Forum offers expert advice for non-profit grantwriters

Would you like to meet the people whose financial support could help your nonprofit venture achieve its goals? A rare opportunity to talk to representatives from up to 15 of Washington’s major grantmaking foundations and organizations will take place at University of Puget Sound (pictured) on Fri., Dec. 7.

Grantwriters and other officials from nonprofit groups are invited to come to the 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. session, where they will be able to meet funders including The Boeing Company, Ben B. Cheney Foundation, M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust, The Russell Family Foundation, The Sequoia Foundation, Greater Tacoma Community Foundation, U.S. Bancorp Foundation, Bank of America, Safeco, and others. The forum, including a continental breakfast, will take place in Wheelock Student Center on campus.

“It is terrific for nonprofits looking for grants to have this chance to meet face to face with some of our local grantmakers,” said Jane Kenyon, Puget Sound corporate and foundation relations director. “The inaugural event was a huge success and Puget Sound is delighted to again offer the space to host the Annual Funders Forum where these conversations can take place.”

Those attending the forum will choose the four funders they would most like to meet. They will then meet one funder as part of a small group and switch tables every 20 minutes, until they have met all four. Participants will learn about the grantmakers’ giving priorities, deadlines, application processes, and contact information. They will also have a chance to ask questions.

Space for the event is limited to the first 135 participants. Grantwriters and others interested in corporate and foundation funding can register at grantwriters.org. The event is $50 for members of the Puget Sound Grantwriters Association and $65 for nonmembers.

The event is organized by the Puget Sound Grantwriters Association, South Sound branch and by University of Puget Sound’s Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations and the Business Services office, led by John Hickey, executive director of community engagement and associate vice president for business services.