LISCIF Events and Trainings
Goal: Increase organizational capacity through training that supports day-to-day operations, project implementation, and future funding opportunities; help organizational leadership manage larger and potentially different projects while fostering organizational development at all levels of the organizations to support efficient and effective operations
Objectives:
- Identify issues affecting the Long Island Sound watershed and propose projects to address concerns.
- Write a project narrative for LISCIF and future funding opportunities.
- Identify areas of need for the organization and fill those gaps.
- Implement new project tools acquired by trainings.
- Develop bookkeeping policies and implement budgeting procedures.
- Implement data management tools and GIS mapping.
- Integrate findings through various styles of reporting.
- Expand network, partnerships, and outreach.
Project Design & Building Partnerships
Description: Prospective applicants will learn about the program priorities for the Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund. Case studies of each program priority will be reviewed to gain insight into future proposal ideas. Applicants will have the opportunity to receive feedback for project eligibility prior to the official release of the RFA. Learn about building partnerships and collaborating with regional partners.
Platform: Zoom/Webinar
Date/Time: September 19, 2023, 1 – 2 pm
Facilitator: Shahela Begum + Alex Rodriguez
| Watch the Recording | Download Slides |
Grant Writing: How to Write a Strong Narrative
Description: Applicants will learn strategies in writing a strong narrative for the Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund. In conjunction with the RFA webinars, get a clear understanding of what is required in a narrative statement. Learn to effectively communicate your organization’s mission and project proposal.
Platform: Zoom/Webinar
Date/Time: October 12, 2023, 2 – 3 pm
Facilitator: Connor Yakaitis
| Watch the Recording | Download the Slides |
Budgeting & Staffing: How to Ensure the Project is Financially Viable
Description: Learn ways to budget a solid project proposal. Identify staff, partners, and/or contractors needed to have a successful project. Analyze costs and learn to fill out necessary budget templates accurately.
Platform: Zoom/Webinar
Date/Time: October 16, 2023, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Facilitator: Sara Smith
| Watch the Recording | Download the Slides |
Budgeting Q&A Session
Description: The Budgeting Q&A Session will review the budget template needed for the Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund application. Applicants will have the opportunity to seek clarification for any confusion during the application process and ask questions about budgeting.
Platform: Zoom/Webinar
Date/Time: November 13, 2023, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Facilitator: Sara Smith
| Watch the Recording | Download Slides |
Grant Writing Assistance: Reviewing LISCIF Full Proposal Requirements
Description: Reviewing requirements for the Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund full proposal. Troubleshooting any questions or concerns applicants may have with the process. Ensuring the project narrative is strong, there is clear alignment with the CCMP, and the budget template is filled out.
Platform: Zoom/Webinar
Date/Time: February 2024, 1 hour
Facilitator: TBD
Grant Agreements & Invoicing
Description: Grant agreement call with subawardees to understand upcoming requirements, agreement terms and conditions. Pose questions and get clarification about agreements and invoicing. Learn invoicing and documentation procedures to set systems in place for smooth project implementation phases.
Platform: Zoom/Webinar
Date/Time: June 2024, 1 hour
Facilitator: Sara Smith + Shahela Begum
Project Implementation
Description: Subawardees will gain insight into project management strategies in order to have efficient implementation throughout all phases of the project. Solutions to troubleshooting various challenging scenarios will be reviewed. Subawardees will have the opportunity to have a Q&A session to reduce any barriers that may arise in the implementation process.
Platform: Zoom/Webinar
Date/Time: August 2024, 1 hour 30 minutes
Facilitator: TBD
Coalition Building & Networking with Partners
Description: Learn to build partnerships and leverage existing coalitions to achieve mission goals. Identify partners in the Long Island Sound region who care about similar issues and are working on addressing these areas. Integrate coalitions and partnerships into your project plan and future proposals for larger grants.
Platform: Zoom/Webinar
Date/Time: October 2024, 1 hour
Facilitator: TBD
Communications
Description: Learn to use various communication techniques to amplify your project to the target audience. Use social media and learn about which photos/images work efficiently to engage community members and funders to support your work. Formulate blogs, newsletters, and implement website design techniques to further your organization’s mission.
Platform: Zoom/Webinar
Date/Time: November 2024, 1 hour
Facilitator: TBD
Bookkeeping
Description: Keep track of program expenses and overall organizational budgets. Learn about tools that can help you retain accuracy of bookkeeping. Understand the advantages of auditing as you plan for larger grants, setting your organization up for a future of financial stability and success.
Platform: Zoom/Webinar
Date/Time: December 2024, 1 hour
Facilitator: TBD
Collecting Data & Database Development
Description: Learn about the importance of collecting data accurately in relation to supporting existing and prospective projects. Accurate data allows you to make the case for grant proposals in the future. Explore the organizational and regional benefits of a database development system.
Platform: Zoom/Webinar
Date/Time: January 2025, 1 hour
Facilitator: TBD
Advocacy & Educational Outreach
Description: Utilize project findings and data for educational outreach. Expand your audience on the advocacy message you want to get across. Have more of the community involved in project implementation and civic engagement to make impactful change. Learn about various resources you can use to gain a wider, engaged audience.
Platform: Zoom/Webinar
Date/Time: March 2025, 1 hour
Facilitator: TBD
Results & Reporting
Description: Effectively summarize project findings and results in narrative form. Connect project findings to the CCMP, while understanding EPA reporting requirements. Utilize various tools to communicate results to funders and your audience. Learn the importance of using graphs, annual reports, narrative styles, and social media.
Platform: Zoom/Webinar
Date/Time: April 2025, 1 hour
Facilitator: TBD
Fundraising
Description: Explore various fundraising routes for your organization. From the planning of in-person events, to engaging social media, the opportunities are endless. Learn how to successfully get your mission statement across to community members and elected officials. As opportunities arise for environmental justice, learn how you can capture these resources.
Platform: Zoom/Webinar
Date/Time: May 2025, 1 hour
Facilitator: TBD
GIS Mapping: Presenting Results and Findings
Description: Learn about the importance of GIS Mapping and implementing the EPA’S environmental justice, EJScreen. Mapping inequities helps to portray your data and advocate for underserved communities. Project findings illustrated through GIS mapping can ultimately lead to more funds being distributed in your community. Explore how maps can strengthen strong narratives that highlight problematic issues.
Platform: Zoom/Webinar
Date/Time: June 2025, 1 hour
Facilitator: TBD
Writing Your Results
Description: Report back on your Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund project effectively. Review EPA requirements of alignment with the CCMP. Explore the benefits of creating an annual report for your organization. How can your results attract a wider audience? What platforms can you present findings on? How can your findings pave the way for further opportunities for funding?
Platform: Zoom/Webinar
Date/Time: July 2025, 1 hour
Facilitator: TBD
