Meet the Funders: Panel & Networking for Cabo Verdean Heritage Month

Connect with regional grantmakers, gain key insights into funding opportunities, and network with fellow community leaders and creators.
About this Event

Join the Cabo Verdean Heritage Month Coalition for "Meet the Funders," an interactive afternoon designed to connect local organizations, cultural practitioners, and community leaders directly with regional grantmakers. Our host venue is the Martha Briggs Educational Club at the Sgt. William Carney House at 128 Mill Street in New Bedford, MA.

Whether you are looking to secure support for upcoming projects, strengthen your grant writing strategy, or build meaningful relationships within the sector, this session offers valuable access, clear advice, and open discussion.

Panelists include Denise Porche, Island Foundation, Margo Saulnier, New Bedford Creative at the NBEDC, and Darlene Spencer, Carney Family Foundation.

What to Expect

• Funder Panel & Direct Insights: Hear directly from regional foundation leaders about funding priorities, application timelines, grant management expectations, and what truly makes an application stand out.
• Peer Introductions & Pitches: Every participating organization will have brief time to introduce their mission, highlight recent work, and share future project visions.
• Audience Q&A: Get answers to your specific questions during an open panel discussion.
• Community Networking: Spend dedicated time mingling, sharing ideas, and building relationships with funders and fellow local changemakers over light refreshments.

Note: A photographer will be present during the event.

Agenda

3:00 PM – 3:15 PM | Arrival & Check-In

Check in and enjoy light refreshments before the program begins.

3:15 PM – 3:30 PM | Welcome & Opening Remarks

Welcome and panelist introductions. Overview of the Cabo Verdean Heritage Month Coalition, community calendar resources, and exciting details on the upcoming July 2027 Film and Arts Festival.

3:30 PM – 4:00 PM | Coalition & Organization Introductions

Brief 5-minute introductions from participating organizations to share their mission, recent community impact, and upcoming project visions.

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Panel Discussion & Q&A

4:00 PM – 4:35 PM: Moderated panel covering foundation priorities, grant cycles, key elements of strong proposals, common application pitfalls, and post-award reporting/grant management tips.

4:35 PM – 5:00 PM: Open Q&A session with the audience.

5:00 PM – 5:45 PM | Open Networking

Dedicated time to connect directly with panelists, funders, and community peers.

5:45 PM – 6:00 PM | Event Wrap-Up

Organized by: Cabo Verdean Heritage Month Coalition Tags: Grants, Funding, Nonprofits, Arts and Culture, Community Development, Networking, Panel Discussion