We invite you to a workshop on grant writing & community engagement! Join us on Thursday, February 6th (PST) to learn the fundamentals of grant writing, essential administrative skills, and how to build healthy & equitable engagement within our respective communities. A collaborative effort between the Hispanic Access Foundation and Innovative Space for Asian American Christianity.
Key Takeaways
Learn the fundamentals of grant writing
Learn the organizational and operational aspects of grant writing administration
Leave with actionable steps & resources to build a strong grant-seeking strategy for your organization or passion project
Learn collaboration tools & faith-driven community-building
Tools & strategies for building healthy and equitable engagement
This workshop is designed for anyone new to grant writing, those seeking to enhance their skills, and individuals eager to explore the principles of equitable community engagement. Led by seasoned professionals, it will provide practical tips and actionable strategies to inspire you to make a meaningful impact.
Who Should Attend?
Nonprofit leaders, community advocates, educators, program managers, and anyone interested in learning how to write grants effectively.
Event Information
Date | Thursday, February 6th
Time | 10am-12pm PST
Location | ZOOM [Link will be provided upon registration]
Cost | $30 / person [Participants will receive a powerpoint presentation & handout]
Presenters Information

Ellen wrote her first grant 25 years ago for the National Mental Health Association and won $575,000 in federal funding at that time. Since then, she has continued to write grants for numerous organizations including Special Olympics International, the Self Reliance Foundation, the Peace Corps, different affiliates of NAMI - the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and now Hispanic Access Foundation where she serves as the Senior Grants’ Officer.
Ellen studied psychology and Spanish at Wellesley College and received her master’s degree in international relations from Johns Hopkins University. She completed undergraduate exchange programs at the University of Cordoba in Spain and MIT, and she has taken graduate courses in education and health at George Washington University and the University of Vienna in Austria. Ellen has lived overseas for 13 years in eight foreign countries, studying six foreign languages. She currently makes her home in Boston.

Magdalena Morales-Maithalouni is a dedicated and heart-driven community leader with a rich family legacy rooted in service. With experience spanning nonprofits, government, business and corporate sectors, Magdalena has made it her life's mission to bring people together and uplift diverse communities. Her warm, inclusive approach and commitment to fostering deep relationships have enabled her to create meaningful change for those she serves.
From organizing the Hispanic Access Foundation's Community Navigator Outreach efforts for Southern California founding Zappy Notary & Live Scan, a community resource business, Magdalena is known for her ability to connect with people and empower them. Her journey has taken her through impactful roles, including helping hundreds of community organizations during the 2020 Census, creating culturally relevant outreach programs for H&R Block, and leading special initiatives for disability organizations like Fiesta Educativa.
Magdalena’s passion for service is deeply inspired by her father, Dionicio Morales, founder of the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation, whose legacy of resilience continues to motivate her every day. She holds a BA in Liberal Studies and certifications in Executive Leadership and Wellness Coaching. Additionally, she participated in a Fellowship for America Walks, further deepening her commitment to health, wellness, and community advocacy. Her community impact has earned her awards like "Mujer Cambiando El Mundo", but for Magdalena, the real reward is seeing lives touched and communities thrive.