This spring, the Shallow Ford Foundation partnered with the Lewisville-Clemmons Chamber of Commerce to offer a two-part Grant Writing Workshop Series designed to educate and equip nonprofits across our region. When nonprofits have access to clear guidance, practical tools, and supportive learning spaces, they are better prepared to pursue funding that fuels their missions — and, in turn, create deeper community impact.

The first workshop, Getting Excited About Grant Writing: Turning Ideas into Impact, brought together nonprofit teams eager to build their grant writing skills. Panelists Tiffany Birdsong (Fostering Faith Foundation), Ivan Huffman (Hunt Insurance Solutions; Board Chair, Historic Nissen House), Ginger Hendricks (Ginger Hendricks Consulting), and Jerry Anderson (Do School) shared approaches, lessons learned, and real-world strategies for shaping compelling proposals.

With guidance from Greg, our Program Officer, the session blended practical insights with thoughtful discussion, helping participants better understand how to tell their story, articulate community need, and communicate impact.

The second workshop, Take Away–Tools: Crafting Competitive Grant Proposals, built on the momentum of the first session. Panelists Todd and Emmy (Foundation staff), Cameron Smith (YMCA of NWNC; Shore Community Grant recipient), and Sandra Wimbish (Associated Artists of Winston-Salem; Bingham Arts Grant recipient) contributed practical examples and real-world perspectives, offering step-by-step strategies and “ready to use” tools participants can apply immediately to strengthen their future grant applications.

At the Shallow Ford Foundation, we strive to be a resource to the nonprofits serving Clemmons, Lewisville, Yadkin County, and surrounding communities. Educational opportunities like these empower nonprofits with knowledge and confidence — essential ingredients for pursuing funding, growing programs, and advancing their missions.

We extend heartfelt thanks to the Lewisville Clemmons Chamber of Commerce for their partnership and for all the work they do to support and connect local businesses and nonprofits. Their collaboration made this series possible. We hope to host more workshops like this across our service area in the future as we continue to support nonprofits in the vital work they do every day.

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