The Chicago Area chapter typically provides four events per year in downtown Chicago that include networking and professional development. Our quarterly chapter meetings follow a set agenda:
Upcoming Events
In 2020, all chapter events have been planned to be held at the Chicago Public Library, Harold Washington Center (400 S. State Street, Chicago IL). Given COVID-19 restrictions, GPA Chicago will continue to assess the viability of in-person meetings. We have adapted our 2020 programming to include virtual offerings.
GPA Chicago Grant Success 2020 will be held virtually on Thursday, September 17, 2020. The full-day conference will be held 10:00am-3:30pm and include a keynote, funder panel and two breakout sessions (total 4 breakouts). Marilyn Foster Kirk, CFRE, Executive Vice President, Ter Molen, Watkins & Brandt, will be the keynote speaker. For program details and registration info click here.
Thanks to our sponsors
GPA Chicago 2020 Lunch and Learn series
Our Lunch and Learn series is offered exclusively to GPA Chicago members as a membership benefit. Each program in the series will begin with a 15-minute lead discussion and a presentation followed by 15 minutes of topic-related Q&A. Serving as a way to build a social space for our grants community, this series can be especially helpful for single staff grant departments.
Recent Lunch and Learn topics and speakers
Nonprofit Consulting: Skills You Need to Succeed
with Kristin Raack, Principal, AltruNext
On August 13, members participated in a brief discussion about how to position yourself as a consultant-either solo or with a firm-as well as some of the legal and professional questions to consider.
Earning Your Grant Professional Certification
with Maureen Stabile, GPC
On July 9, members participated in a brief discussion about how the Grant Professional Certification can add value to your resume. Participants received an overview of the certification process as well as tips on how to pay for the GPC exam.
How to Use Social Media Effectively
with Amy Chmura, CFRE
On June 11, GPA Chicago members participated in a Lunch and Learn on How to Use Social Media Effectively. The brief discussion focused on how social media can be used in branding, fundraising and funder outreach.
Preventing Burnout
with Konstandina Dulu, MA
On May 14, GPA Chicago chapter members learned how to prevent burnout by recognizing signs and using coping skills. Additional resources were provided.
Managing Stress While Working From Home
with Felicia Houston, MA, LCPC, CWA
On April 21, as professionals in the grants community and beyond began facing the challenge of COVID-19, GPA Chicago offered this free presentation offering tips on how to resolve excessive stress while working from home during #QuarantineLife and in the future.
Future Lunch and Learn topics
- August 13–Consulting
- October 8–Project Management
- November 19–Strengths/Weaknesses and Personality
Future Planned Event
December 17, 2020: Favorite books and blogs. Lunchtime meeting (11:30am-1:30pm)
Past In-Person Events
February 13, 2020: A Seat at the Table: Advocating for grants in your development plan.
Grant professionals bring unique skills and value to the fundraising profession. They are part of the broader fundraising landscape that encompasses the major gifts officer, annual appeal manager or events coordinator. Yet many grant professionals, and sometimes other development staff, do not consider them as fundraisers. Whether real or perceived, this divide among development teams can be bridged by making sure grant professionals are seated at the table when discussing fundraising strategies. We will hear from a panel of Development Directors on how to create a culture of collaboration which celebrates the similarities and differences of grant professionals and other fundraising positions.
For details on speakers and the meeting agenda, click here.
November 8, 2019 Chapter Event
Group viewing of GPA National Conference live stream. Free event for chapter members only.
Location: Oakton Community College
Check your inbox for the members-only invitation!
October 18, 2019 Chapter Event
Special guests Marcia Festen and Marianne Philbin shared their expertise on how nonprofit grant seekers can put their best foot forward to help a reviewer move their proposals through the review process successfully. Discussion will cover components of a proposal, how to help program officers quickly understand the impact of your organization, and tips to help prepare for and execute an effective site visit.
August 16, 2019 Chapter Event
“The Art of Storytelling: A Powerful Tool to Engage Funders” with Pon Angara of Barkada Circle Storytelling Studio, Crystal Robinson of Siragusa Family Foundation and Emily Dreke of Chicago Foundation for Women.
