Write Smarter, Search Better, Win More

This Deep Dive, led by Dr. Brandi Raé Hicks of SERVE-U, gives entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders a practical, step-by-step framework for discovering grants, writing stronger proposals, and building internal systems that support long-term funding success.

Throughout the series, participants will also learn simple, responsible ways to use AI tools to support grant research, drafting, and internal review, without replacing human strategy and expertise.

This workshop equips business owners and nonprofit leaders with:

  • A clear understanding of the entire grant process, from procurement and opportunity assessment to writing, budgeting, and internal review

  • Practical writing techniques for beginners and those looking to strengthen their proposal style

  • A framework for assessing your funding needs, setting priorities, and building the rationale behind your request

  • Tools for organizing, structuring, and managing a grant proposal in alignment with funder expectations

  • A complete sample grant application to use as a template for future submissions

  • Guidance on how AI can ethically support research, strengthen drafts, and streamline grant development workflows, enhancing efficiency without replacing human expertise

Deep Dive Workshops are ideal for Ohio businesses generating over $100,000 in annual revenue and whose owners are interested in and dedicated to building their social media presence. Current JumpStart clients that are pre-revenue with a tech solution ready to launch are also encouraged to apply.

Deadline to apply for the upcoming cohort is Monday, January 26th at 9am.

Spots are limited; applicants will be contacted via email.

Workshop Schedule

Introduction to Grant Writing & Identifying Opportunities
Friday, Jan. 30 | 10am-12pm

Understand the fundamentals of the grant development process and learn how to spot opportunities aligned with your mission and capacity.

Responding to the 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions
Friday, Feb. 60 | 10am-12pm

Strengthen your ability to write clear, compelling responses that address funder priorities and demonstrate program readiness.

Building a Strong Grant Budget
Friday, Feb. 13 | 10am-12pm

Learn how to create a realistic, defensible budget that supports your proposal, aligns with grant guidelines, and communicates financial credibility.

Partners, Peer Review, and the Complete Grant Package
Friday, Feb. 20 | 10am-12pm

Explore how to identify supportive partners, conduct a peer-review process before submission, and assemble a polished, funder-ready application.

Grant Writing & Grant Finding Workshop Application

Questions about this program? Click here to email us.