This program is for fundraisers who are feeling stuck in a rut with their grants program, aren’t sure how to evaluate new opportunities, feel overwhelmed about applying for grants, or need a better response to the question, “Can’t you just find a grant for that?”

Let two seasoned practitioners walk you through the steps. We’ll talk about everything from defining your need to crafting a proposal that aligns your program to the funder’s philanthropic intent. You’ll come away with concrete tools and clear concepts to reboot your grants program.

Participants will learn:

• Common terms and topics in the field of grants
• How to assess their readiness to apply for grants
• Steps to manage research and qualification of grant opportunities
• Insights on crafting winning proposals

Susan Brittain became the Director of Grants and Special Projects at the Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County in 2022 after owning her own consulting firm. Susan grew up in Winston-Salem and has worked at many nonprofits in the community. During her 30-plus year career, she has worked for the Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Family Services, and the Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts where she was responsible for the Community Innovation Lab and the Cherokee Co-Lab. She is a frequent grant trainer and presents on LGBTQIA+ issues. She holds a B. A. in English from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a M. A. in education from Wake Forest University.

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Susan Gies Conley has devoted 27 years to the nonprofit sector and is now a consultant in grant services and fundraising for nonprofits across the Southeast. She has served as director of development at Eagle’s Nest Foundation and the Children’s Law Center and as Director of Annual Giving at Salem Academy and College, among other roles. She enjoys geeking out with databases and spreadsheets and constantly learning about new topics as a consultant. A native of Michigan, Susan holds a BA from Wellesley College and an MEd in Higher Education Administration from UNC Greensboro. She is a dedicated amateur choral singer, recreational gardener, mom to two young adults, and has two ridiculous pet rabbits.