Pulling Back the Curtain: A Community Conversation with Local Funders

Join us on May 18 from 12:00–3:30 PM at MercyWorks in Syracuse for an interactive and transparent conversation designed to demystify the grant funding process.

This event brings together representatives from leading local funders, including the Central New York Community Foundation, Gifford Foundation, Wegmans Food Markets, Allyn Foundation, and KeyBank Foundation, for a candid panel discussion focused on what it really takes to secure funding.

This experience is intentionally designed for small to mid-sized nonprofit organizations (annual operating budgets of $2 million or less) and community leaders seeking clarity, connection, and confidence in their approach to grant funding.

Together, we’ll explore:

• How funding decisions are made
• What funders are truly looking for beyond the application
• The importance of relationship-building and alignment
• Key funding priorities and eligibility considerations

Following the panel, participants will engage in a speed networking session, offering a unique opportunity to connect directly with funders, ask questions, and begin building meaningful relationships grounded in shared purpose and alignment.

This is more than an informational session…it’s an invitation to move from uncertainty to strategy, from assumptions to understanding, and from access to opportunity.

Agenda

• 11:45 AM – Doors Open
• 11:45 AM – 12:15 PM – Welcome & Informal Networking
• 12:15 PM – 1:45 PM – Panel Discussion & Q&A
• 1:45 PM – 2:15 PM – Break / Lunch
• 2:15 PM – 3:15 PM – Speed Networking
• 3:15 PM – 3:30 PM – Closing Remarks

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher KeyBank Corporate Responsibility