This is an anytime, anywhere online video training. As soon as you enroll, you will have instant access to the recorded training and can watch from any Internet-connected device, on your own schedule, as often as you like.



Five-star student reviews:

5 star rating

Exactly what I was looking for!

June Angole

This class is exactly what I've been looking for. I've been writing and reviewing grants for many years and I still struggle with editing. How do I make this information clear to the reader? What do I focus on when I don't have a lot of time? This...

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This class is exactly what I've been looking for. I've been writing and reviewing grants for many years and I still struggle with editing. How do I make this information clear to the reader? What do I focus on when I don't have a lot of time? This class gave me the tools I need to simplify and structure the editing process. I can't wait to review my next grant!

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5 star rating

Fantastic tips and reminders for clear writing

Michelle Arnett

Unlike many webinars that I can view with glazed eyes and minimal focus, this workshop was engaging and useful. I took away several easy-to-remember tools that I can use right away, such as the 'meat cleaver' and the pruning method. I look forward...

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Unlike many webinars that I can view with glazed eyes and minimal focus, this workshop was engaging and useful. I took away several easy-to-remember tools that I can use right away, such as the 'meat cleaver' and the pruning method. I look forward to learning more from Maryn Boess!

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5 star rating

Power Writing is More Than Magic

Barbara Gorzinski

“Power Writing for Nonprofits” reveals the secret of putting magic back into your writing: return to simplicity and understand how your own brain does the conjuring. And Maryn Boess’ humor, metaphors and step-by-step instruction make for an enjoya...

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“Power Writing for Nonprofits” reveals the secret of putting magic back into your writing: return to simplicity and understand how your own brain does the conjuring. And Maryn Boess’ humor, metaphors and step-by-step instruction make for an enjoyable 90 minute power-package. The course made me want to charge into my next writing project! I loved the practical writing goals set out by the course: improve speed and clarity. I’ve experienced being frozen in front of a blank page, struggling to find my message and convey it effectively. This course delivers on its promise to lay out a structure and keys to unlock a way through all that. The written materials that accompany the videos gave me the feel of being at a live workshop, participating in writing exercises and experiencing “aha” insights. I’m committed to following-up on the additional references and taking Maryn up on her offer to answer questions and help me in the future. GrantsMagicU has given me a solid foundation for my grant seeking through the other courses I’ve taken and I was eager for this Power Writing course to open up. No more fumbling to get started on my writing, no more crumpled “start over” drafts in the recycle bin for me! I highly recommend the Power Writing course and I look forward to the new set of course offerings that are available now at GrantsMagic. Thanks so much, Maryn Boess, for making your courses the real deal--the absolute best I’ve taken.

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5 star rating

Great Learning Tool!!

Angie Grams

The information in this course is incredible! I've been writing for many years and thought I knew all the "tricks". Maryn provided MANY new tools that I'll be able to use to fine tune my grant writing.

The information in this course is incredible! I've been writing for many years and thought I knew all the "tricks". Maryn provided MANY new tools that I'll be able to use to fine tune my grant writing.

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5 star rating

Power Writing for Nonprofits benefits all writers

Mary Tewksbury

Maryn does it again! Power Writing for Nonprofits is packed with applicable information presented in a fun and interesting way. The course offers ideas for seasoned and beginning writers as well as writers in the nonprofit world and beyond. ...

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Maryn does it again! Power Writing for Nonprofits is packed with applicable information presented in a fun and interesting way. The course offers ideas for seasoned and beginning writers as well as writers in the nonprofit world and beyond. Mary Tewksbury, Michigan Grant Writer and Researcher

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5 star rating

Moves you beyond the empty page!

Shawn Watson

As always, Maryn brings substance and clarity to her topic. Her course on Power Writing eliminates that fear of a blank page and inspires one to begin putting pen to paper! Thank you.

As always, Maryn brings substance and clarity to her topic. Her course on Power Writing eliminates that fear of a blank page and inspires one to begin putting pen to paper! Thank you.

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5 star rating

Fabulous course for all writers

Lisa Hajjar

I highly recommend this course for new and experienced grant writers. It is well organized and effectively presented and will either keep you or break you from bad habits or outdated modes of writing. This course will give you more confidence as a...

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I highly recommend this course for new and experienced grant writers. It is well organized and effectively presented and will either keep you or break you from bad habits or outdated modes of writing. This course will give you more confidence as a writer and an editor. The self-run format also makes it easier to fit into one's schedule.

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5 star rating

Great refresher

Diane Wolfe

Power Writing for Grants is a beautifully organized and comprehensive review of what it takes to write well. I especially appreciate the tips on proofreading.

Power Writing for Grants is a beautifully organized and comprehensive review of what it takes to write well. I especially appreciate the tips on proofreading.

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5 star rating

From organizing to writing and polishing--the whole process

sylvia woodall

A wonderful overview that's actually practical, for newbies and for those of us who've done it a long time and are mired in our own routines.

A wonderful overview that's actually practical, for newbies and for those of us who've done it a long time and are mired in our own routines.

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Clear, compelling writing is vital to all your on-the-job writing projects -- not just grant proposals.

In this hands-on workshop, you'll learn and practice simple, powerful and often overlooked techniques that will have you writing more clearly, quickly and confidently -- right away.

The focus is on presenting your message in a way that makes it as easy as possible for your reader to understand -- so you get the 
results you want!

What we'll cover:

  • The big myths and misconceptions that could be sabotaging your writing - without your even knowing it

  • Three fundamental strategies for writing so clearly your reader cannot possibly misunderstand your message

  • Key techniques and tools to help you organize your material for maximum impact

  • Ten steps for busting through the deadly 12-12-12 Scenario and bringing your writing to life

  • Figuring it out: Who are your readers, what do they need from you … and how do you make sure you deliver?

  • Advice from the top writing pros on editing, proofreading, and revising

  • BONUS: Everything else you always wanted to know about writing (but didn't know who to ask!)

Curriculum:

TOTAL VIDEO TIME:  2 hrs. 14 min.`


WELCOME: START HERE (downloads and overview)

PART 1. WRITING: WHAT WORKS, WHAT DOESN'T WORK - AND WHY (total video time: 9 min.)

  • The 6-Step Process of "Writing" - and Why It Doesn't Work to Do It All At Once
     

PART 2. CLARITY: THE "HOW" OF GOOD WRITING (total video time: 73 min.)

  • The Golden Rule of Good Writing
  • Clarity Key #1: Focus on Simple, Familiar Words - The First 2 Tools
  • Clarity Key #1: A 3rd Tool - and the Systematic Proposal Buzz Phrase Synthesizer
  • Clarity Key #2: Prefer Short, Simple Sentences - The Meat Cleaver Tool
  • Clarity Key #2: Four More Tools - Wow!
  • Stop and Think: Practice Exercise
  • Clarity Key #2: Prefer Active-Voice Verbs - Dogs, Zombies, and Homer Simpson
  • Three Corollaries of Clear Writing
  • A Few Words About Those "Grade-Level" Reading Scales
     

PART 3. ORGANIZING: THE "WHAT" OF GOOD WRITING (total video time: 24 min.)

  • Organizing Key #1: Ask - Why? Who? What?
  • Organizing Key #2: Outline, Outline, Outline (But Not Like This!)
  • Organizing Key #3: Lead With Your Bottom Line
  • Example: Getting Roger to Yes - ASAP!
     

PART 4. EDITING AND PROOFREADING FOR PROFESSIONAL POLISH (total video time: 16 min.)

  • Editing in the Left Brain - and Proofreading by Look-Listen-Touch
  • Proofreading Tricks: When You Don't Have Time; When You Can't Stand to Look At It Again
     

PART 5. EVERYTHING ELSE YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT GOOD WRITING (THANKS, MOM!) (total video time: 5 min.)

  • Mystery Grab Bag - What's Inside?
     

WRAPPING IT UP (total video time: 7 min.)

  • Recap, Review, Putting It Into Practice

Meet Maryn!

Maryn M. Boess

Founder/Chief Magic-Maker

Over her 35+-year nonprofit career, Maryn Boess has been an on-staff grantwriter; a grants consultant (winning $42 million for her clients over 10 years); a grants trainer; a grants reviewer, author, speaker, mentor and coach; and – starting in 2006 - even a grantmaker. This 3-D background brings a unique insider's perspective to the practical, inspiring trainings on healthy, successful grantsmanship she shares with thousands of people each year through GrantsMagic U (Go.GrantsMagic.org).

A true dual-citizen of the grants world, Maryn may be the only person holding membership in both Grant Professionals Association (for grantseekers) - and Grantmakers for Effective Organizations (for grantmakers). In 2020, Maryn became just the second inductee into the international Grant Professionals Class of Distinguished Fellows, in recognition of her long history of contribution to the field.

Accepted Continuing Education Credits:

POWER WRITING FOR GRANTS - AND MORE! (2 hrs. 15 min. viewing time) is accepted by the following credentialing institutions for professional Continuing Education (CE) points: