Capacity Building

Grantsmanship:

Bryn Mawr College's Grantsmanship Seminar was a direct outgrowth of the CPIA partnership. Implemented in response to articulated needs by community organizations and students alike, this program reflects the CPIA mission in practice. Through the course, 15 students were placed at 13 organizations throughout Norristown. By the end of the course, each student delivered a specific portion of an upcoming grant for their partner organization. The seminar was taught as Grant Writing 101 by Margie Dubrow Ph.D., an independently contracted, professional grant writer.

This opportunity grew directly out of the CPIA in response to the stated needs of each partner. Students, who wanted the opportunity to learn practical skills that are sometimes lacking in a private, liberal arts education, applied their course work by assisting Norristown organizations with their development efforts.

Partner Organizations:

• Interagency Council of Norristown
• ACLAMO
• CADCOM
• Mercy Suburban Family Practice Center
• Agape Improvement & Development Corp.
• Center for Schools and Communities
• Central Montgomery Mental Health & Mental Retardation Center
• New Life Child & Family Development Center
• Norristown Weed & Seed
• Montgomery County Cultural Center
• Tragedy Response Unit Support Team (TRUST)
• Montgomery County OIC
• Partners for Families

ICN Survey

Students and staff from the Graduate School of Social Work and Research developed a survey in conjunction with the Inter Agency Council of Norristown in an effort to identify the current capacity of ICN members. This effort was in response to an explicitly articulated need from the ICN to understand the ability of local providers to meet the challenges in the borough. Ultimately this information will aid the ICN’s collaborative efforts in Norristown to best respond to the needs of the community.

Admissions

Civic Engagement Office staff, students, and admissions staff met with students at Norristown Area High School to discuss life at Bryn Mawr and to extend the recruiting efforts of the admissions office to Norristown high school students.