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Looking Ahead, Together: GrantSummit 2025 Recap
GPA’s 2025 GrantSummit opened on Thursday, Oct. 30, with the annual meeting, where members voted on several proposed bylaw amendments. While conversations during the business session reflected some of the recent tension between local members and the national association, they also underscored a shared commitment to strengthening communication and advancing GPA’s mission together. GPA Board President Doris Shivers closed the session with a renewed focus on transparency, accountability, and collaboration moving forward.
Following the business meeting, attendees turned their attention to a full schedule of sessions highlighting innovation and excellence in the field of grant seeking. GrantSummit 2025 offered a dynamic lineup of sessions reflecting the innovation, integrity, and impact driving today’s grants profession. Attendees explored strategies for leading strong grant teams, navigating change, and strengthening accountability across organizations. Technology and creativity took center stage in sessions like AI in Action: Four Smart Strategies for Grant Writers and Creative Spark: Using Creative Writing to Enhance Grant Writing, while workshops such as Unapologetically Profitable and Vision Driven Planning: Casting a Vision for Life, Career, & Business encouraged professionals to align purpose, value, and passion in their work.
For the first time, GPA members organized and led Hill visits to the U.S. Capitol, meeting with legislators to share the critical role public grant dollars play in sustaining and strengthening our communities.
Deepa Iyer closed out GrantSummit 2025 with an inspiring session on the Social Change Ecosystem map, inviting all to reflect on the roles we play in advancing equity and collective care through our grant work. Attendees left reenergized by new ideas, stronger connections, and a renewed sense of purpose. As we look to the future, we do so amid shifting federal funding priorities and an increasingly complex, politicized landscape. Still, GrantSummit 2025 showed that grant professionals are ready to navigate change with integrity and adaptability, and to continue advocating for the profession, creating powerful communities and collaborations, and fostering excellence in our field.
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Serve at the National Level: GPA National Seeking Volunteers
Looking for a meaningful way to grow your professional network, develop new skills, and make an impact in the grant profession? GPA National is currently seeking volunteers to serve on several committees and task forces. Whether you’re passionate about advocacy, education, governance, or publications, there is a place for everyone.
Serving at the national level offers a closer look at how GPA operates and helps shape the direction of our profession. It’s also a great opportunity to strengthen leadership skills, connect with peers across the country, and contribute to the collective voice of grant professionals.
Open committee opportunities include:
· Awards Committee (1 member) – Celebrate excellence and innovation across the field.
· Finance Committee (2 members) – Support financial transparency and sustainability.
· Governance Committee (3 members) – Help guide GPA’s bylaws and board development.
· Governmental Advocacy Committee (3 members) – Advance GPA’s advocacy strategy.
· Professional Education Subcommittees – Review GrantSummit sessions (8 members) or help shape DEI programming (5 members).
· Publications Committee (10 members) – Support GPA’s journal and strategy papers as reviewers or contributors.
Interested? Visit GPA’s website for full details and to apply by November 30, 2025.
If you’d like to talk through what serving on a committee is like, reach out to the St. Louis chapter board members. Some have served at the national level and would be happy to share experiences!
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GPCI and CFRE Credit Round-Up
The following sessions through GPA St. Louis were approved for one credit from both GPCI and CFRE. As a reminder, it is each individual's responsibility to track their credits and save attendance documentation. For your convenience, we are pleased to list the accepted education opportunities provided through this chapter this year so you may more easily update your records. All sessions are approved for 1 GPCI point and 1 CFRE point unless otherwise noted.
February 4, 2025 | 3 Firms, 3 Grant Professionals: Life Inside a Grants Consulting Firm| GPCI and CFRE Approved
- Kelly Howard, GPC (Grants Plus)
- Tracey Diefenbach, GPC (Assel Grants Services)
- Dr. Eliza Sanders (LBH/Grants for Growth)
- Olivia Snare (NSC)
March 4, 2025 | Bridging Fundraising & Accounting: Communication Strategies |
GPCI and CFRE Approved
- Tosha Anderson, Charity CFO
April 1, 2025 | Ethics in Action for Grant Professionals | GPCI Approved
- Shauna O’Toole, CFRE, GPC
May 6, 2025 | Reframe your ROI | GPCI and CFRE Approved
July 18, 2025 | Heart of America Chapter: Grant Con! Unmasking the Power of Grants
- 5 GPCI CEU credits for attending all day. Click above for a list of all sessions.
August 5, 2025 | Prospect Research: Finding and Approaching the Right Funders | GPCI and CFRE Approved
- Lisa Thorp, St. Louis Public Library; Laura Schlereth, grants consultant
September 2, 2025 |Granting Insight: Designing the Survey That Will Shape the Sector | GPCI and CFRE Approved
- Jessica Price, Washington University Center for Public Health Systems Science
October 7, 2025 | Public and Private Dollars in a Changing Landscape Panel | GPCI and CFRE Approved
- Sheldon Weisgrau, Missouri Foundation for Health
- Amy Blouin, Missouri Budget Project
- Michele Miller, Philanthropy Missouri
- Patrice Shumate, A Village for Good
To learn more about earning your GPC, click the button below or email our chapter's GPC ambassador, Amy Lottes.
Current GPCs must have 20% of their credits from accepted education sources (like these sessions). Click the button below for certification maintenance specifics.
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GPA St. Louis class of 2025, you all showed up in force!
This year has been a challenging one for nonprofits, healthcare institutions, and institutions of higher learning. As grant professionals, we find community and support from our peers, especially in times like these. Welcome to all who have joined our chapter this year!
Ben Chambers
Sydney Willis
Steve Milburn
Emily George
Krysta Grangeno
Deidra Arms
Holley Hentz
Ohala Ward
Syeda Faheem
Katrina Peoples
Trisha Pflantz
Maddie Fischer
Lindsey Manshack
Lizzy Petersen
Jill Frey
Michelle Fayette
Maggie Speck-Kern
Mackenzie Greer
Andrea Flanigan
Amanda Geske
Renae Ballard
Rick Jones
Carmen Harris
Megan Derosier
| | Not A Member of St. Louis GPA Yet? | | |
Become Part of Our Awesome Team— Join a GPA St. Louis Committee!
GPA St. Louis committee nominations are open throughout the year. Consider helping us support grant professionals in the St. Louis area through:
Programs Committee:
- Help us design top-notch training opportunities.
Conference Committee:
- Put your stamp on the St. Louis regional grant conference!
Membership and Marketing Committee:
- Hone your writing, graphic design, and communication skills as part of this dynamic team.
Self-nominations are encouraged! Email us if you are interested: stlouischapter@grantprofessionals.org.
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ICYMI: New Chapter Email
We have a new email address to help with deliverability. Communications are now coming from stlouischapter@grantprofessionals.org.
Plus, here are other
ways you can find us. >>>
| | Bookmark our events page to see upcoming professional development sessions. We usually meet the first Tuesday of the month at 11:30 a.m. | |
Our LinkedIn profile is an engaging community where you can stay updated with chapter activities and members. Anyone can follow us.
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Did you know St. Louis has a dedicated community within GPA's members-only discussion board?
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