to date and also teaches multiple art classes for Continuing Education.

What You Will Need

Students must have access to a laptop or computer and internet access for this class. You will need to install some free writing programs on your device.  

Learning Objectives

• Understand the steps needed to write a book
• Gain skills in thinking about your audience and future readers
• Acquire knowledge in executing your book, including topics such as storyline, creating chapters, choosing a title, referencing and documenting sources, and editing
• Gain knowledge in creating the visual aspect of a book, including design, layout, illustrations

Who Might Enjoy This Class

• Anyone interested in publishing a book