Funding Forward – Insights from Funders & Nonprofits

Funding Forward – Insights from Funders & Nonprofits

A Two-Part Learning Series for Nonprofit ProfessionalsOverview

Each session covers a unique topic—join one or both! While attending both is encouraged for the full experience, it’s not required.

Funding Forward is a two-part, interactive learning series designed to demystify the grantmaking process and strengthen the capacity of nonprofit professionals. Hosted by the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County, this initiative brings together funders and nonprofit leaders for candid, practical conversations about what makes grant proposals successful, how to avoid common pitfalls, and how to build sustainable, fundable organizations.

Session 1: Funders’ Insights

Date: August 13, 2025

Time: 9:00–11:30 AM (Networking: 11:00–11:30 AM)

Facilitator: Glenn Brown, Program Manager, Children’s Board of Hillsborough County

Focus:

• Real-world examples of standout proposals

• Current funding priorities and emerging trends

• Common mistakes in applications and how to avoid them

• Best practices for crafting compelling, fundable proposals

• Capacity-building resources and technical assistance available to applicants

Panelists include:

· Douglas Griesenauer, Vice President – Community Impact, United Way Suncoast

· Jim Roth, Contracts Manager, Hillsborough County Health Care Services

· Walter Jennings, Director, Student Success Initiatives – Florida, Helios Education Foundation

· Erin Baird, Director of Grants, Allegany Franciscan Ministries

· Diana Santangelo, Ph.D., Senior Director, Community Foundation Tampa Bay

· Tina James, Senior Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility, Florida Blue

· Shabel Santiago, Programs Procurement Manager, Children’s Board of Hillsborough County

Session 2: Nonprofit Strategies & Sustainability

Date: September 22, 2025

Time: 9:00–11:30 AM (Networking: 11:00–11:30 AM)

Facilitator: Glenn Brown, Program Manager, Children’s Board of Hillsborough County

Focus:

• Strategies for building strong, fundable budgets

• Sustainability practices for both small and large organizations

• Leadership and capacity-building approaches

• Real-life stories of impact and innovation

• Collaborative models for long-term success

Panelists include:

· Daniel Monasterio, Director of Finance, Children’s Board of Hillsborough County

· Patrick Doyle, Vice President of Grant Writing, United Way Suncoast

· Charlie Imbergamo, Chief Executive Officer, Nonprofit Leadership Center

· Kayetrenia Nichols, Program Manager, Joshua Way of Hope

· Nikki Daniels, Chief Program Officer, Champions for Children

Key Takeaways for Attendees

• Learn directly from funders and nonprofit peers

• Gain clarity on what funders look for in proposals

• Discover tools and strategies to build organizational sustainability

• Network with local experts and fellow nonprofit professionals

• Leave with practical advice and inspiration to move your mission forward

Audience

Nonprofit leaders, grant writers, development staff, and community partners.

Cost

Free and open to all Hillsborough County nonprofit professionals.