From January 12, 2026 through June 1, 2026 (once per month) Donna Lubrano will be offering a series of Grant Research and Writing workshops designed for small to medium non-profits who are new to the grant world.
| January: Intro to Grants and Grant Writing January 12, 2026, 1.5 Hours
This 1.5-hour workshop introduces participants to the essentials of grant writing, from understanding what grants are to navigating the full process of research, cultivation, writing, awards, and reporting. We’ll explore the different types of funders—foundations, corporations, government, and individuals—while also debunking common myths about grants. Participants will also assess their organization’s readiness to pursue funding and gain a clear roadmap for getting started.
What are grants and how do they work to help fund a non-profits work?
Types of funders: foundations, corporations, government, and individuals.
Understanding the grant process research, cultivation, writing, awards, and reporting.
Common myths & realities of grant funding.
Assessing organizational readiness.
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| February: The Art of Grant Research February 2, 2026- 1.5 Hours
Searching for and finding grants can feel like a roller coaster ride-one minute you’re excited about the funding possibilities, the next you’re facing confusion or complex guidelines and portals. Learn how to navigate successfully from creating key word searches to the various tools including grant stations, fondant, and Grantx. |
| March: Mastering the Art of the Letter of Interest March 2, 2026, 1.5 Hours
LOI’s (Letters of Interest) are introductory tools funders use to evaluate a non-profit’s alignment with the grant priorities. These are often 1–2-page summaries of the organization and their work required before a full proposal is accepted. This workshop will guide grant writers through the essential components of an LOI, offering practical tips to stand out while staying concise and on message.
Please bring writing tools-pens or computers to practice writing your own! |
| April : Mastering the Art of the Narrative April 6, 2026, 1.5 Hours
This 1.5-hour workshop will delve into crafting compelling narratives for successful grant applications, emphasizing clarity, storytelling, and impact. It will cover crafting 3 of the major grant sections within the character and word limits often found in grants today (2000-4000 characters) including:
Statement of Need – Demonstrating the problem, its significance, and why your organization is uniquely positioned to address it. Goals and Objectives – Defining measurable, realistic goals and the specific objectives that will achieve them. Program Description – Design/Methodology – Outlining the strategies, activities, and timeline for implementing the project.
Please bring writing tools-pens or computers to practice writing your own!
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| May: Collecting Data to prove your program works! May 4, 2026, 1. 5 Hours
This workshop is designed to help grant writers develop practical tools and skills for collecting your successes through hard and soft data collection. Learn about selecting the most important data points to impress funders, collecting and reporting that within the grant. This includes understanding the difference between results and outcomes and ways to report them that give clarity to your work.
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| June: Cultivating Relationship with Funders June 1, 2026, 1.5 Hours
Cultivating relationships with funders is key to building trust and long-term support for your organization. It involves consistent communication, understanding their priorities, and showing the impact of your work. Attending technical workshops and office hours, direct email communication are essential. |
Sponsoring Organization
City of Boston
Location
Central Branch of the Boston Public Library: Kirstein Library
Event Date & Time
January 12 @ 6:00 pm - June 1 @ 7:30 pm