This multi-part series from our Municipal Operations Support team provides a practical, large-scale perspective on the phases of preparing for, pursuing, writing, and implementing grants. It also provides perspectives and tips from funders. Each session begins with a presentation then transitions to a participant Q&A where attendees ask questions of the presenter(s).
Register for the upcoming 2025 Grant Basics Series
February 4: Funders' Advice for Success
April 1: Before the Grant
June 3: Project Development and Funding
August 5: The Application
October 21: Grant Management
Transforming an idea into a well-developed project plan is essential for winning grants because funders and voters want projects that are realistic, viable, and sustainable. Project development helps ensure you know what resources are needed to build, operate, maintain, and eventually replace a grant-funded project. It identifies red flags, builds a realistic timeline and budget, and aligns expectations among stakeholders.
Learn about project development and ways to fund your project. Topics include:
- The project lifecycle and the products that help move you toward grant success.
- The important role of capital stacks in the project’s funding package.
- What to know about grants and how they work, including what funders want to see in an application.
Presenter:
Bonnie Waninger, Project & Funding Specialist, VLCT
Recorded: June 3, 2025
Presentation Slides: Grant Basics: Developing and Funding the Project
Setting priorities and selecting the right projects are cornerstones for winning grants. Successful projects are built on the pillars of strong leadership, communication, organization, coordination, and partnership. Use this training to learn how to implement these pillars while turning ideas into successful projects.
- Gather ideas, set priorities, and select project concepts
- Establish roles and responsibilities that set your project up for success
- Create a project team to harmonize communication and avoid surprises
- Find help when you have a capacity gap
- Understand project and grant readiness
Presenter:
Bonnie Waninger, Project & Funding Specialist, VLCT
Recorded: April 1, 2025
Presentation Slides: Grant Basics: Before the Grant Presentation Slide Deck
Register for upcoming events on our Training & Events calendar.
Recorded sessions reflect current applications of the law at the time of the recording. For the most current information, members should refer to our MAC topics page or contact us at info@vlct.org or 1-800-648-7915. You may also submit a question on our Ask A Question webpage.
This page may expire at any time due to changes to the laws and/or topics discussed, or because a newer training replaces it.