The workshop was organized in response to a survey Commissioner Jordan asked local community groups to complete in November 2009. "I asked community and faith-based groups to identify their current challenges and the general consensus was that they needed help with fiscal and administrative management, as well as traditional grant writing strategies," said Commissioner Jordan. "These groups are typically able to reach out to residents and supplement the programs the County tries to implement, so their survival is of utmost importance."

The Office of Grants Coordination tailored the January 27th workshop to fit the needs of these organizations, explaining ways to improve certain functions of each group and enhance opportunities to receive funding by implementing best practices. Workshop participants were also given updated American Reinvestment Recovery Act (ARRA) information with possible grant opportunities, as well as essential grant writing tips.

"I think the most important message of the workshop was networking and collaboration," said Commissioner Jordan. "Non-profits usually can pull their resources together by building relationships with other organizations that can assist in spreading their program and purpose."

For more information on grant opportunities, please visit the Office of Grant Coordination's website at http://www.miamidade.gov/grants.

Miami-Dade County Commissioner Barbara J. Jordan speaks to representatives of local community and faith-based organizations at a special grants workshop at North Dade Regional Library on January 27, 2010.