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In 2025, guided by our 2025–2027 Strategic Plan, the chapter exceeded membership growth goals, launched the Missouri Nonprofit Funding and Research Project, awarded membership scholarships, published multiple editions of Character Counts, and delivered eight professional education programs approved for GPCI and CFRE credit (including a partnership with Heart of America'sfull-day conference offering up to five GPCI CEUs). We strengthened statewide visibility through partnerships with more than a dozen organizations, including AFP St. Louis, Philanthropy Missouri, Missouri Foundation for Health, Missouri Budget Project, Washington University, regional libraries, and peer GPA chapters.
In 2026, priorities include continued membership growth, expanded program and volunteer engagement, assessment of barriers facing underrepresented grant professionals, expansion into Illinois, and strategic investment in initiatives that advance and protect the profession. The chapter ushered in a new Board of Directors: Patrice Shumate (President), Anna Bilyeu (Vice President and Programs Chair), Kellie Brungard (Secretary and Marketing & Membership Committee Chair), Samantha Gallion (Treasurer), Eric Schauster, (Conference Co-Chair), Beth Jantz, Robin Kuhlmann, and Krysta Grangeno.
For more information about our year, read the outgoing President's email.
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Help Shape Our 2026 Regional Conference!
The St. Louis Regional Chapter of the Grant Professionals Association is looking for volunteers to serve on our Conference Planning Committee for this September’s regional conference (date and location TBD).
Want to help choose the theme? Review speaker proposals? Shape the learning experience for grant professionals across the region? This is your chance to make an impact!
The committee will meet monthly from March through August, with light tasks between meetings. It’s a manageable commitment and a great opportunity to expand your network, grow your leadership skills, and contribute to the profession. You do not have to be a member of GPA to serve on a chapter committee.
Interested? We’d love to have you at the table! Email us at stlouischapter@grantprofessionals.org.
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Join us for these upcoming sessions
This year, the program committee is shifting to two professional development
sessions and one social event each quarter, as opposed to monthly sessions
with additional social events.
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With the start of a new year, now is the time to start thinking about advancing your professional growth by achieving Grant Professional Certification. The GPC credential was developed to indicate recognition of high standards and successful experience as a grant professional. First, you must find out if you are eligible to apply to take the exam. Points can be earned across four professional areas: Education, Professional Experience, Continuing Education and Community Involvement. You can find all the details on the GPCI website.
While GPCI does not offer a prep course directly, we partner with several organizations that provide training aligned with the GPC competencies. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you may sit for the GPC Exam and upon successful completion, you’ll receive your GPC credential.
To support your preparation, here are several helpful resources:
Interested in learning more? Our upcoming GPC Fireside Chat is a great way to explore the credential, understand the process, and determine when you may be eligible to start. Whether you’re ready now or setting a goal for the future, this session will guide you forward.
👉 Register here: Upcoming GPC Fireside Events
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The St. Louis County Library (SLCL) serves as a vital hub for regional economic development, offering a robust suite of free resources designed to help everyone! It has so much to offer grant professionals, whether you are in-house staff, freelancers, or consultants.
For the social sector, SLCL provides essential tools to help nonprofits secure funding and operate efficiently. The library is a member of the Candid network, giving local organizations in-library access to Foundation Directory Online, the premier database for discovering grant makers and analyzing 990 tax forms. Nonprofit leaders can also utilize Candid Learning, LinkedIn Learning, and Udemy for training on a breadth of business and nonprofit topics, including grant writing and sustainability. By providing these professional-grade tools at no cost, the library ensures that local nonprofits have the data and training necessary to maximize their community impact.
Through its Small Business Center located at the Clark Family Branch, the library provides access to high-end premium databases like Reference Solutions, D&B Hoovers, and SimplyAnalytics, which allow users to conduct deep market research, track competitors, and identify target demographics. Beyond digital tools, SLCL offers personalized support through Book a Librarian sessions and drop-in Let's Talk Business consultations, classroom-style support through 8-week specialized cohorts like Empowering Encore Entrepreneurs for business owners aged 55 and older, Small Business Launchpad for previously incarcerated entrepreneurs, and Novel Creations for entrepreneurial artisans, crafters, and makers, and large community events like the annual Small Business and Nonprofit Conference.
| | Not A Member of St. Louis GPA Yet? | | |
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?
You must be logged in to view this resource.
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