(Send your comments to Gail Vertz, Executive Director.
We are a very new organization (formed in 1998) and all of us are volunteers. In April 2002, we had 192 members representing 35-40 states with most in the East and Midwest. However our numbers in the West are growing. Our primary focus is to support grant professionals in any way we can. Networking is probably the biggest benefit to membership. We have an annual conference and currently host a forum through a LISTSERV hosted by Charity Channel. We have several projects in the works including white papers and a members only section on our Web site. The membership information and an application can be found right here on our web site. If you have any further questions, please let me know.
Iris Coffin, Development Writer
Drake University
I attended my first AAGP conference last year and found it very worthwhile. The workshops were excellent and the networking wonderful. I plan to attend again this year. Because the organization is fairly new, it is still developing other services for members. I know they plan to begin a newsletter soon. I find it exciting to be part of a new group, and to feel welcome to contribute my ideas for its development.
I hope to you meet you in November!
Vicki Collum
Grantwriter/Facilitator
UNI Foundation
Just a plug for the AAGP Annual Conference: I attended the one in San Francisco, and I would HIGHLY recommend that those of you who are undecided attend the one in Orlando (November 2001). I think you'll appreciate it (and meet some interesting/nice people in the process)!
Bob Turner
Coordinator of Grant Applications and Reporting
Hardin County Schools
Subject: Re: Comparing Organizations
I recently became a member of the AAGP so my experience is very new. I was impressed with the professional manner in which my application was processed. I have received a Membership Directory, copy of the By-Laws and Code of Ethical Conduct and a Survey to complete and return, along with a recent newsletter. I have found their members to be very helpful with questions that I might have.
The next AAGP conference is scheduled for November 7-9th, 2002 in Portland, Oregon. Conference is to include a wide range of topics, workshops, and sessions focused on enhancing a grant professionals skills. Registration information can be found at http://www.grantprofessionals.org.
For a member-driven organization of volunteers, I am impressed and plan on attending their next conference. Hope this is helpful.
Sharon E. Pilon, Consultant Associate
FOCUS on Foundations