By Susan Fisher, MPL Public Relations Supervisor—
MUNCIE, IN—Muncie Public Library (MPL) has partnered with the Nonprofit Support Network to offer a free grant writing program tailored to nonprofits in Muncie and Delaware County. The three-part series of workshops will take place at Maring-Hunt Library and will make use of the Candid’s Foundation Directory Online. This digital resource, which has been available at MPL for several years, provides nonprofits with the knowledge and skills needed to secure vital funding for their programs and projects.
According to Carly Acree King, Relationship and Resource Director at the Nonprofit Support Network, her organization seeks opportunities to work closely with other groups and resources that are already helping nonprofits in the Muncie community. “The Muncie Public Library has invested in a useful tool called Candid’s Foundation Directory Online, and we’re eager to work with MPL to help nonprofits learn how to use this resource,” she said. “Nonprofits rely on grants to sustain their operations, launch new initiatives, or expand existing programs. Despite its significance, the process of identifying suitable grants, preparing proposals, and managing the funds effectively can be tricky. Our goal is to simplify this process and provide support to nonprofits in accessing the resources they need to make a positive impact in our community,” said Acree King.
Laura Janiga, MPL Adult Services Supervisor, urged nonprofit staff and volunteers from the Muncie and Delaware County area who want to learn or refine their approach to grant seeking, proposal writing, and grant management to sign up. “We have 25 seats, so we ask only those who can commit to all three sessions to enroll, and we ask organizations to please enroll no more than two people each,” said Janiga. She also noted that because most grant funders typically require recipients to be qualified 501 (c)(3) organizations, these groups are encouraged to sign up for the workshops, but individuals from grassroots or fledgling organizations who have not yet received this status would not be turned away.
Janiga also explained why the workshop series is referred to as a learning circle. “We chose this name to convey the idea of peer learning–we all have something to teach one another and learn from one another. This is an interactive program, not just a series of lectures to sit through. Participants will have opportunities to put what they learn into practice, ask questions, solve problems, share their wisdom, and reflect,” she said.
The workshop dates, all on Tuesdays, are January 23, February 27, and April 23 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. with lunch provided. The program planners urge participants to attend all three sessions to gain the most benefit. Maring-Hunt Library is located at 2005 S. High Street, Muncie. To register for the learning circle, visit the MPL website at www.munciepubliclibrary.org or call Laura Janiga at 765-747-8203.
