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The Nonprofit Community Collaboration (NCC) brought a nationally-recognized nonprofit consultant and his uniquely infectious enthusiasm for grant writing back to Maryville Thursday.

The NCC -- an official collaboration between United Way of Blount County, Blount County Chamber Foundation and Maryville College's Center for Strong Communities -- hosted a grant writing workshop on Maryville College's campus. "It really is an indication of how strong we feel about this community," said Sharon Hannum, chairman of the Blount County Chamber Foundation.

"I talk about (Blount County) all over the nation. You guys have some of the best opportunities out there," said Dr. Thomas Moucka, addressing an audience composed of church-related and nonprofit organization representatives.

"The United Way of Blount County works collaboratively with the community. Most (local United Ways) aren't like that," said Moucka. "The (NCC is) also working collaboratively for you. It is very, very cool."

Moucka has 30 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. He has served as a pastor of both large and small churches, founding board member of two private schools, area director of Young Life, founder of Empty Hands Fellowship and consultant to numerous community-based nonprofits.

Grant writing keys

Moucka shared his knowledge with the nearly 30 people in attendance. Some of the keys to writing successful grant proposals are choosing regional foundations, relationship-building with the grantmaker and ample research, said Moucka. "You want them to look at your grant proposal and smile," he said.

Audience members loved Moucka's dynamic speaking skills. "He was absolutely wonderful. He took a subject which could be very dry and made it fun -- it really is a miracle," said Linda Hageman, founder of the year-old Hageman Foundation.

Hageman has been a registered nurse for over 30 years. She was diagnosed with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 -- an inherited disorder that affects the endocrine glands -- in 1989. She now has surgical diabetes following the removal of her pancreas, and her passion is helping others with endocrine disease through her foundation.

Hageman has been at every Center for Strong Communities seminar that has offered help to nonprofits. "Being a nurse, I didn't know what it took to run a nonprofit. (The seminars) have been great opportunities for me. I've learned how to run a nonprofit and connect with other nonprofits," said Hageman.

"It's been very helpful learning how to write a successful grant proposal," added Tracey Ford, a member of A.L. Lotts Elementary School's PTA in Knoxville.

The workshop also offered nonprofits help in another area of interest. "We're just trying to respond to their needs. We've put a lot of energy into this," said Hannum.

"The real pinnacle of success is when we're not (very) necessary, because we're meeting the needs of the community and these organizations. We're working to develop sustainability," said Dr. Billy Newton, director of the Center for Strong Communities.

"The purpose of nonprofits is not to get bigger and bigger. We want the social problems to become smaller and smaller," said Newton.