Description

The Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber and Highlands Economic Partnership are hosting a grant writing seminar designed to help nonprofit organizations discover funding opportunities. The workshop will be led by Michelle Arbogast, Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations at TN Tech; Adnan Karim, Vice President of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CMFT); and Nicole Rose, manager of CMFT’s Giving Matters program. They will share crucial tools and strategies for crafting successful grant applications, offering valuable insights for both beginners and those seeking to refine their skills.

Agenda:

• Understanding Your Organization: Ensure you have all the necessary information to craft compelling grant applications. Led by Michelle Arbogast, this session will guide you through the critical elements.

• Finding a Funding Opportunity: Learn from the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee about their extensive database of 1600 nonprofits available for funding. Nicole Rose, manager of the Giving Matters program, will showcase how to identify suitable opportunities for your organization's needs.

• What Makes a Successful Application: Dive deeper with the Community Foundation team as they outline the key components and strategies that lead to a successful grant proposal.

• Practice Activity: Engage in an interactive session led by Michelle Arbogast. Bring an example proposal you're working on for practical feedback and insights.

Don?t miss this opportunity to enhance your grant-writing skills!

Nonprofit organizations can receive a $10 discount per registration by using the code NONPROFIT when registering. For questions or help with registration, please call 931-526-2211. 
 

SPEAKERS
Adnan Karim
Vice President of Community Impact at Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMT)

Adnan Karim is the Vice President of Community Impact at the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMT), where he leads grantmaking, community engagement, and impact initiatives. He oversees all grantmaking cycles, partnerships, and programs, implementing innovative approaches to address community challenges effectively.  Adnan Karim brings over 14 years of impactful experience in the social impact sector. Beginning his career in education in New York City's underserved communities, he led initiatives combating the high school dropout crisis as an AmeriCorps member and later as Program Manager for City Year. Transitioning to buildOn, Adnan held progressive roles, expanding service learning programs nationally and overseeing school construction projects in disadvantaged countries like Nepal and Malawi. At Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, he directed global human rights education initiatives, fostering civic engagement among youth. A Nashville native, Adnan holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from Middle Tennessee State University and a Master's in Public Administration from New York University. A desire to make his hometown better for Middle Tennesseans, his family and himself, drew Adnan to CFMT.

Nicole Rose
GivingMatters Manager at the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMT)

As the GivingMatters Manager, Nicole works closely with Middle Tennessee nonprofits, funders, and the general public to ensure GivingMatters.com remains a useful tool for our community. She especially loves helping organizations tell their stories and raise much-needed funds. Nicole grew up in Vero Beach, Florida, and is a graduate of Kennesaw State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services with a concentration in Nonprofit Administration. In her spare time she enjoys volunteering, doing science projects with her kids, and exploring Nashville with her family.

Michelle Arbogast
Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations
University Advancement at Tennessee Tech

Michelle D. Arbogast has 25 years of higher education experience, working in both private and public higher education systems. At Tennessee Tech, Michelle is responsible for all eight colleges within the university including agriculture and human ecology, arts and science, business, education, engineering, fine arts, interdisciplinary studies, and nursing; as well as multicultural affairs and athletics, as it relates to corporate and foundation partnerships. Michelle will graduate with her doctorate of business administration from Georgia State University in December 2024.  Her research is focused on strategic alliances within higher education relating to corporate and foundation relationships.  Michelle has a BS in Business Administration and a Masters in Education, Organizational Training and Development; both from Tusculum University in Greeneville, Tennessee.