Professor: TBD

Tuition: $295 member / $370 non-member

6 Weeks; 1.5 NDEO-Endorsed PDCs

This is a course that takes the dance professional (OPDI student) on a journey that begins with understanding the basic sections required in a funding proposal, reflecting on one’s own institutional funding needs to develop the content in the funding proposal, and then articulating that content into the components of a full funding request. The course provides you a basic structure for writing proposals that is applicable to most private and public corporate and family foundations and state and federal grants. Writing any funding proposal is a learned skill and it improves with experience. Success builds success and, eventually, funders too learn who is a good investment, and who is not. It can take several years to earn this reputation; however, it is well worth the effort. Writing proposals is a delightful challenge and it can be a whole lot of fun! Students are advised to bring samples of grant opportunities with them for direct application, if available. Otherwise, real-life grants will be used as samples and assignments.

Questions about this Course?  Email opdi@ndeo.org

"This course was beyond my expectations, I received so much support and guidance. I did not expect to achieve so much towards my professional development. I have been on a hunt since my transition out of a performing career into my next career, I had a vague idea of what I wanted but now have a very clear idea of what I need to work towards, and all the steps broken down into small achievable tasks in order to reach my next career, potentially I feel this is my life’s purpose and so am thrilled to have it figured out and know how to get it done!— I could not have done this without all the support I received from this course, so I am eternally grateful for this!"

"It helped me feel prepared for an opportunity that presented itself during the actual course. I liked that Jane made herself available for any questions or concerns we had. I also thought it was great seeing and responding to others and their opportunities. Helped to connect and find out what others are doing in the field of dance."

"This course gave me time to think about the skills I have developed as a teacher and how to apply them more broadly. It gave me the opportunity to get honest with myself about my strengths and weaknesses and what I really need to do to be the type of leader that I want to be. It was a supportive and empowering course environment with the opportunity to apply lessons to real, personal examples."

"It made me see that much of what I do is in alignment with best practices as a leader, so that was reassuring. It also helped me see where I can improve, and the many resources that are out there to help me figure out how to navigate the pitfalls of leadership. I really liked the pace and depth of the assignments, and I LOVED the readings, particularly those related to virtues and ethics. I've always believed that you need to lead by example, and it was so refreshing to know that is a proven fact!"

"The course exceeded my expectations in many ways. It benefitted me as a teacher in helping to validate some of the values I had already established in my classroom, and to help me devise strategies to increase respect for my position and the work I do within my school. It also applied to other roles I play within the community, which was a surprise but ultimately very valuable for me. I enjoyed the opportunity for self-reflection, and the incredibly insightful feedback of the instructor. She was genuinely invested in our success."

"I feel more prepared to take on leadership roles within my organization, as well as create opportunities for my students. I appreciate the feedback from Dr. Bonbright regarding my leadership opportunity. I feel more confident in my skills not only as a dance educator, but as a leader in the field."

Professor Bio:  TBD

Course Developer Bio: Jane Bonbright earned her doctorate in education at Temple University. Dr. Bonbright dedicated fifty-five years to the field of dance specializing in performance, education, research, administration, and dance/arts advocacy at national and state levels. She began her career as a professional ballet dancer and toured the United States and Europe with major ballet companies. She is founding director of the Maryland Youth Ballet (MD), home school of artists Susan Jaffe, Julie Kent, Cheryl Yaeger, Roger Plaut, Joanne Danto, and hundreds of other professional ballet dancers .She taught for thirty-five years in professional-oriented training academies, K-12, and colleges and universities before focusing on national issues involving policy, legislation, and funding for arts and education. Dr. Bonbright served as President and Executive Director for the National Dance Association before joining NDEO as Founding Executive Director in 1998 where she worked to establish NDEO as the national service organization for dance arts in US education. Dr. Bonbright served as Project Director for Research in Dance Education (2001-2005) and Professional Teaching Standards for Dance in the Arts (2005) and many national task force commissions. As Founding Executive Director of NDEO, Dr. Bonbright worked with over 100 federal/state government agencies and arts/education associations to ensure dance arts is included in the national agenda in U.S. education. She is the recipient of CORD’s Outstanding Leadership in Dance Education Award (2005), CODA’s Alma Hawkins Award of Excellence in Dance in Education (2007), and NDEO’s Lifetime Achievement Award (2009).