LAKE COUNTY – As a follow-up to the upcoming "Gear Up For Business Success" workshop on April 12th at the Konocti Harbor Resort and Spa The Foundation Center will be offering some special programs Lake County nonprofits.

There is a class on proposal writing basics with instructions on how to apply for to the James Irvine Foundation's Creative Connections Fund. You will learn valuable proposal writing skills and hear insider tips on how to apply to the James Irvine Foundation's new Creative Connections Fund at this two-part program offered at several sites in California.

Thanks to sponsorship from the James Irvine Foundation, this program is offered FREE OF CHARGE, and all attendees will receive a free copy of The Foundation Center's Guide to Winning Proposals and The Foundation Center's Guide to Proposal Writing. Registrants MUST represent an arts organization working outside of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Part One: Learn about the basics of writing a proposal

Topics covered will include:

• The key components of a proposal to a foundation or corporation.

• Information on which staff should be involved in submitting proposals.

• How to package your proposal.

• Steps to take if a proposal is turned down.

• Where to find more information on proposal writing, including sample proposals.

Part Two: How to Apply to the James Irvine Foundation's Creative Connections Fund

After the Foundation Center's Proposal Writing Basics presentation, a program officer from the James Irvine Foundation will provide an overview of the goals and priorities of the Creative Connections Fund, advice on avoiding common mistakes, and how to make the most compelling case for support. Irvine staff will also be able to answer individual questions applicants might have about applying to the Creative Connections Fund. For more information on the Creative Connections Fund, please visit: www.irvine.org/artsfund.

If you have yet to sign up for the Lake County Business Services Network's "Gear Up" workshop, there is still time. Simply call 707-263-2580 for more information. This workshop is a follow-up to the Grantseeking Basics presentation by Scott Ullman of The Foundation Center back on March 3rd. "Gear Up" should be a great lead-in to what The Foundation Center plans to introduce in the coming months.

Also, you can get an interesting preview of what the "Gear Up" workshop has to offer nonprofits by listening to Sonya Christian of the Developing Consulting Network on the online talk show, Power Networking.

This interactive podcast can be accessed 15 minutes prior to the show's time by visiting www.talkshoe.com. However, it is recommended that all those wanting to actually participate in the program visit the site in advance of the program date and play the online videos to become familiar with how the show operates.

It is also recommended that you register on the site at that time. Registration is free. If you would like to listen to previously recorded programs visit www.talkshoe.com/tc/1833.

{mos_sb_discuss:2}