OVERVIEW

 

Join us for UpCity's first ever "open gym" workshop designed especially for grant writers and resource development professionals who are looking for a dynamic peer-to-peer learning experience.

 

To kick things off in the morning, you and other guests will have the chance to participate in a 30-minute, audience-led Q&A session with an Oregon Community Foundation program officer.

 

Next, take advantage of a highly unique opportunity to talk through and receive feedback on one of your grant proposals while working in small groups. To support you in gaining diverse perspectives, each table will include colleagues and peers working in various sectors.

 

Then, it's your turn to "think like a program officer" by reviewing and providing feedback to others at your table. You'll also gain some fresh perspective as you hear feedback shared by your colleagues. Is someone wrestling with an especially tough proposal concept? UpCity partners and expert associates will be on hand to help too.

 

In the spirit of expanding our community's collective knowledge base, all guests will regather at the end to share "a-ha" moments and best practices garnered from their small group discussions.

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BACKGROUND

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The "open gym" concept was developed in direct response to feedback received from nonprofit professionals who attended our advanced grant writing workshops and reported learning just as much from their peers as they did from the foundation trustees and program officers.

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Apparently you are one of the smartest people we know!

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WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

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This workshop is primarily designed for grant writers and fundraising professionals who are currently developing proposals. Nonprofit managers, board members, independent contractors and others who are actively working on grant applications are also welcome.

 

Given the diversity of organizational missions and expertise often represented at our workshops, we encourage you to engage fully and steer the discussion so that your experience feels rewarding.

 

The primary goal for this training is to support you in turning your knowledge into action.

 

 

THE AGENDA

 

• Registration, networking, coffee, breakfast treats [8:30]

• Opening Q&A with The Oregon Community Foundation [9:00]

• Structured proposal review session in small groups* [9:30]

• Large group debrief and best practices [10:45]

• Session end [11:00]

 

 

* WHAT TO BRING

 

All participants must bring five (5) copies of a two-page proposal letter or a few specific sections from a large proposal in progress. Proposals may be addressed to any foundation, including but not limited to OCF.

 

Please consider carefully what you bring! Each participant can expect enough time to review the equivalent of two full pages of content during the small group review session. Questions? Email us!

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Kindly note that guests must come prepared to this workshop in order to participate. Those who arrive without five pre-printed copies of relevant material to review will be (very reluctantly) asked to leave without refund.