Nicole Howe Buggs is the Director of Grants Management and Administration at the Public Welfare Foundation, located in Washington, DC. She was promoted from Grants Manager to this position in February, and is looking forward to her expanded role within the Foundation. She recently spoke with Laurel Lee-Alexander about grants management and her experience with GMN.
Tell us about your foundation.
The Public Welfare Foundation works to ensure fundamental rights and opportunities for people in need, especially those who are disadvantaged. We recently updated our grantmaking focus areas to the following:
-Criminal and Juvenile Justice - grants promoting the repeal of mandatory minimum sentences, the reform of laws that bar ex-offenders from employment and services and hinder their successful re-entry into society, and an end to the practice of automatically trying youth as adults;
-Health Reform - grants to support the expansion of effective consumer advocacy for health care, particularly on the state and local levels; and
-Workers Rights - grants to ensure basic legal rights to safe, healthy, and fair conditions at work, especially for working people vulnerable to exploitation.
What is your position and how long have you been in it?
I was promoted to my current position of Director of Grants Management and Administration three months ago; before that, I was the Grants Manager for two years.
What does this promotion mean to you?
It means that I get to expand my role within the Foundation and take on new responsibilities. Grants management is wonderful and exciting, but it’s only as wonderful and exciting as the organization will allow in regards to forward thinking. My promotion expanded my role to include HR, benefits, and facilities management, and I’m happy to learn more.
Tell us about your background and experience.
I grew up in Long Island, New York. I went to George Washington University in Washington, DC and received my Bachelors and Masters in International Affairs. My prior professional experience includes the Council on Foundations, The Forum of Regional Association of Grantmakers, MicroEdge, the Gannett Foundation, the Fannie Mae Foundation, the HealthCare Georgia Foundation, and the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health.
What do you like to do for fun?
I like to roller blade, read, play tennis, and shop.
Where do you see the Grants Management field in five years?
Grants managers are already the voice of grants management, but I see us as being consulted in the greater field of philanthropy, not just grants management. I think the field will be very different – especially with the hiring of GMN’s first Executive Director, Michelle Greanias. I see us working to standardize the reporting and application process. I see us used as a reference.
What would you change about the Grants Management field?
Grants managers should have professional development funds and support from employers. Standardized titles would help increase visibility and view of this field. The “Staffing Grants Management” publication helps, but there’s a sense that the value of grants managers is not as high as it should be – we are the core of the foundation; without us, there would be separate groups not working together.
What is your involvement with GMN?
I was on the selection committee for the Executive Director, and was on the Board from 2003-07. During my Board term, I co-chaired the Membership Services Committee. I was also Regional Chair of the Washington Regional Group (2006-07) and the Southeastern Region (2003-04); I loved being on the Board! It was a lot of work, but the camaraderie and idea sharing were amazing. I really recommend interested GMN members to consider applying for a Board position.
What would you say to people who want to get involved but don’t know how to do it?
I suggest that people contact the Regional Chair of the closest regional group or a member of GMN’s board if they are in an area without an active regional group. People can join a GMN committee, and consider joining the Board after getting some experience.
Any words of advice to new Grant Managers?
If you don’t feel you’re being challenged in your current position, look at other opportunities. Make sure you get involved in GMN. Committee work is good professional development and good networking. Don’t go from job to job early on. Finally, know your value and your worth. |
