The UWI Global Campus, Barbados. Monday, July 8, 2024— The UWI Global Campus Barbados held an exhilarating Grant Proposal Writing workshop from 21st to 24th May 2024. This event was designed to equip professionals with the skills to craft compelling proposals that captivate grant donors. The four (4) day engagement provided an interactive opportunity for individuals involved in the grant writing process to refresh their skills or for those new to the discipline to learn how to secure donor resources for project implementation. Whether seasoned grant writers or beginners, attendees left the workshop with enhanced grant proposal writing skills.
The workshop covered key areas of the grant proposal writing process, including understanding what a grant proposal is and why it is crucial for securing funding, discovering where to find grant opportunities tailored to organisational needs, and crafting effective proposals. Participants learned the essential elements of an effective grant proposal and how to structure it for success. They also received insider tips and strategies for writing persuasive grant proposals and practical steps to prepare and submit winning proposals. Attendees engaged in interactive presentations, quizzes, group discussions, and practical sessions. The expert-led approach ensured that each participant walked away with real-world skills to conquer the grant proposal landscape, whether targeting local or international donors.
The workshop facilitator, Mr Ryan Byer, emphasised to the participants the major challenges of Grant Management and provided insights and strategies for overcoming these challenges. “It is important to identify and overcome these challenges by employing key strategies that demonstrate to the donor your understanding of the call for proposal, and ensuring strategic alignment,” he stated.
The workshop attracted about twenty (20) participants, who represented a cross-section of Barbadian professionals from sectors such as healthcare, insurance, credit unions, governmental agencies, the private sector, NGOs, entrepreneurship and education. Participants expressed their enthusiasm and satisfaction with the workshop, noting its comprehensive coverage and practical approach. Many attendees appreciated the interactive sessions and expert guidance, which significantly enhanced their confidence and skills in grant proposal writing. The diverse representation from various sectors ensured an enriched experience, allowing for valuable networking opportunities and the exchange of ideas.
The participants’ feedback expressed a desire for further training in this discipline and indicated that more persons should be exposed to this time of training. The face-to-face engagement with the facilitator enhanced the learning experience as the participants developed various components of a grant proposal. They also brought actual grants that were being sought by their organisation, or new project proposals that were at the conceptual stage.
Further workshops on this topic, along with other related topics in the grant writing and resource mobilisation will be formulated and developed in the near future. These workshops will contribute in a meaningful way to the visibility and revenue generation of the UWI Global Campus.
Upon successful completion of the workshop, all participants received a Certificate of Achievement to demonstrate their expertise in grant proposal writing.
Mr Ryan Byer, Barbados Head of Site and workshop facilitator, leading the workshop participants
Workshop participants
Participants engaging in one of their group activities
