Access to this webinar is also available with a subscription to GrantStation's Online Learning Academy.
***Part 1 recording available after purchase
Description:
As grant writers, you are responsible for presenting stories of inequity, disenfranchisement, resource shortages, and struggle under the umbrella of need. Unfortunately the traditional “needs statement” unintentionally reinforces a deficit mindset rather than celebrating community strength.
However, an alternative framework exists. One that highlights the power and agency of communities while properly contextualizing the disparities that affect them. By embracing empowering language in fundraising, grant writers can reshape the narrative to portray communities as capable, resilient, and self-actualized. This shift in perspective reinforces a much-needed paradigm change, from viewing funders as benefactors to recognizing them as true partners in advancing social change.
During this two-part webinar series, Eric Spioch of Elevate will help you reimagine how you talk about need, equity, and impact. Through a blend of theory and practice, you’ll examine both disempowering and empowering language in grant writing and explore the real-world impacts of each.
You'll learn:
- the difference between empowering and disempowering language and how each shapes perception and impact;
- the key elements of an empowerment framework in grant writing;
- how to address common challenges; and,
- practical ways you can revise a needs statement to reflect strength and agency.
Additional details:
Registration includes access to both 90-minute sessions in this two-part webinar series, providing dedicated time for discussion, practical exercises, and personalized feedback.
- Session 1: Thursday November 13th
- Session 2: Wednesday, November 19th
Both sessions begin at 2pm ET.
Who should attend:
This session is designed for grant writers, development professionals, and nonprofit communicators who have a foundational understanding of grant structure, particularly the role of the needs statement, and who are comfortable writing outcome-based proposals rather than emotion-driven appeals.
After the webinar, you’ll receive:
- slides and handouts;
- a link to the webinar recording.
Full participation in this webinar is applicable for 3 points in Category 1.B -Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and/or recertification.
Can’t attend live and still want to watch the webinar?
Want to review the materials after the session?
You will receive an email with the full recording and any handouts within 10 business days after the webinar.
After you register, you will receive the following emails:
- A sales receipt for your bookkeeping records
- A confirmation email from Zoom with the login credentials
- Instructions for other attendees if you registered a group
If you do not receive these emails within 48 hours of registering, please email or call 1-877-784-7268.
GrantStation does not refund registration fees. Fees may be applied to any webinar scheduled within 30 days.
Eric Spioch
Eric Spioch is Elevate’s Senior Director and Specialized Grant Services Manager. Eric has been consulting nonprofits on how to build and grow their grant programs for more than 10 years. He joined Elevate in 2015 and has supported dozens of organizations in raising 20+ million dollars, with a focus on organizations working on systems change work through policy and advocacy. He especially enjoys helping nonprofits define a clear and concise theory of change that communicates their work and its impact.
Eric also manages several of Elevate’s Specialized Grant Services, including workshops, webinars, Grants Accelerator Projects and Writing Capacity Projects. Through these projects, Eric pursues a goal of supporting organizations in overcoming gaps in knowledge, capacity, or time to advance their institutional development program.
