Essential Skills & Strategies for Grantmakers

August 18, 2008
8:00a.m.–5:00p.m.
Sheraton La Jolla Hotel
La Jolla, CA

San Diego Grantmakers, the Council on Foundations and the Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers are joining together to bring you an Essential Skills and Strategies Workshop—a comprehensive program for grantmaking staff and trustees. Grantmaking professionals will develop a framework and learn about best practices for ethical and effective grantmaking. This workshop will be relevant for a broad audience of all types and levels of grantmakers.

Workshop Location and Lodging

Sheraton La Jolla Hotel
3299 Holiday Court
La Jolla, CA 92037

Reservations for the Sheraton La Jolla can be made by calling: 858-453-5500 or 866-500-0335.  Ask for the UCSD rate ($189 while supplies last. The regular rate will vary depending on hotel room availability).

Registration Fee

Members (Council on Foundations and San Diego Grantmakers): $199.00
Non-members: $299.00
Prices include all materials and meals

Register soon, seating is limited to 35 participants! Download the registration form and return it by fax or mail it to the Council on Foundations. For more information about the program, contact Phyllis Levine at phyllis@sdgrantmakers.org or 619/744-2180.

Speaker Bios and Workshop Agenda

The Essential Skills and Strategies for Grantmakers workshop will be led by Judith Donaldson and Tom David. See the speaker bios and agenda to learn more about the August 18 workshop. 

Workshop Sessions

Making Sound Funding Decisions

1. Examine the typical steps and best practices used in the proposal review process
2. Understand issues to consider in arriving at a funding recommendation
3. Assess the viability of the applicant and proposed project
4. Make defensible funding decisions

Communicating Funding Recommendations and Decisions

1. Gain perspectives leaders and trustees bring to funding decisions
2. Learn typical steps and best practices in the funding recommendation process
3. Prepare and deliver compelling funding recommendations
4. Craft and deliver final funding decisions to grantseekers in an effective and respectful manner

Maximizing the Impact of Grants

1. Learn common strategies outside of the grantmaking framework for achieving greater good
2. Understand key strengths and constraints of each strategy
3. Identify adjunct strategies to enhance the probability of success, and the positive impact of individual grants, your portfolio, and your mission

Managing Personal and Professional Challenges

1. Understand inherent tensions in the role of the grantmaker
2. Learn common practices for harmonizing personal well-being and professional excellence as a grantmaker
3. Recognize opportunities and resources for continuous learning and for support

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