Grant Research with Philanthropy MA
October 28 (1pm-3pm), in the Townsend Room/Red Lion Inn
With more than 30,000 nonprofits in Massachusetts, competition for funding is high. How does one get a leg up? This introductory program is ideal for fundraisers who are new to the grants process or who would like to refresh their skills. Topics covered will include determining if your organization is grant-ready; key databases and resources; locating RFPs; and best practices for approaching foundations. We will also provide a brief tutorial in the Foundation Directory Online.
Phyllis Corkum, Nonprofit Programs Manager
Phyllis joined Philanthropy MA as the Programs and Services Coordinator in January 2021 and was promoted into the role of Nonprofit Programs Manager in April 2022. She is an educator and nonprofit manager experienced in building the capacity of caring institutions. Phyllis launched her career in the literacy field, directing a mobile adult education program initiated by the Pew Charitable Trusts in Chester, Pennsylvania. There she moved into the roles of director of fund distribution and then fund development for the local United Way, where she also managed the county FEMA board and founded the Homeless Services Coalition. Phyllis later served as the director of the annual fund for Outward Bound National, headquartered in the Hudson River Valley. After moving to Florida in 1998, she earned teaching certifications in Montessori and parent education. She taught for 10 years before returning to nonprofit service at her family’s beloved Winter Park Public Library, where she served as the development director. She secured the lead grant for a new library facility for the City of Winter Park and later managed that grant when she was hired by the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic leader in Central Florida. She served as the Grants Manager for the foundation for a few years before returning to the Northeast with her husband.
Georganna Woods, Research Associate and Meet-the-Donors Program Manager
Since 2005, Georganna has worked in various capacities at Philanthropy MA. She began as Associate Librarian at Philanthropy MA (then Associated Grant Makers) at their Resource Center for Philanthropy (RCP). She transitioned into a combined position where she coordinates Philanthropy MA’s Meet-the-Donors series in addition to conducting research for Philanthropy MA Members and Partners who are seeking information about a range of topics. Georganna also holds virtual “Office Hours” where Philanthropy MA Partners can ask questions about grantseeking and other nonprofit-related issues. She has a Masters in Library and Information Sciences from Simmons College.
In her downtime, she volunteers at Unity Farm Sanctuary in Sherborne and serves as part of the Friends of Holliston Trails and Friends of Holliston Public Library.