Last week I shared the power of grant writing with approximately 600 other grant professional at the Grant Professionals Association (GPA) Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. Dr. Bev Browning was right! When more than one grant writer is in the room fireworks happen!
Professional development is important in any career, but I believe even more so in the nonprofit sector. Business practices, rules, regulations and strategies for success are constantly evolving. How do we talk to donors? What is our case for support this year? How do we navigate a recession and still raise money AND demonstrate outcomes? It takes dedicated study to understand all the changes in the nonprofit world and how to apply them to our work. Conference gatherings are a smart way to share in the good, the bad and the ugly of it all.
What did I learn at the GPA Conference? I was reassured that every grant writer faces the same challenges. We all want to tell better stories, we all want to raise more money and we all want to have a strategic advantage with our funders. We also want more hours in the day. I was so motivated that I jumped back into work the moment I returned and haven't come up for air since. I have three full pages of “to dos”. I’ve conquered about 20 items this week.
As a consultant, I am always meeting new clients and working with different personalities. I enjoy the environment of a conference, but it can also an overwhelming social experience when you want talk with everyone you meet. I met too many excellent grant writers to list on my post, but these are three people who attended the conference and who I think bring a refreshing expert voice to the sector. Enjoy!
Three Nonprofit and Fundraising Professionals You Should Know
1. Darian Rodriguez Heyman: A key takeaway came from Darian Rodriquez Heyman. He reminded the audience that “donors aren't giving money to you, they are giving money through you.” Darian recently published the book, Nonprofit Management 101. I’ve ordered my copy and can’t wait to read it as soon as it arrives. His website delivers practical insights and easy to implement solutions for professionals and organizations seeking to meet mission and maximize impact. Darian calls it “your compass for the social sector.” It’s pretty great. Twitter: @dheyman
2. Stephen C. Nill, CharityChannel CEO: Charity Channel was founded in 1992 by Stephen Nill, who saw a need for colleagues to connect, share and discuss pertinent challenges and issues. Charity Channel co-presented the GPA conference and brought a welcomed discussion about the greater nonprofit sector. If you aren’t a member of CharityChannel, I would highly recommend it, especially for consultants. You’ll meet experts and novices alike who are all sharing knowledge and having discussions about grant writing, fundraising, and nonprofit management. Twitter: @CharityChannel
3. Bradford K. Smith is the president of the Foundation Center. Need I say more? The Foundation Center maintains the most comprehensive database on U.S. grantmakers and their grants around the world; issues a wide variety of print, electronic, and online information resources; conducts and publishes research on trends in foundation growth, giving, and practice; and offers an array of free and affordable educational programs. Bradford was honest, candid and super smart. His discussion received rave reviews!
I also swear by Grant Space, which is part of the Foundation Center, when my creative juices get stuck or I need a resource that is specifically tailored for grant writing. Nobody knows grant research and resources better than Grant Space! Twitter: @GrantSpace @FndCenter
The GPA Conference had many firework moments. Explosions of creativity naturally happen when passionate people get together to make their world a better place. Networking helps keep your skills fresh and reboot your engine. It is also a fantastic way to meet new friends. I made many this time around. Finding new connections in your own community or through national conferences will make your brain stronger and your work smarter. What is better than that?
~Cheers!
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