Intro to Grant Writing—How to Define the Problem | Main Street America
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Three Main Street America Staff members standing in front of a mural in Marion, Iowa.

Marion, Iowa © Tasha Sams

About

We work in collaboration with thousands of local partners and grassroots leaders across the nation who share our commitment to advancing shared prosperity, creating resilient economies, and improving quality of life.

Overview Who We Are How We Work Partner Collaborations Our Supporters Our Team Job Opportunities Contact Us
Two community members in Emporia Kansas pose with a sign saying "I'm a Main Streeter"

Emporia, Kansas © Emporia Main Street

Our Network

Made up of small towns, mid-sized communities, and urban commercial districts, the thousands of organizations, individuals, volunteers, and local leaders that make up Main Street America™ represent the broad diversity that makes this country so unique.

Overview Coordinating Programs Main Street Communities Collective Impact Awards & Recognition Community Evaluation Framework Join the Movement
Dionne Baux and MSA partner working in Bronzeville, Chicago.

Chicago, Illinois © Main Street America

Resources

Looking for strategies and tools to support you in your work? Delve into the Main Street Resource Center and explore a wide range of resources including our extensive Knowledge Hub, professional development opportunities, field service offerings, advocacy support, and more!

Overview Knowledge Hub Field Services Government Relations Main Street Now Conference Main Street America Institute Funding Opportunities Small Business Support Allied Member Services The Point Main Street Insurance Members Area
People riding e-scooters in Waterloo, Iowa

Waterloo, Iowa © Main Street Waterloo

The Latest

Your one-stop-shop for all the latest stories, news, events, and opportunities – including grants and funding programs – across Main Street.

Overview News & Stories Events & Opportunities Subscribe
Woman and girl at a festival booth in Kendall Whittier, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Kendall Whittier — Tulsa, Oklahoma © Kendall Whittier Main Street

Get Involved

Join us in our work to advance shared prosperity, create strong economies, and improve quality of life in downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.

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February 20

Webinar

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A compelling problem statement is the foundation of successful grant applications. This webinar will guide you through defining community challenges clearly and effectively, emphasizing why your organization’s need for grant funding should be about more than just money. Learn how to describe target populations, identify root causes, and back up your claims with data-driven evidence. Through real-world examples, including a case study on the affordable housing crisis, you’ll gain practical insights to strengthen your grant proposals and make your organization’s mission impossible to ignore. 

Member and bundle discounts are available.

This is Session 3 of a four-part Intro to Grant Writing webinar series. Participation in the prior and following sessions is recommended but not required. See below for full details.

Details

About

Series: The Main Street America Institute is excited to offer a special Intro to Grant Writing webinar series! In partnership with Grant Ready Kentucky, this four-session virtual webinar series covers every stage of the grant-seeking process — from assessing your grant readiness and building strong partnerships to crafting compelling proposals and creating actionable project plans. Led by expert instructor and grant writing professional Melissa Sesco Vermillion, GPC, MBA, each session is packed with practical tips, real-world examples, and interactive learning to boost your confidence and skills. Whether you’re new to grant writing or seeking to sharpen your expertise, you’ll gain the tools and insights needed to secure funding and drive your mission forward. Join us and turn your grant-writing goals into funded realities! 

Session 3: A compelling problem statement is the foundation of successful grant applications. This webinar will guide you through defining community challenges clearly and effectively, emphasizing why your organization’s need for grant funding should be about more than just money. Learn how to describe target populations, identify root causes, and back up your claims with data-driven evidence. Through real-world examples, including a case study on the affordable housing crisis, you’ll gain practical insights to strengthen your grant proposals and make your organization’s mission impossible to ignore. 

Instructor: Melissa Sesco Vermillion has extensive experience with state and federal grant writing as well as a particular interest in assisting rural nonprofits and communities achieve their goals. She has successfully written grant applications securing over $50 million in grant funding from public and private funders, and serves as Chief Strategy Officer at Grant Ready Kentucky.

Format & Schedule

Format: Intro to Grant Writing is a four-part live webinar series designed to guide Main Street leaders and place professionals through every stage of the grant-seeking process. Participation in the full series is recommended but not required. 

Schedule

  • Session 1: Is Your Organization Grant-Ready? Thursday, February 6, 3:00 p.m. — 5:00 p.m. ET. Learn the essential steps to position your organization for grant success. Learn more and register >
  • Session 2: Find Success with Collaboration Thursday, February 13, 3:00 p.m. — 5:00 p.m. ET. Gain practical strategies for building strong collaborations for successful grant applications. Learn more and register >
  • Session 3: How to Define the Problem Thursday, February 20, 3:00 p.m. — 5:00 p.m. ET. Tips to strengthen your grant proposals and make your organization’s mission stand out. Learn more and register >
  • Session 4: Turning Ideas into Actionable Outcomes Thursday, February 27, 3:00 p.m. — 5:00 p.m. ET. Discover how to demonstrate measurable impact and turn your project’s vision into reality. Learn more and register >
Pricing, Value & Registration

Members: $90 for this session | $325 for the full series 
Non-members: $100 for this session | $375 for the full series 

An Incredible Value! Similar grant-readiness workshops are typically priced at $1000 or more. Thanks to our partnership with Grant Ready Kentucky, you can gain the tools and insights needed to secure funding and drive your mission forward at an unbeatable price.

Registration: Registration is open on a rolling basis.

Credit, Cancellation Policy & Contact

Credit: Completion of the full Intro to Grant Writing Series (all four webinars) counts toward MSAI’s new certification pathway. This means that both new and current MSAI participants can receive credit toward certification. Learn more here >

Cancellation Policy: If you need to cancel your registration, please email msai@​mainstreet.​org. Cancellations communicated more than 14 days in advance of the first course date will be refunded in full. Cancellations occurring less than 14 days in advance of the first course date will be offered a 50% refund. Please note there is a $25.00 processing fee for any cancelled registration.

Questions? Contact msai@​mainstreet.​org


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