Unlock Grant Success with Strategic Proposal Development

Webinar • Tuesday, June 24, 2025 • 2:00-3:30 p.m. ET

This 90-minute webinar goes beyond basic grant writing mechanics to provide a comprehensive framework for developing winning grant proposals. Led by Dr. Tom Voden and Lesley Bonds of WRD Consulting Group, participants will learn a strategic approach covering the entire grant development process—from funding opportunity identification to post-award considerations. The session emphasizes practical methods for problem identification, institutional self-assessment, and evidence gathering, followed by detailed guidance on both project design (goals, objectives, strategies) and operational planning (timelines, evaluation, budgeting). Ideal for both novice and experienced grant seekers, this webinar delivers actionable insights to transform your approach from merely writing grants to consistently winning them across various funding domains including the U.S. Department of Education, the National Science Foundation, and private foundations.

Key Learning Objectives:
Attendees will be able to:  

  • Describe the "project logic" framework as a strategic approach to grant development that focuses on winning funding rather than merely completing applications.
  • Outline methods for gathering and presenting data to validate organizational problems and create compelling problem statements that appeal to funders.
  • Identify key components of an organizational self-assessment and explain how to connect institutional strengths to readiness while aligning weaknesses with proposed interventions.
  • Distinguish between the elements of project design (goals, objectives, strategies) and operational planning (timelines, evaluation, budget) when developing grant proposals.
  • Recognize important considerations for post-award management, including institutional buy-in, reporting requirements, and compliance factors that contribute to successful implementation.

Who Will Benefit:

  • Grant writers new to the field seeking foundational strategies for success
  • Experienced grant professionals aiming to enhance their approach to proposal development
  • Nonprofit organization leaders seeking to secure funding for their programs
  • Higher education administrators and faculty involved in research funding
  • School district leaders and educators pursuing educational grants
  • Institutions targeting funding from federal agencies like the U.S. Department of Education or the National Science Foundation
  • Professional associations and advocacy groups looking to bolster their funding efforts
  • Private organizations interested in accessing grants from foundations
  • Consultants and freelancers specializing in grant writing and development

YOUR EXPERT(S):

Dr. Tom Voden Dr. Tom Voden

Tom Voden: With nearly 25 years of experience spanning the California Community College system, University of California, and private colleges, Tom brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role. His journey has included serving as a professor of mathematics, dean of instruction / academic affairs, and project director on multiple federal Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) grants. As a first-generation college student from an immigrant family, Tom understands firsthand the transformative power of higher education. His lifelong love for engineering and hands-on "making," combined with the rigorous analytical thinking honed while earning his PhD in mathematics from UC San Diego, fuels his commitment to deep learning and innovative pedagogy. Tom's versatile skill set, including expertise in institutional research and planning, enrollment management and program development, positions him well to lead successful institutional development and evaluation efforts. He draws upon his unique background, fluency in four languages, and deep contextual understanding of the education landscape to drive meaningful impact. When not working, he can often be found working on projects with his two young daughters and exploring new mountain bike trails, pursuing his passion for outdoor adventure.

Lesley Bonds Lesley Bonds

Lesley Bonds: Lesley brings over 15 years of experience in public and private institutions, both two-year and four-year, nationwide. A first-generation high school and college graduate, she holds a bachelor's degree in Spanish from the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, and a master's in College Student Affairs Administration from the University of Georgia. She has expertise in grants development, strategic planning, and college accreditation. Before joining WRD, Lesley managed a $15 million annual portfolio of federal, state, and philanthropic funding at a California community college. At WRD, she has co-led teams to secure over $122 million in federal funding for Hispanic-Serving Institutions. Lesley lives in California's Central Valley with her husband, three rescue dogs, and hundreds of plants. For a good conversation starter, ask her about her half marathon training or her latest podcast binge.