About GMN

The Grants Managers Network improves grantmaking by advancing the knowledge, skills, and abilities of grants management professionals and by leading grantmakers to adopt and incorporate effective practices that benefit the philanthropic community.

History

In 1991, two New York City grants managers began to meet informally to discuss shared experiences at their respective foundations. They soon engaged others and, as membership grew, an open and sharing network developed. In 1996, the Grants Managers Network (GMN) expanded nationally as a project of the Rockefeller Family Fund. In 2007, GMN became a §501(c)(3) public charity.

Membership

GMN has 1,400 members from 1,000 grantmaking organizations who represent the breadth of the philanthropic community including small family foundations, prominent national foundations, grantmaking public charities, and socially responsible corporations. These individuals serve their organizations in many roles and are identified by a variety of titles including grants administrators, grants managers, directors of grants management, financial officers, and program officers/associates.

Headquarters and Chapters

GMN is based in Washington, D.C. Its 13 regional chapters connect members in local settings for professional and leadership development opportunities. Regional GMN groups meet in the Delaware Valley, the District of Columbia, Florida, the Midwest, Minnesota, New England, New York, Northern California, Ohio, the Pacific Northwest, the Rocky Mountains, the Southeast, and Southern California.

Funding

GMN is supported by more than 200 grantmaking organizations that recognize its contribution to the field of philanthropy and the professional development benefits that GMN provides to their employees.

Leadership and Management

GMN’s board of directors is elected by the membership. Michelle Greanias, a GMN member since 1996, became the organization’s first executive director in 2008. She is supported by more than 125 volunteers that develop and deliver programs, resources, and services to GMN members.

Vision 

The Grants Managers Network’s vision is to represent all philanthropic professionals engaged in grants management. We provide the knowledge, training, and tools that members need to succeed in their jobs and advance, if desired, to leadership positions. 

The leaders of grantmaking organizations acknowledge the need for grants management expertise. These leaders recognize GMN's ability to provide and develop that expertise and encourage their staff to participate in and support GMN.

The grantmaking standards set by GMN become common practice in the field. GMN’s use of technology in building a professional community, delivery of products and services to members, and promotion of environmentally sustainable grantmaking practices is a model for membership organizations.  

As a result of its broad membership base, acknowledged expertise, and track record of results-focused leadership, GMN is sought after as a grantmaking expert and advisor in initiatives to improve philanthropy. 

Values

To accomplish our mission, the Grants Managers Network bases its decisions and actions on the following core values:

Integrity – To be honest and forthright and maintain the highest ethical standards

Excellence – To be the very best in all we do, striving for continuous improvement and responding rapidly to change

Community – To maintain GMN as a member-focused and member-driven organization, recognizing and reflecting in everything we do the needs and diversity of our members

Growth—To focus our efforts on programs, products, and services that advance the knowledge, skills, and leadership abilities of our members

Collaboration– To seek opportunities to work with others who support our mission and goals and enhance our work through partnerships

Leadership– To educate individual organizations, the broader philanthropic community, and others on the value that the grants management profession brings to philanthropy