Click the link below to sign up for the Grant Writers' Circle anytime. The Grant Writers' Circle is an ongoing program, so you can join for the period during which you are actively writing a grant, and then leave when you're done.

Make a Commitment

• A grant writing group functions best when each member fully commits to the process and makes every effort to attend all meetings. Making an individual commitment to your own grant writing timeline and goals will keep you on task and help to prevent last-minute deadline pressures that can negatively affect the quality of your proposal.
• While emergencies understandably arise, keeping a commitment to attend the scheduled meeting shows respect and appreciation for the time and efforts of your group members and reinforces your personal dedication to crafting a successful application.

Focus on Mutual Support and Encouragement

• While the level of interaction may differ according to each writer's needs, creating an atmosphere of mutual support, collegiality, encouragement, mentoring, respectful feedback, and positive reinforcement goes a long way to helping the group achieve its goal of supporting its members in submitting winning proposals.
• It is expected that grant writing group members will have varying levels of experience in drafting proposals. Members are encouraged to ask questions and share their own grant writing tips and experiences with one another.

Set Realistic Goals

• Individual group members benefit from establishing a realistic timeline with clear, achievable, and measurable objectives for their grant writing projects.
• CSSI grant development staff are happy to assist individuals in creating a timeline for their grant writing projects, if requested.

Make Use of CSSI Staff and Resources

• CSSI grant development staff will coordinate and facilitate meetings. We will offer best practices to help position your group for ongoing success and will provide grant-writing information, guidance, and resources that will aid you along the way.