Strategic planning… what a dull sounding term for something that’s so exciting. As the Grants Managers Network Board considers the future direction of the organization, it wants to hear from as many members as possible to ensure that the strategies we pursue, activities we undertake, and the outcomes we accomplish meet your needs and continue to move the profession forward.

The board is considering three broad goals for 2012–14. We’ll perfect the wording of the goals down the road, but the concepts are as follows:

• GMN will expand its leadership in philanthropy to demonstrate and communicate the value and impact of the profession of grants management.

• GMN will improve grantmaking by identifying, developing, and/or disseminating education and resources necessary for grantmakers to improve their grantmaking practices.

• GMN will engage and expand an energized and involved membership that participates and contributes actively in the ongoing life of the Network and the field.

So what can we do to expand our leadership? It will involve identifying and building effective partnerships with industry organizations, affinity groups, and grantmaking institutions that will assure that the grants management profession is represented and its voice is heard in industry-wide forums and among decision-makers. We can also engage partners in GMN-led efforts to improve grantmaking to strengthen these efforts and extend their reach. Finally, we can work to equip members with the resources and learning necessary to be advocates for the grants management profession and leaders within their organizations and the broader field.

Members: Share your thoughts on how GMN can best advocate for grants management and grants managers in the field.

What might the next steps in improving grantmaking look like? Project Streamline has made incredible strides in helping grantmakers rethink their processes and policies. We’ll look at how to continue that momentum as well as identify and support other efforts, which could include:

• Launching an education and professional development program, based on GMN’s Body of Knowledge, which helps members develop basic competencies in the profession and meet their professional development goals. 

• Reducing the environmental impact of grantmaking. 

• Educating auditors, financial advisors, lawyers, and their clients on what is really required to make a grant.

Members: Share your ideas for strategies to improve grantmaking practices and build the knowledge and skills of grants managers.

How can GMN better support its members and engage more grants managers in the network? The work here will involve developing a better understanding of who our members are and what they want from the Network at various stages in their career. We can do more to recruit, support, and recognize our volunteers and build our regional chapter infrastructure. It could include mentoring programs and other ways to help members engage with their colleagues. And it may include active outreach to build GMN’s membership.

Members: Share your thoughts on how GMN can engage, support, and expand its membership.

During the spring and summer, we will be reaching out to gather your thoughts and provide updates on the strategic planning process. Help us get a jump on our “active and engaged membership” goal by participating. Help us to ensure GMN meets your needs both now and in the future.