Eileen Barber
As our semester and grant writing processes come to an end, we all must reflect on what we have learned throughout this course. When it comes to grant writing, there is definitely a learning curve regarding gathering and compiling information. All of us as students and community members had to work to learn about how we could best aid our NonprofitOrganizations in fulfilling their mission.
I asked a few classmates what they enjoyed the most about the experience so far, and most replied that they valued the relationships they gained with their Nonprofit Organization. Our class got the privilege of meeting the people who run the organizations as well as some of the community members who benefit from their services. Meeting a few members of the Gemeinschaft Home and getting to know Jennifer Jacovitch, the public outreach coordinator, was my favorite part. Jennifer was helpful and welcoming throughout the grant writing process, and her passion for the Gemeinschaft home and its residents is abundant. It was rewarding to be able to meet with and learn from people who are working hard to better our community. These new relationships and learning the missions of the organizations was rewarding and inspiring, and the experience will remain with us past our college careers.
The JMU Grant Writing class is full of service-minded individuals with a desire to help their community. Every classmate that I spoke with told me that they would undoubtedly recommend this class to other students. This class gives people the opportunity to not only learn how to research and write grant proposals, it also allows for the creation of relationships and connections with Nonprofit Organizations in the Harrisonburg Community. Being able to break out of the bubble that is a college campus and learn more about the people and organizations around JMU is an invaluable experience. The knowledge, skills, and relationships that have developed out of this class will benefit every student for years to come.