Nonprofit staff, board members, and volunteers are invited to a free training session focused on grant writing and funder research on Thursday, May 14 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Björklunden, 7590 Boynton Ln, Baileys Harbor, WI 54202. Registration and a light breakfast will be available from 9 – 9:30 a.m., followed by the training session and a brief question and answer session with local funders.

The morning will feature a practical and engaging training session designed to strengthen local nonprofits’ grant-seeking efforts. Participants will explore what a grant is and is not, and when pursuing grant funding makes sense for their organization. Attendees will receive guidance on every phase of the grant life cycle, from prospect identification through proposal writing and reporting. The session will also cover how to identify potential funding sources, evaluate alignment and fit, conduct deeper research on top prospects, and craft compelling, competitive proposals tailored effectively to each funder. A 30 minute question and answer session with local funders will conclude the morning.

The training session will be led by two experienced grants professionals from Lawrence University.

Anna Beno, Director of Corporate, Foundation and Sponsored Research Support, has submitted more than 300 proposals to approximately 130 funders, raising over $9 million for initiatives ranging from scholarships and athletics to research and sustainability projects. She leads the full grants cycle at Lawrence, from prospect identification through reporting, and brings more than a decade of experience in higher education fundraising.

Alex Baldschun, Assistant Director of Corporate, Foundation, and Sponsored Research Support, assists faculty and staff with grant-seeking efforts from local and national funders. Since joining the Grants office in 2024, he has submitted more than 30 proposals and raised over $150,000. His background includes roles in development operations and prospect research within university advancement. 

Spots are limited, so secure your seat today.