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Grantees Utilize Scholarships for Conferences and Trainings

Dec 9, 2024 | News, Capacity Building

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:

Training helps team learn new model of care

Staff from the Ed and Nancy Hanenburg Children’s Advocacy Center attended a training on a new model to help strengthen programs aimed at preventing child sexual abuse and supporting kids and families in crisis.

“Getting out of the state for training was LIFE-GIVING! We were in a new place, with new people, who were all passionate about the same things we are. This was an amazing opportunity for training and connection. We will continue to meet with a cohort for consultation calls.” — Shyra Williams, Program Director, LMSW, ACTP

Conference attendee finds new resources for maternal health

Staff from the Hitha Healing House attended the Black Maternal Health Conference to grow their capacity to address the needs of Black mothers and infants. Their attendance led to a potential new funding opportunity, awareness of new technology tools, and confirmation that their care model aligns with best practices.

“This experience not only inspired and reaffirmed my commitment to maternal health, but also provided invaluable opportunities to connect with professionals and resources from across the nation. I left the conference feeling inspired and excited to continue making a difference.” — Kayana Sessoms, Nurturing Roots Program

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.

“One of the most valuable aspects was the opportunity to connect with fellow development professionals. This expanded my professional network and opened doors for potential collaborations and partnerships.” — Lyndon Mabande, Jr., Manager of Corporate and Foundation Philanthropy

“The sessions taught me strategies to implement policies, procedures, training, and stakeholder engagements to further mental health access and equity. I received resources I could bring back to my team to integrate into our work.” — Aubrey Gilliland, Manager of Community Projects

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

Summit helps grantee discuss challenges and achievements

The United Way of Southwest Michigan staff attended the Harwood Summit to participate in discussions among fellow civic leaders working to engage and disseminate the Harwood Approach, which helps organizations build capacity and create change in their communities.

“Many of us found common ground about the concerns and successes within our very different communities. It was so beneficial to take a moment to pause the “working mode” and deeply connect with others in that space.” — Heather Cole, Former Director of Advocacy and Public Innovation

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.

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