Ever wonder what really happens once your grant application is submitted—or why one proposal gets funded while another doesn’t?

From Application to Award: What Funders Want You to Know brings together a candid panel of local grant funders for a behind-the-scenes conversation about how funding decisions are made and how nonprofits can submit stronger, more aligned proposals.

Panelists will speak openly about what they will—and won’t—fund, what their boards tend to respond to, and the common strengths and missteps they see in applications. Beyond the paperwork, funders will also share how they view relationships with grantees and what meaningful partnership looks like before, during, and after the grant process.

The goal of this session is to create a transparent, practical dialogue that helps nonprofits better understand funder expectations—while giving funders a platform to share insights, priorities, and decision-making realities directly with the community.

This conversation will be facilitated by Jordan Kirkbride, Senior Grant Specialist, Wastyn & Associates, guiding an honest and actionable discussion designed to help nonprofits move from application to award with greater clarity and confidence.

Please note, this session will be two hours, from 11:45 – 1:45. As always, bring your own lunch.

Full participation is applicable for 1.25 points in Category 1.B -Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and/or recertification. Attendees holding the CFRE designation are responsible for tracking their own attendance and submitting for credit.