One of the best ways for organizations to grow and improve is to share their work across professional networks and gain new insights related to programs and projects. The Health Fund’s Attend/Present Scholarship program is designed to help nonprofits engage in these opportunities by supporting costs associated with participating as attendees or presenters at conferences, trainings, and workshops.
We support opportunities for past and current grantees, as well as their project partners. Some grantees attend events or present on topics that directly relate to their Health Fund grant projects, and some participate in professional development that more broadly supports a shared priority — such as the health of older adults or children.
Here are a few examples of ways participants used their scholarships and what they had to say:
Grantee learns strategies to share with team
Staff from the Children’s Center of Wayne County attended the National Alliance on Mental Illness Conference to learn and engage with potential partners on their mental health initiatives supporting children and families.
Seeking cross-sector partners in SDOH
Staff from the Community Action House attended The Root Cause Coalition’s National Summit on social determinants of health to develop partnerships with peers and access cross-sector perspectives. This will help shape their approach to health equity.
“It was such an incredible opportunity to jumpstart our work in this space and grow our knowledge, connections, and my own excitement!” — Chara Bouma-Prediger, Assistant Director of Food Access
Grantee presents at workshop for systems change
Staff from First Steps Kent presented at the Strive Together conference focused on transforming systems for populations experiencing poverty. The workshop provided tools to implement a robust communications campaign that will illuminate disparities, identify policy priorities, and activate the community to develop more equitable and just systems. They exhibited their You Got This and Normal was Never Enough campaigns.
Nonprofit presents at conference and features Health Fund grant project
Midland Area Community Foundation staff was invited to present at the CAFCA conference to speak about a Health Fund grant and broader programming related to workplace wellbeing and building DEI into wellness. A yoga session (pictured) was offered as a post-conference activity.
“We spoke about the intersection of wellbeing and DEIJ, and attendees got a folder of resources as a takeaway. In conversation after the session, I connected with organizations serving similar goals.” — Kathy Snyder, Midland Area Wellbeing Coalition Director
Conference helps nonprofit align with peer organizations
Traverse Bay Children’s Advocacy Center attended the NCA Leadership Conference to network and engage with peer organizations and learn about related projects that align with their strategy to promote the health and wellness of children.
“It was an invaluable experience that left each of us feeling inspired and more equipped to tackle the challenges our organization may face.” — Madeline Saucedo, MPA, Director of Fund Development
For people interested in presenting on their work, we also support resources like professional coaching for public speaking and creating presentations — at no cost through our partnership with Catchafire.