Published: May 22, 2008 12:54 pm      

Students learn there is more to grant writing than meets the eye

BY MATTHEW McVICKER

MOUNT ALOYSIUS STUDENT

The grant-writing class offered through the business and information technology department at Mount Aloysius College in Cresson gives business students an inside look at how grants are established, written and processed.

Kim Asonevich is the professor.

Students are challenged to prepare a grant by finding a community need and, then, working with the organization to seek funding for that need.

I chose the Greater Johnstown YMCA, where I have worked for a number of years as a lifeguard.

I saw two needs.

1. Update the pool ramp for better access for older swimmers, those with disabilities and also children and infants.

2. Improve the free weights in the weight rooms, which are used by members of all ages.

YMCA members have a variety of medical problems, including chronic back ailments, arthritis, various knee and hip problems, and a variety of other conditions that make getting in and out of the pool difficult.

Upgrading the free weights, to enable more users to get a better workout, would be beneficial to many members, and could even attract new membership.

I discovered that identifying a need is only the first step in grant writing.

In order to develop my proposal, I had to communicate with YMCA officials and discuss how the grant would be beneficial to the YMCA.

I also had to contact potential donors, including executives of various private and civic organizations.

I am hoping to submit this project to the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies this summer with the hope of seeing an improvement.