The Funder’s Lens: Grantmaker Expectations for Fundraisers Now

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Join us for a timely virtual panel featuring foundation representatives who will share what they’re really looking for in today’s grant proposals. Nonprofit organizations and funders are under significant strain due to political, social, and financial challenges. Rising inflation, operating costs, funding cuts, and increased demand are forcing nonprofits to scale back or close, while foundations face a surge in grant applications and increased government scrutiny. We have invited speakers from private, corporate, and community foundations to share how funders are responding and offer advice for nonprofits on effective engagement.

Anticipated Takeaways:

• Understand current expectations and priorities of foundation funders in a changing government funding environment.
• Learn how to strengthen your grant proposals by clearly aligning your mission, outcomes, and impact with funder goals.
• Gain practical tips for building and sustaining strong relationships with foundation partners.

Audience/ Target Market:
This program is designed for anyone interested in the current state of philanthropy, whether or not you work with private, family, community, public, and corporate foundations.  Attendees include WID members and non members from a range of nonprofits and development shop types and sizes

Moderator:  Danielle Klainberg, Principal, D.E.K. Associates Consulting

Panelists:
Robin Jones, Executive Director, Arbella Foundation
Precious Waldron-Lopez, Program and Campaigns Officer, Education and Civic Engagement, Schott Foundation for Public Education
Rory Neuner, Senior Learning Officer, Barr Foundation

 Wednesday, February 25, 2026

9-10am (Virtual Program)

Registration: $30 for WID members (through Sunday 2/22/26)
$45 for non-members (and members who register late, after Sunday, 2/22/26)
Registration will close on Tuesday, February 24 at noon.

Login information will be sent one day prior to the program.

No refunds within 7 days of the program

REGISTER