Grants
Grants & External Funding
Whether you have identified a grant opportunity or are exploring funding for a Walters State project or initiative, the Grant Writer in the Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Compliance can help determine whether a competitive grant is an appropriate funding strategy. If it is, we will guide you through the proposal development process.
The best time to contact the Grant Writer is as early as possible – even if you are still exploring a project or considering a funding opportunity. Starting early provides more time for project planning, proposal development, institutional review, and timely submission before the funder's deadline.
Getting Started
The easiest way to begin is by emailing the Grant Writer.
Emailing first allows the Grant Writer to review the opportunity or project before discussing next steps.
Please include:
- A brief description of your project, initiative, or funding need
- A link to the funding opportunity (if available)
- Any questions you would like to discuss
Contact:
Leah Holt, Grant Writer
Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Compliance
leah.holtFREEWS
Could a Grant Be the Right Solution?
The Grant Writer leads the development and submission of competitive external grant proposals that support Walters State's mission and strategic priorities.
A grant might be a good solution if you are seeking funding for activities like:
- Starting or expanding a program
- Launching a new initiative
- Purchasing equipment for an institutional project
- Improving services for students
- Addressing an institutional need through external funding
The Grant Writer does not coordinate:
- Individual faculty research grants
- Conference travel funding
- Stand-alone professional development grants
- Student scholarships or financial aid
- Awards and recognition nominations
How the Grant Writer Supports Grant Development
The Grant Writer supports competitive grant development by:
- Identifying funding opportunities
- Facilitating project planning
- Coordinating proposal development
- Writing competitive grant proposals
- Managing proposal submission
- Providing strategic guidance throughout the grant lifecycle
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can apply for a grant?
- How early should I contact the Grant Writer?
- I found a grant opportunity. What should I do next?
- I have never written a grant before. Is that a problem?
- I have a project or initiative that needs funding. How do I know if it is a good candidate for a grant?
- Can the Grant Writer help me find funding opportunities?
- What kinds of grants does the Grant Writer support?
- Does the Grant Writer write the proposal?
- How long does the grant development process take?
- Can every project be funded through a grant?
- What if my funding request is not something the Grant Writer coordinates?
The Grant Writer coordinates grant proposals submitted on behalf of Walters State Community College and the Walters State Community College Foundation.
Faculty and staff with a project or initiative that supports the College's mission are encouraged to contact the Grant Writer to discuss potential funding opportunities.
As early as possible.
Every grant opportunity is different, and starting early allows time to develop the project, gather supporting information, build partnerships, complete the institutional review process, and prepare a competitive proposal before the funder's deadline.
Contact the Grant Writer.
We will review the funding opportunity, determine whether it is a good fit for Walters State, and discuss the next steps with you.
Not at all.
A lot of faculty and staff have never written a grant proposal. Grant proposals are developed collaboratively – you provide the project expertise, and the Grant Writer provides expertise in proposal development.
Not every project is a good fit for external funding, but we are happy to discuss your project.
We will help determine whether a grant is an appropriate funding strategy and, if appropriate, explore potential funding opportunities.
Yes.
The Grant Writer identifies and shares competitive funding opportunities and can also help explore potential funding sources for projects that align with Walters State's mission and strategic priorities.
The Grant Writer primarily coordinates competitive external grant opportunities from federal, state, foundation, corporate, nonprofit, and other funding organizations that support Walters State's mission and strategic priorities.
Grant proposals are developed through collaboration.
Project teams provide the subject matter expertise, define the project goals, and help shape the proposed activities, while the Grant Writer coordinates proposal development, prepares the grant narrative and supporting materials, and, in most cases, manages proposal submission.
Every grant opportunity is different.
The amount of time needed depends on the complexity of the project, the funder's requirements, and the proposal deadline, which is why early planning is encouraged whenever possible.
No. Grant funding is highly competitive, and not every project aligns with a funder's priorities.
The Grant Writer can help determine whether a grant is a good fit for your project and identify potential funding opportunities when appropriate.
Some funding opportunities – such as faculty research grants, conference travel funding, professional development grants, student scholarships, and award nominations – are typically coordinated by other offices or departments.
If you are unsure where to start, contact the Grant Writer before investing significant time, and we will help determine whether your project falls within our scope or direct you to the appropriate office.
Contact Us
Leah Holt
Grant Writer
423.585.6826
leah.holtFREEWS
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