"One word . . . Awesome!"
- Molly E. Edwards, Housing Resources Liaison, Mediation Program Manager, City of Scottsdale, AZ
"After attending the workshop, I applied for a "Smaller Learning Communities" grant for the school where I work, and we received word last week that the grant has been funded at $500,000 over a three year period. In addition, we received a second grant that was funded for $250,000 per year for 5 years (over 1.2 million), which will support the development and implementation of the 21st Century Community Learning Center for the students and parents who reside in the Roosevelt community. We are on a roll here thanks to Grant Writing USA."
- Elizabeth Dias, Program Manager, Roosevelt High School, Fresno, California
"I have worked for the grantee, grantor, and sub-recipient. I am a grant writer, grants reviewer, and a grant manager. I have spent hours of my life reading, writing and re-writing narratives, summaries, and other components of grants. If only I had met you and attended the class when I began my career 10 years ago! The class confirmed that I know a few tricks of the trade, taught me new and easier ways to process, and opened my eyes to many opportunities. Thank you – it’s the best bang for the buck my employer could ever get!"
- Carolyn Lovell, Grant Coordinator, City of McKinney, Texas
"New England Law Library Consortium has successfully attracted a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services in the amount of $364,150.00! You can read about our project in this press release. As you might imagine this is a real coup for a small non-profit like NELLCO. In the process of writing the proposal I referred often to my materials from the grant writing workshop."
- Tracy L. Thompson, Executive Director, NELLCO
"Working in law enforcement, I have had the opportunity to attend training put on by some of the best trainers and training providers in the country. Also, the agency I work for has high standard of training that they supply. That, coupled with the fact that I had previously written a few grants requests, contributed to a low expectation for this class. I was pleasantly surprised. I was extremely impressed with the instructor's command of the subject, the organization of his material and his desire for OUR success. In addition, I received hundreds if not thousands of dollars worth of resources as part of the package. I highly recommend this seminar to anyone in any field who is involved in locating and/or procuring grant funding."
- Sgt. Jim Fox, Ada County Sheriff's Court Services, Idaho
The workshop was by far the most productive, clearly delivered and useful one that I had EVER attended. The others promised so much, but delivered far below expectations. Other presenters merely provided a chronology of the grants they had written and received. They provided theory, but failed to offe11:33 AM 3/25/2009r practical, easy-to-follow guidelines.
- Dionne David Felix, Ph.D., Oakwood University
"WOW, what can I say? This was, without a doubt, the best seminar/workshop I've ever attended, both from a content and delivery standpoint. Now I can't wait to get started on an RFP due out in late March (capacity building for community-based and faith-based organizations)."
- Harriet West, Senior Manager, Public Management Consulting, Clifton Gunderson LLP
“Grant Writing USA is the 'standard bearer' in the grant writing industry. They are the ones that ALL others will have to be 'measured to' if you have any expectations of gaining some real knowledge about the process and creating a positive experience for the members which you are willing to host for. Any other process is effort and money not well spent! If you are serious about your desire to 'de-mystify' the grant writing process for yourself and others, this is the ONE shop where you MUST stop!”
- Jess L. Campbell – Chief / Las Vegas Fire and Rescue
"Since attending your workshop, grant proposals I've written on behalf of our district have generated nearly a half-million dollars. And this was accomplished during my first twelve months ever working as a grant writer. Thanks for your guidance, resource materials and support. All the best."
- Ken Koerner, Bishop Joint Union High School District, Bishop, CA
"I put off taking Grant Writing USA's course until it was presented in San Diego. Having taken several other courses in the interim, my recommendation to budding grant writers is to start out with this one, even if it's out of town. If you feel you need more training, take it again! If you're serious about writing grants, I can't think of a better use of your valuable time and money."
- Jon Lewis, Grant Writer, Vista Community Clinic
"It's a happy holiday season for The Arc of Sedgwick County. Today we received news that we are the recipient of a $50,000 grant from the Wichita Community Foundation. Thank YOU for teaching me the skills to make it happen!"
- Michael Webb, 1st Vice President of the Board, The Arc of Sedgwick County
"Just a note to thank you for one of the best seminars I've ever attended in my career. Not only did you over-deliver on your agenda, but you were entertaining and truly inspirational. The CD-ROM is the absolute best tool of this nature that I have ever seen . . ."
- John P. Fullingim, Managing Director, Applied Behavioral Sciences, Dallas, TX
"I attended the grant writing workshop in Boise, ID. I thoroughly enjoyed attending the workshop and felt it was time and money well spent. The information was exceptionally useful and was presented to us in an organized and easy to understand format. Being new to the grant writing field the instructor’s easy to follow approach made grant writing a task I feel I can easily accomplish. I have recommended this workshop to several of my peers."
- Pam Harris, Caring Voice Coalition, Inc.
"Thank you for a fun and informative workshop. I admit to being a little nervous at the possibility of writing grants before the workshop but with your information and continuing support I feel confident that I will be able to do this. I came away with not only the increased confidence but you were able to present the material in such a way that it was accessible as well as interesting and even (dare I say it?) fun!"
- Anastacia Knight, Sierra Adoption Services
"This training provides the information necessary for researching, writing, and submitting funding proposals to federal, state, corporate, or private foundation funders. I recommend this training for the municipal, county, educational and non-profit officials who are considering or seeking grants to supplement their budgets during these times of economic belt tightening."
- Stacey Puckett, Deputy Director, Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police
"This is to congratulate and thank you for the splendid conference. Your materials on foundation research and grant writing are superb! Your very engaging manner of presenting them with illustrations, examples, visuals and a sprinkling of humor made attendance a pleasant experience as well as a profitable one. The CD ROM disk that you placed in the kit represents a great deal of research and organization on your part. The wealth of material is, in itself, worth far more than the cost of the conference."
- Dr. H. Edward Rowe, Nevada Partners, Inc.
"You rekindled the genius in me. It was delightful to come away from the workshop with an abundance of real knowledge and the confidence to use it."
- Vickie Castro, Pahrump Family Resource Center, NV
"I recently attended your sponsored grant writing class in San Antonio, Texas, and I just wanted to drop you a quick email complimenting the course. During my 17 years of working as a Paramedic and being involved in writing grants for the emergency services I work for, I have never attended a more informative class than the one you instructed. Thank you again."
- Shelley D. Zielonka, Paramedic, Goliad County EMS, Goliad, TX
"This seminar surpasses any previous grant writing seminar I have ever attended in my grant writing career. The seminar should be a prerequisite for all of the other presenters whose conference or seminar I attended. As a grant writer who has a high success rate of being awarded grant funds, I found the quality, depth, and wealth of information - particularly the inside tips - far exceeded my expectations. Rod Helm's seminar within the grant writing community is what the Oscar is to Academy Awards; a winner!"
- Juandra A. Smith, Management Analyst II, City of Las Vegas Municipal Court
"A brief note to thank you for your outstanding and most informative 2 day workshop which I had the opportunity to attend this past Tuesday & Wednesday in the Philadelphia area. Even though I had a background in grant research, writing and administrating, I came away with a more in-depth understanding of the process and was able to collect a myriad of up-to-date resources. Your compelling crescendo finale put it all in perspective...why we raise funds...to make our communities better places for our neighbors and our children."
- Bob Behr, Chairman-Fine Arts Dept., Girard College, Philadelphia
"Just got home from the grant proposal workshop in Sacramento and before I do anything else, I want to both thank and commend you. You're a natural-born teacher with an unusual ability to carve the elephant into bite-sized pieces. Spent many years in a previous life evaluating teacher effectiveness. You're among the best, sir. Again, many thanks."
- Patrick K. Preminger, Special Operations Division, San Francisco Police Department
I just wanted to write and say thank you so much for a wonderful class. You made the training not only interesting and informative, but also inspiring. I left the training with all kinds of ideas about ways to apply the skills you taught us, and have gone on to inspire friends, family, and co-workers to learn more about the grant writing world. It's great to finally understand what grants are all about, and to feel challenged and excited about the process of applying for funds instead of intimidated and uncertain. Thank you again for doing such a great job!
- Genevieve Long, Communications Director, Office of the Lt. Governor, WA
Had to write and thank you for an invaluable grant writing workshop! Lots of information, great tips, excellent examples, terrific links . . . and all delivered in an interesting and often entertaining style. You have a wealth of information and are an outstanding presenter. The two days flew by! Just as important, I came away motivated, anxious to roll up my sleeves and ready to write. Your workshop was both money and time well spent. Thank you!
- Dr. Vicki DeLorey, MGT of America, Olympia, WA
Rarely is such vast knowledge and experience communicated so clearly, concisely and effectively! This grant writing workshop is a truly valuable, energizing and empowering experience.
- Rebecca Ann Downing, Arts Dept. Chair, Boylan Catholic HS, Rockford, IL
Just wanted to thank you for the wonderful 2-day course on grant writing. Over the last 10 years I have literally attended over a hundred different type of workshops/seminars lasting anywhere from 1 to 5 days and never has one held my interest so intently, provided so much useful information, or gone so quickly. You are a dynamic speaker but what stood out even more, was your honest sincerity in helping people succeed, as well as your integrity. Your willingness to provide counsel and answer questions long after the workshop ended was an added bonus that I had not expected. Companies such as yours are ones that I strive to do business with. I will highly recommend your course to others.
- Sharon Cannizzo, Renton, WA
Thanks for the energizing and eye-opening workshop. I attended the Reserve, KS sessions, and feel I have a much better idea of what it takes to do grant writing well. The biggest "Aha!" moment for me came during the budgeting phase of the class. You urged us to form a budget for the entire project, so that we could predict, among other things, what it would cost to receive the grant. I've been trying to figure out why projects keep coming up short, even though the grant request is funded . . . well, there it was. I especially like the concept, because it forces all players to face reality and determine where the additional funds will be found. I'm on my way to a meeting to get started on a proposal. I plan to pass around copies of the GrantsMap and the Task Timeline and Cash Flow Analysis. I will attribute them to you, I promise Thanks again.
- Jim Fletcher, Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, MO
It was indeed a pleasure and a meaningful experience attending your grant writing workshop held in Las Vegas. I have attended many workshops in the past but this one stands out among the best of them. It was obvious to me that your years of experience and skillful method of teaching was the foundation for the workshop's success. The structure and the manner in which the material was presented made it a pleasant and uplifting experience.
- Francis M. Mc Dermott, Parks Planner, Mohave County, Arizona
"It is a rare occasion when a workshop lives up to its 'hype,' but the May training in Reno went way beyond what it was advertised to be. It is also rare when someone who has the 'in-the-trenches' experience and expertise is willing to share these hard won insights so freely, so clearly, in such an engaging manner. This high voltage conference was just what I needed and, frankly, never expected to get. Thank you so much."
- Suzanne Graves, Coordinator, Lahontan Valley Literacy, Fallon, NV
"Wow. I just completed your grant writing workshop, and I'm so grateful for the incredible experience. I learned more in that 2-day period than I can recall ever learning in a workshop, and I've been to some very good ones."
- Robin Camacho, American Heart Association, Las Vegas, NV
"Your workshop was extraordinary! If Webster rightfully defines "dynamic" as producing energy or change, then you and your presentation both were truly dynamic! You charged the atmosphere with energy, and sparked the participants into electrifying ways of thinking."
"The day before your workshop, I overheard one participant complain, 'I'm gonna hate it. I don't like writing grants; I'm never gonna write a grant; I'm gonna die of boredom!'"
"Today the same participant sang your praises, 'He made it sooo interesting and sooo easy. I love grant writing now!'"
"The RFP for our major funding grant is due momentarily and I feel like a racehorse at the starting gate. After attending your workshop, I'd bet the bank on me."
- Valene S. Lyons-Brady, Lahontan Valley Literacy, Fallon, NV
"Can't thank you enough for the quality and breadth of material and expertise you imparted at last week's grantsmanship seminar. Please offer a follow-up course covering all areas of nonprofit fundraising, and a 3rd course on staff/board development. If you do, count me in; you could sell out the Grand Canyon."
- Mike Elsessor, Reno, NV
"Helm's expertise is evident both in his proof of performance - the millions of dollars he has been granted, but in his willingness and ability to successfully share his wealth of knowledge and resources. I was so motivated by your energy and support . . ."
- Tami Cummings, Grants Officer, Washoe County Sheriff's Office, Reno, NV
"I thoroughly enjoyed the seminar last week. Thank you for teaching such a well put together seminar."
- Vernon Ulrich, Sergeant, Fallon (NV) Police Department
"Hi Rod. I attended your workshop last year. I just want to let you know that in the last year, I have gotten approximately $50,000 in grants. Thanks again. Nicole"
And on 6/7/02 Nicole again wrote: "I have some good news to share. Last week we were awarded a three-year grant of $60,000 a year. Over 50 organizations applied and four received the award. They told me that the grant I wrote scored the highest amount of points!"
- Nicole Johnston Zipsie, Central Coast Center for Independent Living
"I just wanted to take a few minutes to express my gratitude for your terrific seminar. I have attended similar workshops, but left more overwhelmed than when I walked in. You broke the process down into logical steps and imparted some great ideas. Thanks for teaching me the "secret handshake" of grants."
- Terry Bostwick, Pahrump, Nevada,Town Office
"The conference was fantastic! You were able to impart grant writing and grant finding information in the most user-friendly seminar that it has ever been my privilege to attend. I appreciate the manner and demeanor you use to get the information across. You should be very proud of your accomplishments and the way you instruct. Its not often that we as service providers hit on a gold mine like your conferences. Thank goodness it was my turn to hit the jackpot!"
- Mary Long, The Family Resource Center, Nye County, Nevada
"During the workshop you told me about the County Neighborhood Services Small Projects Grants. You must have taught me something, because I just received word today that our Resident Council has been awarded the amount of $1,050 to help fund our Neighborhood Block Party and Festival. Your workshop helped give me the knowledge and confidence to go after the grant, and I want you to know how grateful I am."
- Stephanie J. Hoffman, Weeks Plaza Resident Council
"Thanks for putting on such a great workshop. I loved your no-nonsense approach. Even though I've been doing this a long time, I really learned a lot. It is great to add a few more items to my 'bag of tricks'."
- Valerie Dockery, Grants Coordinator, Carson City School District
"Your charismatic, upbeat delivery of the information is a whole lot more fun than the mundane, tedious approach used by others. Merci beau coup!"
- Collette Putnam, Project Dignity
"I have been to a lot of different trainings where, after the first day I was not looking forward to going back. Your conference was different. It is not often you come across an instructor whose enthusiasm is so contagious. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and delivering it in an easy to learn fashion."
- Jodi Ann Petrulionis, Case Manager, Family Resource Center
"Once again thank you ever so much, the workshop was indeed more than I expected, and just what I need to continue on with our project."
- William A. Ward, President, Dream Catcher's Ranch, Ely, Nevada
"Thank you again for working with the Family Resource Centers to help them attend your grant writing training in December. The coordinator and our own Cabinet staff members gave you rave reviews!"
- Stacy Kendall, Northern Nevada FRC Coordinator