This is a bi-monthly series created to help members learn about the different elements involved in developing strong projects.
Each meeting focuses on a different topic. After a presentation on the session's topic, the format transitions to a participant Q&A, where attendees ask questions of the presenter and each other. In each session you will hear the questions and learn from other community's shared challenges.
2025 Topics:
- February – Team Building
- April – Assessing Project Feasibility
- June – Framing Your Case through Storytelling
- August – Developing Project Schedules
- October – Building a Budget
- December – Recovering from Setbacks
Note that upcoming dates and topics are subject to change. Visit the Events Calendar to register and view the current schedule.
Presenters:
Bonnie Waninger, the Project & Funding Specialist on VLCT’s Municipal Operations Support Team.
Recorded: Bi-monthly beginning in February 2025
Every project starts with an idea – whether it first arises in one person's mind or is engendered through discussion. Beyond that, local capacity to see projects through is critical to their success, and selecting the right project idea is critical for pursuing grants. Funders are looking for projects that meet local priorities, are supported by residents, are well thought out, and make for exciting grant announcements and ribbon cutting ceremonies. Even though project types can be similar, each one is unique in its characteristics, scope, intended outcomes, and the people involved. A feasibility study helps you see past hope and speculation so you can focus on realistic expectations.
Feasibility studies help you:
- more clearly define a project’s scope of work,
- start locking down a realistic budget,
- create an initial project schedule, and
- mitigate and eliminate risks that could cost you time and money.
When it comes to developing projects, patience and proper planning can save taxpayers money and local officials a lot of headaches.
Presenter: Bonnie Waninger, Project & Funding Specialist, VLCT
Recorded: April 8, 2025
Presentation Slides: Assessing Project Feasibility Presentation Deck
- Do you have a project idea and need a team to help you explore and develop it?
- Do you have a team and want to build community support for the project?
- Is your project ready for funding but you need internal support for grant management?
Project development is not a solo sport. It takes teams – a team to explore and develop the idea, a team to build community support for a project’s eventual long-term operations and maintenance, a team to find and manage funding. While every team begins with one person, you don't need to feel alone. Explore how to build internal and external teams, the importance of communications, and the building blocks for successful community engagement.
Presenter: Bonnie Waninger, Project & Funding Specialist, VLCT
Recorded: February 11, 2025
Presentation Slides: Team Building Presentation Deck
Register for upcoming events on our Training & Events calendar.
Recorded sessions reflect current information at the time of the recording. For the most current information, members should refer to our Municipal Operations Support topics page or contact us at info@vlct.org or 1-800-648-7915.
This page may expire at any time due to changes to the laws and/or topics discussed, or because a newer training replaces it.