The Grant Writer's Well
A Soulful Strategic Grant Writing Training for the Times We're In
A proven 8-module program that builds long-term capacity across teams and organizations—without adding to burnout.
Foundations, Executive Directors, Non-profit Leaders
We're on the leading edge of some major shifts - technological, economic, political, social, and environmental. Federal dollars have already been slashed. State cuts will follow. And we all know that if the stock market crashes, foundations will follow suit. Nonprofits across the country and the world will be forced to address rising demand for services while adjusting to budget cuts.
Now is the time to invest in your team’s capacity to win grants.
I've raised over $100M and ridden the waves of three major economic downturns during
my grant writing career. The non-profits leaders that I've seen thrive through difficult times are those who deepen into their mission, see possibility when others are paralyzed in fear, and bravely continue to invest in their vision of a better future for us all.
When funding gets tight, the difference between thriving and surviving often comes
down to this:> Does your staff know how to write grants that actually win without burning themselves out?
But here’s the challenge:
- AI can help speed up grant development but sustainable grant success requires human relationships, creativity and insights.
- Many capable staff aren’t trained in grant writing and are daunted by it.
- People are already stretched thin.
- Current trainings fail to truly equip people for the long run.
The Grant Writer’s Well is a powerful, proven solution.
The Grant Writer's Well...
is not just another training. It's a transformational, proven approach that generates real results for organizations
dedicated to building lasting sustainable capacity. With expert
guidance, participants prepare a full draft proposal that puts their most beautiful vision for the world into action.Proven Results
Client Case Study: Cornell Cooperative Extension
Great Recession (2009–10):
Trained 25 staff at Tompkins County extension → $400,000 in new grants the next year → graduates went on to be their best grant writers raising millions more.COVID Pandemic (2020–21):
Trained 50 staff from 14 extension associations → $6+ million within 2 years.
o Created unexpected partnerships → statewide collaborations → long-term competitiveness.
o One team even had a proposal funded before the course ended.
Individual Long-Term Results:
“I took the workshop several years ago andsince then I’ve secured 18 grants, helping to save my program from closure.”
“We applied for 10 grants last year and were awarded 9 out of 10!”
Participant Experience:
“The workshop was relaxed, fun, social, and focused on real grants. I discovered grant writing can be like a puzzle—and it doesn’t have to be torturous. It can be joyful.”What You're Inviting People Into
A cohort will from your organization will go through the course together
1:1 project brainstorming consultation
You will receive a 1:1 private consultation to identify/refine your project idea. You further develop this with your buddy and peer learning group.
8 online modules
60+ thoughtfully designed bite-sized lessons covering grant readiness, research, relationship building, program design, storytelling, writing, and review. How to use AI tools (if allowable by your organization/funder.)
8 1-hour coaching calls
to answer your questions and provide guidance as you go through the materials. We'll also review your drafts as a group so you get feedback from lots of perspectives.
Write a full draft proposal
If you have a project idea, you'll have the opportunity to write a draft with my ongoing feedback
2 hour peer-review session
where we give constructive feedback on the drafts - this is invaluable to get a compassionate outsider’s perspective. This will be held in early April.
Long-term access
you’ll be able to access these materials 24/7 for 18 months. This is invaluable because you can come back 6 or 12 months from now when a grant deadline is looming.
The Problem with Most Grant Trainings
Here’s why 2-5 day in-person or asynchronous online grant writing courses don’t solve the problem: 85% of winning grants is not about the writing —it’s about:
- Knowing which grant applications are worth your time
- Building strategic partnerships
- Designing inspiring projects that are in deep alignment between your community, nonprofit,
and the funder - Having the confidence and capacity to put grant writing theory into practice
And doing it all without overwhelming your already maxed-out team
The Grant Writer’s Well isn’t just about winning one grant. It’s about building lasting organizational capacity.
Why This Approach Works
- Most trainings are transactional. The GrantWriter’s Well is transformational.
- Because we know grant writing is not just technical—it’s emotional, cultural, and systemic. When staff learn to approachit from sufficiency, collaboration, and clarity, their proposals improve—and their organizations are strengthened from within.
- Most trainings are transactional. The GrantWriter’s Well is transformational.
Benefits for Organizations
- Improves grant success rates in a competitive environment
- Deeply human: Rooted in collaboration, wholeness, and sufficiency—not fear
- Ignites and strengthens collaborations across your network
- Strengthens organizational resilience across your network by diversifying funding
streams - Positions your organization as a leader in proactive capacity building
- Dependable: Long-term access means people revisit content when they need it
- High completion rates: Designed to support follow-through
- Builds staff satisfaction and resilience
"Last year we applied for 10 grants and we were awarded 9 out of the 10!"
"My main takeaway from the course is that grant writing doesn't have to be torturous - in fact it can be joyful."
Erin Marteal, Director,
Ithaca Children's Garden
"I have been successful in securing 18 grants, helping to make up for critical funding losses in our program."
"I took the GrantsChampion workshop several years ago and it was my first formal introduction to grants. Since then, I have been successful in securing 18 grants, helping to make up for critical funding losses in our program. Without learning how to write these grants, and gaining the confidence to pursue them, the program might not be here today.
The workshop was relaxed, fun, social, and focused on real grants we were pursuing. It was a very honest workshop. I discovered that grant-writing can be like a puzzle with many pieces we already have. We just need to find the right way of connecting those pieces so they make up the whole picture."
Suzie Brache
"Since taking this course, I have helped secure more than $625,000 in grants!"
"Before I attended your workshop, I used to ‘wing it’ when it came to writing grant applications. Now I know some strategies that have helped me organize my time better and, thankfully, keep my sanity. The best part of all: since taking this course, I have helped secure more than $625,000 in grants!"
Dr. Lenore Strocchia-Rivera
This course is like none I've ever participated in...
Most courses approach grants with a very scientific mindset; which for me often feels difficult to access. Jana on the other hand approaches grant writing in a way that encourages curiosity and a sense of wonder. Don’t be fooled, however, there are plenty of practical tools and guidelines. I found the webinars and resources Jana provided made grant writing more accessible. I no longer approach it with a sense of intimidation; I actually believe I am up for the challenge.
Andrea Lista
"If you’re thinking of taking the class, just do it and be prepared to do some work. My time and money were well-spent."
"I came into this class feeling intimidated by the grant development process. Jana communicates with humor and creates a calm space in which to focus. The exercises were really helpful and useful and I learned the importance of people and their stories in grant development. I left the class with a big picture of the grants process and feel much more confident. If you’re thinking of taking the class, just do it and be prepared to do some work. My time and money were well-spent."
Elizabeth Wolff
"Our first grant proposal was not only approved but recognized by the funders as being well-written."
"We would not have been able to do it without Jana’s coaching. I would recommend her training to anybody who is interested in getting a good grasp of the art of grant writing. It involves much more than the process of accurately writing a proposal, it’s essentially defining a vision and using the necessary tools to make it happen!"
Dr. Marie Constant
"I learned to tell my 'story' in a compelling way"
"Most workshops are about doing this and not doing that but this workshop was heart-centered and Jana took a lot of care to address individual questions and concerns to ensure that everyone had a clear understanding of the grant writing process. I learned to view my organization through the lens of potential funders and how to tell my ‘story’ in a compelling way. This is the best training you can take if you want to get to the ‘heart’ of successful grant writing."
Dee Gamble
"There is something very special about this course"
"Not everyone who is an expert in their field is willing to share their knowledge and expertise. Moreover, even fewer experts have the gift of being an excellent teacher. Or, are able to encapsulate and crystallize all they have learned, and present their accumulated knowledge in a course of easily digestible lessons. Jana does that in her series of short videos, her comprehensive course manual, and in her LIVE weekly Question & Answer sessions. Those weekly Q&As not only give you direct access to Jana and your cohort for discussion of the grant writing process, but you also have a chance to learn from your classmates as they share their own experiences. The Grant Writer's Well will inspire you, expand your 'skill set' in proposal writing, and provide a rock solid grant writing methodology for creating any proposal, and getting that grant."
Steven Carlson, CA
"Taking this workshop has made me more comfortable and skilled"
"This in-depth and interactive workshop gave me the support to go for an RFP that I would otherwise have let pass by. I like that the class emphasized the importance of taking all the necessary steps and on teamwork to fill in and strengthen gaps. Taking this workshop has made me more comfortable and skilled with aspects of the grant writing process where I was weakest, such as building relationships with funders.
This workshop, designed by a grants professional, will provide you with valuable new skills and the opportunity to draft a proposal during the class and receive support and feedback from your peers."
Sharon Anderson
"The course materials and resources provided have been particularly helpful, even several months after the workshop."
"From the introduction on day one, I felt confident in Jana Hexter's command of the subject and knew I would learn a great deal from her grant-writing workshop. It provided the opportunity for me to review the grant-writing process, look closely at each step, and consider different approaches to grant-writing depending on the source of funding. Jana taught about the finer details of grant-writing from both the writer's and grant reviewer's perspectives. The course materials and resources provided have been particularly helpful, even several months after the workshop. I would recommend this course to beginning grant-writers, as well as to experienced grant-writers who want to sharpen their skills."
Jackie Mouillesseaux-Grube
"My proposals are now clear, focused, direct, and heart-felt"
"I came into this class with some grant writing experience but wanting a better success rate. The class broke down the funder/grantee hierarchy and empowered me to feel like a funder’s peer. I am now explicit in the use of statistics and story and am explicit in what the proposal means to and for funders. My proposals are now clear, focused, direct, and heart-felt. Jana breaks down barriers between people and forms safe connections and mentoring relationships. As a result of the class I have more ability to work with others and seek help when needed."
Emma Frisch
Bring it to Your Network
Whether you’re:
- A foundation looking to strengthen your grantee pipeline
- A nonprofit leader wanting your team to write stronger proposals
- A network director seeking capacity-building that actually sticks
Please complete the form below if you would like more details about training your staff, network or association or licencing for your membership organization.
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