GMN Examiner
Spring 2010
GMN has successfully completed the first year of its three-year strategic plan. Venture down the red carpet with me to celebrate our accomplishments, discover how members reviewed us, and enjoy a 2010 preview
The New Year brings new opportunities, and as the economy strengthens, new employment opportunities are beginning to appear on the horizon. As we all take stock of our current situation and look to the year ahead, it’s the perfect time to revisit the critical components of any job search: resumes and interviewing skills.
We can all assume that a grantee’s favorite sentence is, “the check’s in the mail.” But in this time of cutbacks and budget reductions, what else can we provide nonprofit organizations when the money just isn’t available?
Special Feature: 2010 Conference Preview
The following articles correlate to sessions that will be presented at the 2010 GMN conference. Conference programming is organized into five learning tracks, including Streamlining Grantmaking Practices; Grants Management: Basics and Beyond; Technology; Emerging Issues/Special Topics, and Professional Development.
Project Streamline is moving full-steam ahead on a series of resources and tools to support your streamlining efforts. Click here to learn what to expect and when to expect it
GMN’s Certification Team has continued researching the establishment of a professional certification program. Learn more about project status, and the Body of Knowledge survey released in January.
Have a question about grantmaking? Need some advice about implementing a new program? The GMN Member Community is the perfect resource for you! Read more about how to tap into this network of grants managers.
What does Green mean? Learn more about making your organization more environmentally sustainable, and how these same principles are guiding the 2010 GMN Conference.
As one of the most controversial discussions in philanthropy, at least part of the debate may be over when it comes to tracking diversity data. Read more about recent developments across the country, and resources grants managers can access when the conversation comes to your organization.
Where else can you find 15 years of knowledge on the art of grantmaking, and how was this repository created? A brief history of GrantCraft and the tools to enrich your own grantmaking experience.
New: Free Philanthropy In/Sight mapping tool for GMN members, Expenditure Responsibility resources from the What Works Webinar, and the 2009 Member Salary and Benefits Report.
Notable: Results of in the individual fundraising campaign and GMN member news.
Coming Soon: Pacific Northwest GMN chapter reinvigorated
2010 Conference Preview
The GMN Examiner Editorial Team
The GMN Examiner is published three times a year through the dedicated efforts of GMN members and volunteers.
Editorial Team
Ericka Novotny – Editor
Allison Gister – Associate Editor
Jamie Amagai
Deborah Bloom
Peg Butler
Kim Foster
Bonnie Rivers
Cristina Yoon
Let's Ask Our Members
How did you become a Grants Manager?

Michael Barrett, Senior Director of Grants Management, ASPCA
"I had a real desire to be part of the grants management field. For about a year I worked with Philanthropy New York to gain experience and connections in the sector when, as luck would have it, a job opened up at ASPCA. I have been there for almost two years now."
Barbara Brooks, Grants Administrator, The Pittsburgh Foundation
"I was in the right place at the right time. At the Pittsburgh Foundation, I transferred from an executive assistant position to grants coordinator when the position became vacant. Several years later when the grants administrator position opened, I had developed the experience needed to be promoted into the position. I’ve been working in grants management for 10 years now and love being part of the process that helps to distribute contributions to meet the increasing community needs."

Alicia James, Grants Administrator, Rauch Foundation
"In 2003, I founded a rewarding mentoring program SGF2P which promoted fitness and empowerment to pre-teen girls. After the program ended, I had to the desire to continue grow professionally and learn more about Philanthropy. In the Spring of 2008, my search for the perfect opportunity ended when I found a home at the Rauch Foundation. I’m currently active on the GM Network’s Marketing Committee and member of ABFE - I’m enjoying my growth."

Scott Pietka, Grants Administrator, Firelight Foundation
"I became a Grants Administrator at Firelight Foundation by being promoted into the position. The position did not exist prior and the Director of Programs saw the need and benefit to the Foundation. She paired my skills and education background in business management with the position. After attending the GMN conference in March 2009, I learned some additional skills and one week later I started as the Grants Administrator. It has been a perfect fit for the Foundation and myself. I really enjoy what I do."

Sharon Robison, Grants Manager, Prince Charitable Trusts
"I began working with Prince Charitable Trusts a little more than 20 years ago in an administrative position. Over time, my role within the organization grew and became more focused on the grants management work that I do today."










