What Is a Grant-Seeker Workshop?
Most grant-seeker workshops are targeted to specific RFPs. Granting agencies sponsor workshops for grant seekers who plan to submit a proposal for funding in response to a particular RFP. These workshops are learning opportunities, and are usually held within sixty days of the deadline for proposals. They are not intended as a place where you can showcase or have peers review your work; you'd have to go to a grant-writing workshop for that.
Grant-writing workshops charge a fee and may well be worthwhile for developing and honing grant-writing skills. Fees usually average $150 for a half-or full-day session. Grant-seeker workshops are free and are focused on a specific RFP.
You may be asked to preregister for a grant-seeker workshop, especially if the agency hosting the workshop expects a large turnout of grant seekers. If the grantor is a federal agency, the workshop is likely to be held in two or three different locations in the nation. If a state agency is sponsoring the workshop, it will probably be held in the state capital. If the local government or an intermediary issues the RFP, it will likely take place at one of the local agencies or a common meeting place. In some cases, you will be provided with a choice of dates and locations for the workshop.
A grant-seeker workshop provides additional information about the proposal process that may or may not be available in the RFP. It is sometimes the place where an RFP is released for the first time. You can also count on the workshop leaders to give you pointers or tips on developing programs that respond to the RFP and to answer your questions about individual projects or to respond to frequently asked questions.
