About this event
As funding priorities shift, political pressures overwhelm, and community needs increase, today’s grant proposals must be responsive and grounded in clarity and purpose. This 3-hour virtual seminar is designed for nonprofit and social impact sector professionals looking to reimagine grant writing practices through a relationship-centered perspective. Through real-world case studies, culturally-affirming strategies and practical tools, participants will explore how to (re)articulate their impact, communicate urgency with confidence, and craft proposals that are specific, strategic, and purposeful. This learning space invites you to share what’s working, what practices are promising, and walk away with new insights and resources from peers across the sector.
Key Takeaways:
- Practical strategies for crafting proposals that align with funder priorities while staying grounded in your organization’s mission.
- Examples of how nonprofits are adapting their grant writing approaches in response to today’s social, political, and funding climate.
- Tools to support clear, value-driven communication around impact and urgency.
- Insight into the role of internal alignment, storytelling, and collaboration in effective grant strategy.
- Peer-informed ideas, questions, and resources that can support your current and future grant development efforts.
Who Should Attend:
This session is ideal for nonprofit professionals involved in grant writing, fundraising, or program leadership who want to enhance their approach to proposals in today’s complex climate.
While open to all experience levels, it will be particularly valuable for:
- Grant writers navigating shifting funder priorities and the true scale of community needs
- Development staff looking to center values and strategy in their messaging
- Program or executive leaders seeking refreshed ways to express their commitment to community
- Anyone seeking to clarification to balance mission, urgency, and funder alignment in their fundraising work
Facilitator Bio
Lupe Ramos-Silva is a seasoned development leader with 30 years of experience designing fundraising strategies that are bold, values driven, and responsive to community needs. From launching national Latino engagement campaigns at St. Jude to raising over $7.5 million at Exceptional Minds, Lupe brings a grounded, relationship-based approach to fund development. She has supported both capital campaigns and grassroots initiatives across the country, offering deep insight into funding strategies rooted in equity, cultural relevance, and trust.
Most recently, Lupe has been working alongside organizations at pivotal moments in their growth, including advising on a $20 million capital campaign and supporting local efforts that blend cultural storytelling with fund development. Her perspective is also shaped by her work as a grant proposal reviewer, giving her a behind the scenes understanding of how funders assess alignment and impact. Lupe’s approach is both strategic and human centered, grounded in real world practice, shaped by decades of experience, and rooted in the belief that strong relationships and clarity of purpose are essential to sustainable fundraising.
