15 Tips for an Excellent Problem Statement (in "Grassroots Fundraising Journal," March/April 2014)
The Squandered Moment (in "Advancing Philanthropy," Winter 2013)
Tailor Proposals and Letters to Specific Funders (in "Advancing Philanthropy," September/October 2010)
"You have served our students at a high, high level over the years and with great skill despite often challenging conditions. All of our students emerged better able, more competent, and certainly more aware of the grant-writing process, yet also its centrality to their own success - as well as that of this organization." - David McCuan, Professor of Political Science and MPA Coordinator, Sonoma State University, March 2024.
"I’m glad to hear you are still teaching POLS 587. Although it was an elective for my track, it’s probably the class that I have found to be most useful in my work." - Ariana Díaz De León, April 2019 (took course in 2016).
"That was a truly outstanding presentation. THANK YOU. I have been at this for 13 years and I STILL learned a lot." - Rebecca Kendall, Chief Development Officer, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Santa Rosa, workshop participant, January 2021.
"Just wanted to tell you how much I appreciated your workshop on grant writing. I had written operational proposals at my previous job, but used the proposal "template" already created by our grant writer. This was a first to write the request from an entirely blank page, and it was a great exercise! The day went by very quickly and your packet will be super helpful wherever I land." - B. Sproul, workshop participant, March 2016.
I had 3 successful grant applications last year...nothing big dollar amount-wise but they were awarded.Your class definitely helped me!” - Rich Aguirre, Greenacre Homes and School, Sebastopol, workshop participant, October 2013.
"I found the Step-by-Step Approach to grant proposal writing workshop to be very informative. While I am new to this, I came away thinking that this is do-able (or at least attemptable) even for a newbie, by following your guidelines." - Gretchen Werner, M.Ed., workshop participant, December 2011.
"Thank you for a very informational and interesting proposal writing workshop last week. You were a wonderful presenter and had great thoughts to offer. I especially appreciated that I felt engaged the entire day." – Emily Buller, Development Officer, American Red Cross, Sonoma & Mendocino Counties, workshop participant, June 2010.
“We are very pleased with the workshops Judy has been running for us since 2001. The hundreds of participants from Sonoma County nonprofits overwhelmingly love her workshops, learn an enormous amount about foundation fundraising in six hours, and give her the highest ratings.” – Jean Bertelsen, Coordinator, Resource Center for Nonprofits, Volunteer Center of Sonoma County.
"I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop and truly got a ton of information out of it. You teach a great class. Just being in it and going through the paces I found so many areas I need to address. You also answered many of my questions. I hope that my colleague will be able to attend the next session." – Russell Ernst, workshop participant, March 2009.
Partial list:
Association of Fundraising Professionals/Golden Gate Chapter (2003, 2006, 2009)
Association of Fundraising Professionals/Silicon Valley Chapter (2008)
Community Foundation Sonoma County/Healdsburg Branch (2005)
CompassPoint Nonprofit Services (2008, 2009, 2010)
Development Executives Roundtable (2007)
FIRST 5 Mendocino (2013)
The Foundation Center/San Francisco (2002, 2004, 2005, 2008)
California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce (2008 through CARAT, California Resources and Training; 2011, 2012. 2013)
Multicultural Community Alliance/Fresno (2002) (through Zimmerman Lehman consulting)
Pacific Institute for Studies in Development, Environment and Security (2009)
Sierra Club (1984-1994)
Solano Community Foundation (2007, 2008)
Volunteer Center of Sonoma County, Resource Center for Nonprofits (2001-2016)
Sonoma State University, Masters in Public Administration Program, Grant Writing and Administration course, POLS 587 (2007-2022)