Where to Begin? Navigating Connecticut Grant Opportunities
Simply put, there are a lot of funding opportunities available right now. With historic federal investments in environmental and climate infrastructure, communities and organizations across Connecticut must quickly determine which programs are worth the time and resources needed to put together an application. This workshop aims to position attendees to take advantage of grant funding opportunities, like the Long Island Sound Futures Fund, in the near-term — helping them implement priority projects. Participants will learn about the “do’s and don’ts” of a successful proposal, how to successfully engage partners and community members, and how to communicate the benefits of their project to funders. You will hear from staff from state and federal funding programs, and have the opportunity to brainstorm project ideas with program staff one-on-one. Lastly, you will have the option to attend in-person site visit(s) to see successfully funded projects first-hand.
To learn more about the upcoming workshop please contact Kyle Gray, Manager, Programs and Engagement, Throwe Environmental, LLC, at Kyle@throwe-environmental.com.
Hourly Schedule
Tentative Schedule
- 9:00AM - 9:30AM
- Coffee and Networking
- *** Optional ***
- 9:30AM - 9:45AM
- Welcome Remarks - Addressing Challenges with a Multitude of Funding Sources
- A quick overview of some known challenges, followed by steps that applicants and funders alike are taking to navigate the various sources of funding now available
- 9:45AM - 11:00AM
- Funding Panel
- Panel of State and Federal funders give brief (~10 minute + Q&A each) presentations on relevant conservation funding opportunities available to Connecticut communities and organizations. Funders in attendance to be announced.
- 11:00AM - 11:45AM
- Lightning Rounds
- Field Liaisons for the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s (NFWF) Long Island Sound Futures Fund and a NFWF Program Director will offer an insider’s perspective on three “lightning round” topics - the “do’s and don’ts” of creating a compelling proposal, tips for engaging partners and the community, and best ways to communicate project benefits to funders.
- 11:45AM - 12:00PM
- Break
- 12:00PM - 1:00PM
- Meet the Funders
- Have one-on-one time with federal, state, and philanthropic funders who will be on site to answer specific questions about a grant mentioned during the workshop, share more details about grant programs, discuss proposal ideas, or think through match requirements to help prepare for proposal submission. – Tables will be set up around the room with outreach materials provided and one or two representatives from each program will be available to meet with workshop participants one-on-one.
- 1:00PM - 1:15PM
- Closing Remarks
- Thank you and closing remarks. Attendees not participating in the site visit dismissed. Attendees participating in site visit should meet for departure at 1:30 PM.
- 1:15PM - 5:00PM
- Site Visits (Optional)
- Participants will have the opportunity to participate in site visits for funded LISFF projects. More information on site visits coming soon.