Funder's forums are designed to bring funders and nonprofit organizations together. NpEC funder's forums have successfully attracted foundations and government funders.

April 17,2007

What Funders Want! 

 Nonprofit Professionals meet with Funding Specialists

Nancy Pope, Director of Governor Bill Richardson's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives discusses funding opportunities for nonprofits

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) of TX, El Paso and NM, Las Cruces, and The Nonprofit Enterprise Center (NpEC) held a Funders Forum on April 17, 2007 in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The Forum enabled nonprofit professionals to visit with funders and learn first-hand, the secrets to a successful grant proposal. The full-day event included two workshops; one on tips for funder research and a second on grant writing. Lunch included networking with a funder, followed by an insightful panel discussion.

Ali McLane, a research consultant at Kintera, Inc. was among the presenters for the day. McLane, a Houston resident and founding member of the Southwest chapter of Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement (APRA-SW) – an international organization for fundraisers who specialize in research and information management- spoke on prospect research and other resources available for grant seekers who have little time or money to invest in the grant research process. Attendees at the event hailed McLanes workshops as “simple, helpful… and packed with relevant content”.

Director of Governor Bill Richardson’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, Nancy Pope, held a grantwriting workshop titled “Impress the Funders!” For more on grant research and services for nonprofits, visit the NpEC’s website at www.nonprofitec.org and find “Grant Depot” listed under services.

Here are some comments that we received:

• All workshops were very good and helpful. The panel was a great idea, as well as having different kinds of funders.
• Very helpful, the time was very fast because there was motivation around. Very enthusiastic!
• As a development director, Ali McLane gave me a lot of insight on research, motivation, and cultivation.
• Both session 1& 2 were helpful- very different information. Good Speakers!

There are currently no Funders Forums scheduled.