For 20 years, Purdue Extension’s award-winning Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing (BGGW) program has helped residents turn community-led ideas into funded realities. Recognized nationally and adopted in several North Central states, BGGW equips individuals from nonprofits and local governments with the skills and confidence to pursue grant funding for vital community projects.
The two-day in-person workshop walks participants through the grant-writing process, from crafting a compelling proposal to identifying funding sources. By the end of Day 1, each participant leaves with a draft outline of a proposal. Day 2 brings hands-on practice in reviewing grants and engaging with a panel of local experts. The program also includes limited free access to a national funder database and review of proposal drafts.
Purdue’s Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing two-day workshop in Porter County, Indiana.
In 2024-25, 18 Purdue Extension Educators delivered 16 programs across 13 Indiana counties. Post-program surveys showed compelling results: 98% of respondents learned more about the basic components of a grant proposal, 97% improved their grant writing skills, and 95% gained greater confidence. The program earned a Net Promoter Score of +82, a world-class rating.
The longer-term impact is equally strong. A one-year follow-up of 2023-24 participants found that 74% had submitted a grant proposal since completing the program. 83% of submitters received funding, generating at least $1,082,671 for community projects. Alumni also reported 111 new partnerships and 11 jobs created. Grants awarded supported community playgrounds, food access, substance abuse prevention programs, and the renovation of historical buildings.
Additional information:
- Purdue Community Development Extension
- North Central Region Community Development Extension Impact Report 2025