Do you know how that playground equipment at the park down the street was purchased? Or the new sign leading visitors to a local landmark? How about initial money for a festival? In any community, chances are that someone, or a group of individuals, wrote a grant proposal and received funding to help with the project.

Individuals and community groups can learn more about writing successful grant proposals at a workshop planned in Atchison on July 11. The workshop is presented by Nancy Daniels, a community vitality specialist with K-State Research and Extension and the author of many grant proposals. The training will be at Atchison Public Schools Board of Education Office –Community Room from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and includes lunch. The cost to attend is $20 which includes lunch and materials.

“This workshop is for everyone, whether they’ve never written a proposal before and have no idea where to start, to those who have experience but are looking for ways to improve their approach,” Daniels said. “The magic that happens in a local community when people find out they don’t have to wait to get something done, that they can do it themselves, is incredible.”

Participants also learn from each other, Daniels said, adding that even experienced grant writers pick up tips and are reenergized after coming together with peers in their communities. Participants are encouraged to bring their grants or grant ideas to share.

Workshop topics include:

• Sources of data for community needs (where do you find the numbers to back up your request?);

• Where to find grants;

• The five common elements of a great grant proposal;

• Practicing the grant writing elements.

More information and registration is available by contacting K-State Research and Extension- Atchison County, Diane Nielson or Ray Ladd Extension Agents. The office phone number is 913-833-5450. Individuals may register by mailing a check payable to Atchison County Extension, PO Box 109, Effingham, KS 66002. Contact the Atchison County Extension in person or by e-mail at AtchisonCoExt@ksu.edu for information regarding the workshop or electronic payment.