PR Students’ Grant Proposals Awarded Funding

A nonprofit organization in Michigan is the recipient of a $10,000 grant, thanks to the work of Public Relations students Ashley Wynalda and Ellie Malmquist.

In their PR Writing & Production class this past spring, juniors Wynalda and Malmquist wrote a grant proposal to the Mount Pleasant Area Community Foundation, located in Mount Pleasant, Mich., where RISE Advocacy provides services such as shelter and counseling to individuals who have experienced domestic violence or sexual assault in three central Michigan counties.

RISE is receiving $10,000 to fund training efforts for staff regarding mental health, domestic violence, sexual assault, and trauma-informed care. These training courses will equip the staff to better serve and understand the population they work with.

“It is so fulfilling that we had the ability to make a difference in the lives of a whole community in central Michigan through writing a grant proposal in our PR class in Upland, Indiana,” said Malmquist. “We are so excited for RISE Advocacy and look forward to seeing how the fulfillment of this grant is going to enrich the services they provide to their community!”

Professor Donna Downs guided the class in writing grant proposals for over $330,000 for nonprofit organizations across the country and the globe.

“Receiving this grant was very affirming for me personally,” said Wynalda. “Starting college with a major change was a difficult decision, but over and over again I have felt peace from the decision. Receiving this grant was affirming to the skills that Christ has given Ellie and I and the skills that we are gaining from our education at Taylor University through the Public Relations courses.”

Taylor’s Public Relations program puts theory into action through project-based courses where students do work for real clients. Students gain experiences that build a solid foundation for future careers, learning to serve communities with excellence and integrity.