Blog Posts

A simple sign sits on my desk – “Grace & Gratitude” – serving as my daily reminder of how I aspire to show up for others. While gratitude is a regular practice for me as someone who loves reflection, the recent loss of a loved one has prompted an even deeper contemplation of my past 20 years. What’s amazing is that more than half of that time has been weaved with Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE), and when I reflect on this journey, my heart swells with overwhelming gratitude.

What began as a temporary position while juggling two other jobs has blossomed into something far beyond my initial dreams, including the opportunity to help create the “Sowing Seeds, Growing Leaders” podcast and so much more.

Through the generous support of ESP Lambda Chapter and a $1,000 award from National ESP, this vision took root. I’m particularly grateful to Celeste Carmichael, whose “get ‘er done” attitude consistently pushes dreams forward, and Abby Younger, our talented producer whose evolution from 4-H club member to podcast producer beautifully exemplifies the full-circle nature of our Extension family.

The pilot series, now complete with four episodes, has surpassed our expectations. While each conversation illuminates the deep relationships and meaningful experiences that make CCE special, this final episode holds particular significance for me: “Planted in Broome, Transplanted to Campus: A Conversation with Celeste Carmichael and Victoria Giarratano.” These two remarkable women helped me feel seen, heard, and valued from the start, nurturing my growth beyond what I ever imagined possible.

In this episode, Celeste and Victoria share their journey from Broome County roots to campus leadership roles, weaving together stories of innovation, adaptability, and the enduring power of connection. Their conversation, filled with warmth and humor, explores how their early experiences grounded them in Extension values and how they’ve continued fostering professional growth and collaboration across the system.

What I love most is my story isn’t unique – it’s just one thread in the rich tapestry that is CCE. It’s not just an organization; it’s a community of passionate individuals who support, mentor, and inspire each other. The opportunities for growth, the encouragement to innovate, and the space to develop meaningful relationships are gifts that CCE consistently provides to all who are part of it.

To everyone who has contributed to this journey – particularly those who shared their stories and helped bring them to life – thank you. Your participation has created an enduring testament to the spirit of Extension work and its impact on people’s lives.

All episodes are available on Apple Podcasts. Whether you choose to savor one episode or binge the entire series, I hope these stories resonate with you as deeply as they have with me.

This project reinforces that when we pause to listen to each other’s stories, we strengthen the bonds that make our organization extraordinary. As we approach Thanksgiving, I’m filled with gratitude for the ways we come together as part of this beautifully complex organization to help New York State thrive. THANK YOU!

“Every story shared is a seed planted — nurturing the growth of future leaders and the evolution of our work….until next time, keep sowing seeds, keep growing, and keep sharing your story.”

As an executive director in extension, I get the privilege of working with beginning professionals as they take their first foray into education and outreach in our community.  It’s fall, and in my association, that means it’s time for annual performance dialogues. This is a reminder for me to check in with my team members about their accomplishments, growth, and insights about the past year.  I’m fascinated by how much they accomplish in a year. I love seeing my teammates grow in confidence in their educational skills as they explore the topics and concerns of their stakeholders.

This year, while listening to my team talk about their ideas, successes, misadventures, and challenges, I had a bit of a revelation myself, and an important reminder.  Doing extension work is FUN!  I get bogged down in the logistics of my own day-to-day work – risk management paperwork, purchase orders, evaluations, and reporting. Paperwork galore! And paperwork, while important, is often not fun. But when you boil it down, our job as extension professionals is to listen when our community has questions and then help them answer them.  And there are some amazing questions out there that lead to fascinating conversations and activities.  Just this week, my team members  worked on these doozies:

• helping hunters donate venison to food banks
• creating opportunities for sheep farmers to get together to grow a market for wool
• recognizing volunteers who make a difference in our community
• supporting communities in conversations about siting solar arrays

And there are always those entertaining questions that make me laugh, and the impacts that make me teary-eyed.  Like the neighbor who is upset a local animal control professional ‘stole their skunk,’ the concerned individual with a crumpled baggie full of mystery insects for us to examine that turned out to be… sand, or the touching story of a family that’s now able to have a warm home this winter due to a home energy program. Whether it’s silly, confusing, or sad, I’m so glad my team can be there with our community.

Every day as an extension professional, we get to meet wonderful people.  We hear about important issues. And we get the opportunity to use our knowledge to help the very people who live right by us, in our community, find the resources and expertise they need to make a difference. What a fantastic and incredible responsibility that is!  We take our hard-earned expertise gained through years of living – schooling, on-the-job training, experience, and research – and share it with others. And our job is to make it easy to digest and enjoyable to experience. As a supervisor, I try to let my team know it’s okay to have fun at events and activities.  After all, they picked their topic area for a reason, and if they’re having fun, others will, too! We should feel passionate about our topic areas and excited to share that enthusiasm with others.

So WOW! I am so very impressed by my team, by Extension, by the work that we’re able to do as a network to make life better for so many. Listening to my team’s performance reviews refreshes me and renews my own excitement and purpose in this career we share. And in that wow moment for a supervisor like me, I also realize that my new folks often feel like impostors in their new jobs. They don’t feel like they really own their titles yet – Master Gardeners coordinator, topical expert, program lead, extension educator.  They may not see their impacts clearly, or understand why their programs are successful… not yet. But I do. My job is to help them grow and learn, and I love that part of this job. The titles we carry sound so crucial that they bog us down. In the end, our job as an extension professional isn’t to be the be-all and know-it-all, pontificating from a great height on all the wisdom we own to the exclusion of others.  Blah blah blah, that would be so dull, and no one would want to attend that community program.

As extension professionals, we don’t know it all, we don’t always hit the mark, but we are here to share, grow, and learn. We are the boots-on-the-ground guides and community companions on the path of learning. We’re side by side with our neighbors, digging into the topics that matter right where we are. When we miss the mark or get it wrong, we own it. We laugh, we look confused, we say, ‘I don’t know, let me get back to you on that one.’ We examine what went awry and try, try again. As long as we share that path to knowledge – high-quality information, connecting our communities with the resources they need, and calling out to the University when we discover a knowledge gap that requires further research… we’re successfully fulfilling the mission that underlies each of our jobs. We’re helping people put knowledge to work.

Anyway, that’s my opinion. For what it’s worth, I’m one of the many extension supporters out there who’re rooting you on. I hope you have a fantastic performance dialogue with your supervisor. You’ve worked hard this year, and you’re going to grow even better at helping others. I’m so proud of you!

Please join Cornell Cooperative Extension staff Janice Degni (South Central NY Dairy and Field Crops Team) and Judson Reid (HarvestNY) for a Zoom presentation on ‘The State of Agriculture in NYS’ at 1:00 pm on Monday, 10/27/25.  They will touch on the 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture and what themes they’ve been seeing in their regional and statewide work.

An excellent presentation for those who work in agriculture and anyone curious about how this critical field is innovating and adapting in our ever-changing world.

To attend: https://cornell.zoom.us/j/94074792814?pwd=dWEhqChVq4hRsX7uZCzEtyimpbHMWQ.1&from=addon

 

Anyone else still feeling energized after attending the NYSACCE4-HE Conference at the beginning of the month? The Western District hosted a beautiful professional development experience at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel. The 4-H Ripple Effect – Leading with Vision and Lifting with Laughter was a fitting theme. To continue building on that energy, press play to hear the tale of two brothers, one of which we got to share the experience with! 

Rooted in 4-H- Tim & Tom Davis on Family, Leadership & Legacy.

In this latest episode of “Sowing Seeds, Growing Leaders,” we’re thrilled to bring you an inspiring conversation with two extension professionals whose lives have been intertwined with 4-H and Cooperative Extension from childhood to career. This episode is more than just a career discussion – it’s a heartwarming story of family, purpose, and the lasting impact of Extension work. Whether you’re a seasoned Extension professional or just starting your career, you’ll find valuable takeaways and inspiration in the Davis brothers’ shared wisdom.

Every story shared is a seed planted, nurturing the growth of future leaders and the evolution of our work. Enjoy! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rooted-in-4-h-tim-and-tom-davis-on-family-leadership/id1827288810?i=1000718695669

Thank you to everyone who participated in our recent professional development (PD) survey. Your thoughtful input provides valuable insight into the interests and learning needs of CCE staff across the system.

Top Interests:
The most frequently selected PD offerings reflect a strong desire for connection and practical learning. Program Development Experiences—including PDLC, Turning Good Ideas, and Monthly Topics—topped the list with 41% of respondents indicating interest. Campus-County Connection Webinars and In-the-Counties Training (custom workshops) were also highly rated, each drawing 41% interest. New Staff Orientation and Reporting Counts Webinars received moderate attention, while specialized series such as Risk Management and Volunteer Matters drew more targeted interest. Respondents also suggested a variety of “Other” topics, including grant writing, job skills, parenting and community connections, and administrative training.

Preferred Learning Formats:
Live, interactive learning is strongly favored, with 73% of respondents preferring Live Zoom sessions and nearly half (47%) indicating interest in in-person regional workshops. On-demand recordings (33%) and self-paced Workday Learning courses (20%) were also appreciated for their flexibility. A smaller yet important group expressed interest in one-on-one coaching or mentoring and written guides.

Requested Topics and Skills:
Respondents shared thoughtful suggestions for future topics, including:

• Technology tools (e.g., Canva, Excel, AI in daily work)

• Fund development and diversified funding strategies

• Staff mentoring and team development

• Agricultural content (e.g., sustainable agriculture)

• Marketing strategies and participant engagement

• Administrative support and management skills

• Facilitation techniques and communication strategies

Several responses reflected the realities of a demanding CCE work environment, with staff asking for support that meets them “where they are”—mid-career, balancing complex roles, and striving for impact in their communities.

This information can help us consider your needs and learning styles.  Don’t forget to check out the Menu of Staff Development Opportunities from CCE Org Dev, found here: https://cornell.box.com/s/t8ukcobgjhwojdyxfyol0c859nlw7z0d 

By Stephanie Graf, CCE Jefferson County

Grant writing can feel like navigating a winding road—full of sharp curves, unexpected bumps, and the occasional detour. But with the right mindset, strategies, and attention to detail, the process can become an opportunity for growth, collaboration, and impact. After more than twenty years of writing and winning grants at the local, state, and federal levels, I’ve learned that success comes down to preparation, persistence, and practice. Here are some tips and takeaways that might help you on your journey.

Think Competitively, Act Strategically

Every grant is a competition. You’re not only going up against organizations with similar missions but also experienced writers, consultants, and high volumes of applicants. What sets successful writers apart is their competitive mindset—paired with strong detail-oriented skills. Read every instruction carefully, answer every question (even if it feels repetitive), and never overlook the small details. More often than not, proposals are declined not because of the idea but because something was missed.

Know Your RFP Inside and Out

Whether it’s called a Request for Proposal (RFP), Request for Application (RFA), or Program Opportunity Notice (PON), the first step is the same: read the document thoroughly. Confirm eligibility, understand the timeline, and make notes about requirements, deadlines, and technical webinars. Create an organized folder with the RFP, attachments, forms, and your working notes so everything is accessible for you and your team.

If your organization isn’t eligible to apply, don’t stop there—explore partnerships or subcontracting roles that still allow you to contribute. Funders value collaboration, and strong partnerships can often make an application more competitive.

Break Down the Work

The grant writing process can feel overwhelming if you try to tackle it all at once. Instead:

• Divide the proposal into three parts: forms, budget, and narrative.
• Complete the forms first, especially if signatures are needed from partners or administrators.
• Draft the budget early. Budgets help shape the narrative and clarify what’s realistic. Expect to revise it—often.
• Write the narrative last in a separate document, which makes collaboration and editing easier.

Build a Strong Support System

Successful proposals are rarely written alone. Identify partners early, schedule meetings, and clarify roles. Ask colleagues from outside your program area to review drafts—they’ll spot gaps in clarity and help strengthen the narrative. Always give reviewers enough time and guidance on what to look for.

And don’t forget to clear your own schedule. Writing a competitive proposal requires deep focus. Protect time on your calendar and minimize distractions so you can dedicate your best energy to the work.

Lessons Learned from the Field

Here are ten quick tips that consistently improve proposals:

1. Use reviewers—at least 2–3 people who bring fresh eyes.
2. Set aside dedicated time—don’t try to squeeze it in around everything else.
3. Break the proposal into sections for manageability.
4. Complete forms first, budget second, narrative last.
5. Create a clear, detailed budget that aligns directly with your narrative.
6. Answer every question, every time.
7. Follow instructions to the letter—from file size to ink color.
8. Keep your language simple and clear—no jargon or “fancy” words needed.
9. Partner and collaborate whenever possible.
10. Be open to feedback—every review strengthens the final product.

Final Tips & Takeaways

Before you hit “submit,” let your proposal sit for a few days. Come back with fresh eyes, reread the RFP, check your notes, and review every section carefully. And always, always, always plan to submit at least two days before the deadline. This simple buffer can save you from last-minute technical glitches or overlooked errors.

Grant writing may be hard work, but it is also one of the most rewarding ways to bring resources, partnerships, and new opportunities to your community. With the right mix of persistence, organization, and collaboration, you’ll be ready to put your best proposal forward.

Happy grant writing!

Read more Tips and Tricks for Successful Grant Writing