New Webinar Series: Turn Your Grant-Writing Goals into Funded Realities with Intro to Grant Writing | Main Street America
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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-part 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. Register now and join us in February to turn your grant-writing goals into funded realities! 

Registration for the full series or individual sessions is available. 
Main Street America members receive a discount! 

Full Schedule 

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Session 1: Is Your Organization Grant-Ready? 
Thursday, February 6
3:00 p.m. — 5:00 p.m. ET 
Learn how to assess your organization’s grant-readiness and build a solid foundation for successful funding applications. 

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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. 

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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.

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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. 

Series Details

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. 

Pricing: 

  • Members: $325 full series | $55 for Session 1, $90 each for Sessions 2 – 4 
  • Non-members: $375 full series | $75 for Session 1, $100 each for Sessions 2 – 4 

Who Should Participate: This series is ideal for revitalization professionals and leaders in management positions at the local, city-wide, or state level in organizations engaged in the fields of community revitalization and economic development. 

Registration: Registration is open! Secure your spot for the full series and individual sessions > 

Format: 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. 

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 > 

Full Details: Complete course descriptions, policies, and more are available here > 

The Intro to Grant Writing webinar series is an incredible value and opportunity. 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.

Questions? Email msai@​mainstreet.​org

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