GRANTS MANAGERS NETWORK AT-A-GLANCE

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.

GMN Today: 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.

Membership: GMN has more than 1,300 members from 800+ 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 12 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, 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 175 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 16-member board of directors is elected by the membership. Michelle Greanias, a GMN member since 1996, became the organization’s first executive director on May 5, 2008. She is supported by seven volunteer committees that develop and deliver programs, products, and services to GMN members.