Building Stronger Grant Proposals: A Three-Part Workshop Series with Dr. Kathleen Liang
Securing grant funding can feel like trying to decode a language no one ever formally taught you. Ideas? Plenty. Passion? Absolutely. But turning those ideas into a competitive, fundable proposal is a skill—and like any skill, it can be learned.
This February, Dr. Kathleen Liang of North Carolina A&T State University is offering a three-level virtual workshop series designed to strengthen grant writing and financial management skills for agricultural producers, Extension agents, and community organizations. Whether you’re brand new to grant writing or ready to refine advanced proposals, there’s a session built for where you are right now.
Each workshop requires separate registration and builds upon the previous level, allowing participants to jump in at the stage that best matches their experience.
Level 1: Introduction to Grant Writing
Basics of Grants: Types, Programs, and Purposes
This introductory session is perfect for those with little or no experience in grant writing. Dr. Liang will break down the fundamentals and walk participants through the early stages of developing a strong proposal.
Participants will learn how to:
Shape project ideas into fundable concepts
Understand the basic structure of a grant proposal
Develop effective grant writing strategies
Build collaborative project teams
Identify funding sources and relevant grant programs
Date & Time:
February 4, 2026 at 5:00 PM (Eastern)
Register here:
https://ncat.zoom.us/meeting/register/ARakHeJVQzK3RW9di0bPWA
Level 2: Grant Writing Strategies
Putting a Competitive Grant Application Together
Level 2 dives deeper into the mechanics of a successful grant application. This workshop is ideal for those who understand the basics and want to improve the strength, clarity, and feasibility of their proposals.
Topics include:
Understanding funding types across agencies and organizations
Creating realistic budgets and clear budget narratives
Developing timelines and project management plans
Designing data collection and evaluation plans
Optional discussion on Center of Excellence justification
Date & Time:
February 11, 2026 at 5:00 PM (Eastern)
Register here:
https://ncat.zoom.us/meeting/register/hOMSjDv1QZy441cknsQQBg
Level 3: Advanced Grant Writing
Grant Applications Following the Call for Proposals
The final workshop offers a hands-on, step-by-step look at responding to specific grant calls. This session focuses on refinement, accuracy, and strategy—helping participants avoid common pitfalls while strengthening their proposals.
Participants will explore:
Navigating grant calls and application requirements
Budget preparation and resource allocation
Common mistakes to avoid in proposal development
Practical dos and don’ts for writing effective grants
Date & Time:
February 18, 2026 at 3:00 PM (Eastern)
Register here:
https://ncat.zoom.us/meeting/register/TfV9JgJ8Qmmp6d1N9j3Q2A
Strong grant writing doesn’t just unlock funding—it builds stronger projects, clearer goals, and more sustainable organizations. This workshop series offers a rare opportunity to gain practical, actionable guidance from an experienced expert in the field.
Whether you’re writing your very first grant or sharpening your tenth, these sessions are designed to meet you where you are and help you move forward with confidence.