Beginner Grantwriting in Willmar from MN Council of Nonprofits

This workshop will introduce grantwriting to nonprofit professionals who have less than one year of experience with the skill. Many people who work in nonprofits find themselves in the position of “accidental grantwriter” and do not feel fully equipped for the challenge. This session will provide a balance of applicable content and resources to deepen participants’ knowledge of and skills in grantwriting.

Participants will have an opportunity to learn about the basics of grantseeking. This session will dig into the basic elements of foundation research and grant planning. This is a beginner-level workshop.

Learning Objectives

• Deepen your understanding about the Minnesota funding landscape;
• Learn about the types of foundations providing grants to Minnesota’s nonprofits; and
• Develop an understanding of the sections of a grant proposal including budgeting and evaluation.

Workshop participants will receive a copy of the Handbook for Successful Grantwriting that covers topics ranging from research and planning to a glossary of commonly used terms. The Handbook is only available to participants and is not otherwise for sale.

Speaker Information

Aileen Kasper is an entrepreneurial, donor-centric strategist with more than two decades of experience increasing revenue, engaging stakeholders, and furthering organizational missions. Aileen is currently an inaugural Association of Fundraising Professionals IDEA Fellow. Aileen’s previous philanthropic portfolio includes Mayo Clinic, the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota, and various Twin Cities nonprofits, as well as political and foundation engagement. Aileen helped co-found the Latino Economic Development Center and also the New World School of the Arts Alumni Foundation in her hometown of Miami, Florida. She has also helped build diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at various institutions. Aileen received her B.A. from Oberlin College; MBA from Augsburg University; Oberlin College Community Action Fellowship; Mayo Clinic Bronze Quality Fellowship; Metro State University Community Development Careership; and Hispanics in Philanthropy Next Generation Philanthropy Fellowship.