The Grant Writing Course as a Real-World Experience to Build Communities
Patty Wong will introduce the audience to the SJSU LIBR 282 Grant Writing and Alternative Funding Resources course, which she has taught for the School of Information during the past seven years. As a practitioner with hundreds of successful grants, Wong views grant writing as a real time, expandable skill that can build communities while diversifying funding to make the world a better place. During the course, Wong guides students through a grant writing process using a client of their choice.
The process includes preparing an environmental scan, listing funders, exploring grant writing tools, analysis of funder information, grant deconstruction, and writing an actual proposal to benefit a project and the client’s community. The interactive sessions using Collaborate heighten student learning and experience. Many students work in pairs to maximize joint learning. Students build a client profile, establish goals and objectives, utilize an evaluation tool for the project, create a communication and promotion plan, and develop a final proposal integrating funder criteria for future client submission.
Presenters
Patty Wong has served as County Librarian/Chief Archivist of Yolo County Library since January 2008. With a great staff, the library constructed two new branches, completed remodeling of its largest facility, opened a satellite location, and established countywide 211 services within a four-year span. Under Patty’s leadership, the library hosts the Non Profit Leaders Alliance, supporting the regular meeting and growth of the county’s more than 400 non-profit organizations and the Yolo County Youth Development Coalition, which is committed to a countywide framework to provide safety and supports for youth in building stronger communities. The library actively cultivates a culture of inclusion and developed a strategic plan based on community-centered engagement. Patty is also active in shared governance and support of Yolo County, serving in a number of county and community leadership roles.
Patty is a faculty member specializing in professional development and grant writing at the School of Information Science at San Jose State University. She has been responsible for hundreds of successful grants in the field, totaling close to $3.0 million.
Patty’s greatest strength centers on personal and professional development of colleagues. Proud to be a mentor alumni of the Eureka Leadership Program (CA), Patty is an active leader within the American Library Association as a former Councilor at Large and Executive Board member and currently serves on the CLA Legislative Committee and as ALA Chapter Councilor for California. Most importantly, Patty is mom to UC Berkeley sophomore Michael and award winning cheer athlete and high school junior, Sarah.