History - Grant Professionals Association

History

Our Story

Until the last decade of the twentieth century, there was not a single association dedicated to the profession of grantsmanship. Nor were there many formalized training organizations dedicated to the grant professional. The Grantsmanship Center, Inc. (TGCI), one of the first of its kind, offered week-long trainings and established the first online forum for its alumni. The forum had open discussions on many grant topics.

Several reoccurring themes could always be found on that forum. “The grant professional is always the last to be hired and first to be fired when it comes to organizational budgets.” “If we had extra funds, we would hire a grant proposal developer.” “Can you put the funds [to hire you to write the application] into the grant and we will pay you if we get funded?” “What are the qualifications to be a grant proposal developer?” In 1997, a small group of alumni (most who had never met previously) came together, ready to change the state of the grants profession. With a single conference call on April 2, 1998, the idea of American Association of Grant Professionals (AAGP) was formed. (Pulled from the article “An Emerging Vocation: The Grant Profession” by Renninger and Stinson, 2006)

In attendance on that historic day in 1997 were Iris Coffin (IA), Phyl Renninger (FL), Rachel Sherard (SD), Mike Brock (MI), Randy Givens (NE), Brad Knudson (SD), and VC League (CA). On that call, Phyl Renninger offered to record the first notes of the not-yet-formed organization and keep track of tasks to be accomplished. Over the next six months, the group continued to examine the feasibility of establishing an association. The rest, as they say, is history.

Five people with ideas about shaping the future of their profession organized their thoughts and their peers to form the Grant Professionals Association. GPA is the first organization focused solely on the advancement of grantsmanship as a profession and the support of its practitioners.

Since its inception in 1998, GPA has grown rapidly. With over 3,200 current members internationally, the opportunities and benefits of membership continue to attract people from all over the globe. In the spring of 2004, Birmingham, Alabama became the first city to form a local chapter. In the year following, additional chapters were formed. The process of local involvement and self determination is an important benefit of membership.

Our Mission

The mission of GPA is empowering grant professionals and those they serve through:

Advocacy – Advocating for members and the grants profession
Community – Creating powerful communities and connections
Professionalism – Fostering excellence in professional practice

GPA’s Cross Cutting Priorities

The following cross cutting priorities are foundational and guide all efforts of the Association’s work in the three areas of focus of Advocacy, Community, and Professionalism. These priorities will be reﬂected in the operational and work plans for committees and staff in each of the focus areas. The priorities are:

Ethical Standards
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity
Fiscal Responsibility/Sustainability
Responsible TransparencySM
Responsible Transparency is a service mark of Vista Cova, LLC (https://www.vistacova.com/)

GPA History At A Glance

2023
Board of Directors
Johna Rodgers, GPC, GPA President (KY), Alan Tiano, GPC, CGMS, GPA Vice President (FL). Heather Patel, GPC (AZ), Doris Shivers, GPC (NC)

Board Members: Laura Gore, GPC (TN), TJ Hansell, MPA (AZ), Nathan Medina GPC (IL), Leilani Ocasio (AR), Jennie Miller, GPC (AZ), Shavonn Richardson, MBA, GPC (GA), Sara Wagner, MPH GPC (AZ)

Accomplishments

Held 25th Annual Conference: Kansas City, MO and online November 1-4. Attendance: 1,448
Membership: 4,538 members
Chapters: 54 with 2,973 chapter members
Celebrated the 8th annual International Grant Professionals Day on March 10
Cheryl Kester, GPC, Phyllis Renninger, GPC, and Scot Scala, GPC were honored as the 2023 GP Class of Distinguished Fellows.
The Grantmaker of the Year award went to the United Way of Greater Charlotte and the Weldon F. Osborne Foundation, Inc.
Hosted our third annual GPA Spelling bee during GrantSummit powered by GPA
Published Volume 21 of the GPA Journal and three GPA Strategy Papers
Published the 18th Annual Grant Professionals Salary & Benefits Survey and Results
Implemented Learning Paths in GrantSchool.
2023 Annual Report

2022
Board of Directors
Johna Rodgers, GPC, GPA President (KY), Alan Tiano, GPC, CGMS, GPA Vice President (FL). Heather Patel, GPC, GPA Secretary (AZ), Cheryl Kester, CFRE, GPC, GPA Treasurer (AR)

Board Members: Amanda Day, GPC (GA), Laura Gore, GPC (TN), TJ Hansell, MPA (AZ), Jennie Miller, GPC (AZ), Shavonn Richardson, MBA, GPC (GA), Doris Shivers, GPC, (NC), Bill Smith, GPC (TN)

Accomplishments

Held 24th Annual Conference: Louisville, KY, and online November 2-5. Attendance: 1,409
Membership: 3,314 members
Chapters: 53
Celebrated the 7th annual International Grant Professionals Day on March 11
Pauline Annarino and Danny Blitch, GPC were honored as the 2022 GP Class of Distinguished Fellows.
The Grantmaker of the Year award went to the Mortenson Family Foundation and the Red Deer & District Community Foundation
Hosted our second annual GPA Spelling bee during the GPA Annual Conference
Published Volume 20 of the GPA Journal and three GPA Strategy Papers
Published the 17th Annual Grant Professionals Salary & Benefits Survey and Results
Implemented four new Special Interest Communities within GrantZone: the BIPOC SIG, LGBTQIA+ SIG, New Members of GPA SIG, and The Reading Room Community
2022 Annual Report

2021

Board of Directors

President* Amanda Day, GPC (GA), Vice-President* Johna Rodgers, GPC (KY), Secretary* Heather Patel, GPC (AZ), Treasurer* Cheryl Kester, CFRE, GPC (AR)

Board Members: Laura Gore, GPC (TN), Kimberly Hays DeMuga, GPC (GA), Jennie Miller, GPC (AZ), Shavonn Richardson, GPC (GA) Doris Shivers (NC), Bill Smith, GPC (TN), Alan Tiano, GPC (FL)

Accomplishments

Held 23rd Annual Conference: Seattle, WA, and online, November 3-6. Attendance: 1,268. This was GPA's first-ever hybrid conference experience.
Membership: 3,012 members
Chapters: 51
Celebrated the 6th annual International Grant Professionals Day on March 12
Johna Rodgers, GPC was honored as the 2021 GP Class of Distinguished Fellow
The Grantmaker of the Year award went to the Poise Foundation (Private Sector award) and Community Mental Health Fund (Public Sector)
Launched our first annual GPA Spelling Bee during the GPA Annual Conference
Implemented two new Special Interest Communities within GrantZone: the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion SIG and the Evaluation SIG
Membership dues rates remained unchanged for the second year in a row
Published Volume 19 of the GPA Journal and three GPA Strategy Papers
Published the 16th Annual Grant Professionals Salary & Benefits Survey and Results. We hired a data consultant to assist in the survey and we received over 2,300 survey responses which was a substantial increase from previous years
Revamped the GPA Mentor Program with new videos, resources, etc.
Hosted the second annual iLearn Live featuring four 45-minute pre-recorded sessions
Added 14 new GPA Approved Trainers

2020
Board of Directors
Amanda Day, GPC (GA) - President; Johna Rodgers, GPC (KY) - Vice-President; Bonnie Houk, GPC (KS) - Secretary; Bill Smith, GPC (TN) - Treasurer
Board Members: Laura Gore, GPC (TN), Kimberly Hays de Muga, GPC (GA), Sue Jetter, GPC (WA), Cheryl Kester, GPC, CFRE (AR), Jennie Miller, GPC (AZ), Heather Patel, GPC (AZ), Alan Tiano, GPC, CGMS (FL)

Accomplishments

Held 22nd Annual Conference: Online Only, November 4-6. Attendance: 1,100. Due to COVID-19, GPA pivoted quickly to launch its first-ever online GPA Annual Conference.
Membership: 2,801 members
Chapters: 49
Celebrated the 5th annual International Grant Professionals Day on March 13
Maryn Boess was honored as the 2020 GP Class of Distinguished Fellow.
The Grantmaker of the Year award went to the New England Grassroots Environment Fund (Private Sector award) and the Maine Women's Fund (Public Sector)
Launched two new online educational programs: Next Level Grant Training and iLearn Live
Hired a part-time Marketing & Communications Manager
GPA launched a new website based on recommendations from GPA members and others on the best way to reorganize the site and content. GPA also implemented a new membership database
Developed and approved a new vision statement for GPA: "The vision of GPA is to reshape the world through the transformative power of grants" and a new mission statement "The mission of GPA is empowering grant professionals and those they serve through Advocacy(advocating for member, the grants profession, and those they serve), Community (creating powerful communities and connections), and Professionalism (fostering excellence in professional practice).”
In addition to the new vision and mission statements, the GPA board also identified four cross-cutting priorities that will be integral to all of our work: Ethical Standards; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity; Fiscal Responsibility / Sustainability; and Responsible Transparency.
Published Volume 18 of the GPA Journal and three GPA Strategy Papers
Published the 15th Annual Grant Professionals Salary & Benefits Survey and Results
Increased GPA's Business Alliance Member program to 12 members and launched our first-ever Annual Sponsorship program
Added four new GPA Approved Trainers and retained all but one trainer that was up for renewal, bringing our total number of Approved Trainers to 32

2019
Board of Directors
Jo Miller, GPC (MN) - President; Amanda Day, GPC (GA) - Vice-President; Sue Jetter, GPC (WA) - Secretary; Bill Smith, GPC (TN) - Treasurer; Cheryl Kester, GPC, CFRE (AR) - Executive Committee Appointee Board Members: Kathy Brunot, GPC (AL), Laura Gore, GPC (TN), Kimberly Hays DeMuga, GPC (GA), Bonnie Houk, GPC (KS), Johna Rodgers, GPC (KY), Alan Tiano, GPC (FL).

Accomplishments

Held 21st Annual Conference: Washington, DC, November 6-9. Attendance: 870
Membership: Over 3,000 members
49 Active Chapters where over 65% of members belong to a chapter
Contracted with Marketing & Research Firm and conducted research (including a website navigational card sort and tree test to members) helping us identify four audiences for GPA and define areas of importance to them, as well as launched a comprehensive marketing plan
Celebrated the 5th annual International Grant Professionals Day on March 8
Announced inaugural Grant Professionals Distinguished Fellows award recipient at the Annual Conference
Nominate a Member Referral Campaign launched
Livestream option available to those who could not attend the Annual Conference with over 150 participants

2018
Board of Directors
Jo Miller, GPC (MN) - President; Kathy Brunot, GPC (AL) - Vice-President; Sue Jetter, GPC (WA) - Secretary; Janell Harvey (IN) - Treasurer; Cheryl Kester, GPC, CFRE (AR) - Executive Committee Appointee Board Members: Karen Cassidy, GPC (MO), Amanda Day, GPC (GA), Janeen Gaskins, GPC (AZ), Bonnie Houk, GPC (KS), Johna Rodgers, GPC (KY), Bill Smith, GPC (TN).

Accomplishments

Held 20th Annual Conference: Chicago, Illinois, November 7-10. Attendance: 811
Membership: Over 2,800 members
45 Active Chapters
Held 1st annual Chapter Leaders Training in April
Regional Representatives located in every region of the United States
Added Livestream option to Annual Conference
Hired Part-Time Administrative Assistant
Launched GPA's Business Alliance Member program
Celebrated the 4th annual International Grant Professionals Day on March 9
GPA was invited to the DATA Coalition forum on transforming federal grant reporting and meetings to discuss ReImagine Grants initiative with HHS in Washington, DC
Launched the Grant Professionals Distinguished Fellows program alongside GPCI and GPF

2017
Board of Directors
Nathan Medina, GPC (IL) - President; Jo Miller, GPC (MN) - Vice-President; Kathy Brunot, GPC (AL) - Secretary; Janeen Gaskins, GPC (AZ) - Treasurer; Sue Jetter, GPC (WA) - Executive Committee Appointee; Board Members: Karen Cassidy, GPC (MO), Lauren Daniels, GPC (AZ), Amanda Day, GPC (GA), Janell Harvey (IN), Bill Smith, GPC (TN), Bernard Turner, GPC (TN).

Accomplishments

Held 19th Annual Conference: San Diego, California, November 8-11. Attendance: 751
Membership: Over 2,600 members
43 Active Chapters
Launched online community, GrantZone
Hired Chapter Relations Manager
Implemented GPA's Mentor Match
Celebrated the 3rd annual International Grant Professionals Day on March 10

2016
Board of Directors
Nathan Medina (IL) - President; Jo Miller (MN) - Vice-President; Kathy Brunot (GA) - Secretary; Janeen Gaskins (AZ) - Treasurer; Shelia McCann (FL) - Executive Committee Appointee; Board Members: Karen Cassidy (MO), Lauren Daniels (AZ), Debbie DiVirgilio (MD), Janell Harvey (IL), Sue Jetter (WA), Bernard Turner (TN).

Accomplishments

Held 18th Annual Conference: Atlanta, Georgia, November 9-12. Attendance: 676
Membership: 2,320
Reached 44 Active Chapters
Celebrated the 2nd annual International Grant Professionals Day on March 18

2015
Board of Directors
Debbie DiVirgilio (MD) - President; Nathan Medina (IL) - Vice-President; Johna Rodgers (KY) - Secretary; Bernard Turner (TN) - Treasurer; Jo Miller (MN) - Executive Committee Appointee; Board Members: Danny Blitch (GA), Kathy Brunot (GA), Karen Cassidy (MO), Lauren Daniels (AZ)l Janeen Gaskins (AZ), Shelia McCann (FL).

Accomplishments

Held 17th Annual Conference: St. Louis, MO. Conference, November 11-14. Attendance: 609.
Membership: Over 2,000.
Reached 45 Active Chapters.
Added additional part-time bookkeeper to staff.
Relocated GPA Headquarters to Overland Park, KS.
Celebrated the 1st annual International Grant Professionals Day/Week on March 16-20

2014

Board of Directors
Sharon Skinner (AZ) - President; Johna Rodgers (KY) - Vice-President; Nathan Medina (IL) - Secretary; Bernard Turner (TN) - Treasurer; Debbie DiVirgilio (MD) - Executive Committee Appointee; Board Members: Danny Blitch (GA), Kathy Brunot (GA), Karen Cassidy (MO), Janeen Gaskins (AZ), Shelia McCann (FL), Jo Miller (MN).

Accomplishments

Held 16th Annual Conference: Doubletree Hotel, Portland, Oregon. Conference Attendance: 617.
Membership: 1,973.
Confirmed 41 Active Chapters
Implemented Organizational Membership rate
Designed new website and database

2013
Board of Directors
Debbie DiVirgilio (MD) - President; Sharon Skinner (AZ) - Vice-President; Nathan Medina (IL) - Secretary; Johna Rodgers (KY) - Treasurer; Bernard Turner (TN) - Executive Committee Appointee; Board Members: Linda Butler (OH), Karen Cassidy (MO), Janeen Gaskins (AZ), Shelia McCann (FL), Nathan Medina (IL), Bill Smith (TN).

Accomplishments

Held 15th Annual Conference: Hyatt Regency on the Inner Harbor, Baltimore, Maryland. Conference Attendance: 625.
Membership: 1,812.
Confirmed 40 Active Chapters
Implemented Regional Representatives
Updated Mission Statement Adopted
GPA builds and supports a community of grant professionals committed to serving the greater public good.

2012
Board of Directors
Debbie DiVirgilio (MD) - President; Teri Blandon (VA) - Vice-President; Sharon Skinner (AZ) - Secretary; Johna Rodgers (KY) - Treasurer; Shelia McCann (FL) - Executive Committee Appointee; Board Members: Linda Butler (OH), Karen Cassidy (MO), Nathan Medina (IL), Bill Smith (TN), and Bernard Turner (TN).

Accomplishments

Held 14th Annual Conference: Hyatt Regency Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN. Conference Attendance: 552.
Membership: 1,846.
Continued 41 Active Chapters

2011
Board of Directors
Debbie DiVirgilio (MD) - President; Teri Blandon (VA) - Vice-President; Sharon Skinner (AZ) - Secretary; Johna Rodgers (KY) - Treasurer; Jay Janssen (SC) - Executive Committee Appointee; Board Members: Linda Butler (OH), Doris Jean Heroff (IL), Shelia McCann (FL), Jodi Pearl (FL), Bill Smith (TN), and Gail Widner (SC).

Accomplishments

Held 13th Annual Conference: Bally's Las Vegas Hotel, Las Vegas, NV. Conference Attendance: 545.
Membership: 1,723.
Launched Special Interest Groups Initiative
Redesigned the website

2010
Board of Directors
Bill Smith (TN) - President; Debbie DiVirgilio (MD) - Vice-President; Dena Hartigan (NJ) - Secretary; Linda Butler (OH) - Treasurer; Teri Blandon (VA) - Executive Committee Appointee; Board Members: Jay Janssen (SC), Johna Rodgers (KY), Gail Widner (SC), Jodi Pearl (FL), Sharon Skinner (AZ) and Doris Jean Heroff (IL).

Accomplishments

Held 12th Annual Conference: Tradewinds Island Grand Beach Hotel, St. Pete Beach, FL. Conference Attendance: 586.
Membership: 1,674.
Celebrated 43 Active Chapters.
Changed name to Grant Professionals Association (GPA), November.
Updated staff title to Office Manager

2009
Board of Directors
Bernard Turner (TN) - President; Jerry Dillehay (AZ) - Vice President; Jodi Pearl (FL) - Treasurer; Dena Hartigan (NJ) - Secretary. Board Members: Debbie DiVirgilio (MD), Doris Jean Heroff (IL), Sharon Skinner (AZ), Kitty Wojcik (MD), Bill Smith (TN), Linda Butler (OH).

Accomplishments

Held 11th Annual Conference: Hyatt Regency Austin, Austin, TX. Conference Attendance: 450.
Membership: 1,705.
Published Tenth AAGP Journal
Updated staff titles to Chief Executive Officer and Membership Director

2008
Board of Directors
Pauline Annarino (CA) - President; Bernard Turner (TN) - Vice President; Jodi Pearl (FL) - Secretary; Joani Sarkiss (TX) - Treasurer; Bill Smith (TN) - Executive Board Appointee; Board Members: Linda Butler (OH), Jerry Dillehay (AZ), Dena Hartigan (NJ), Mary Hale Meyer (PA), Candra Parker (VA)

Accomplishments

Held 10th Annual Conference: Hyatt Regency, Long Beach, CA. Conference Attendance: 395.
Membership: 1,537.
Published Ninth AAGP Journal

2007
Board of Directors
Pauline Annarino (CA) - President; Candra Parker (VA) - Vice President; Susan Linn (MA) - Secretary; Bernard Turner (TN) - Treasurer; Board Members: Jerry Dillehay (AZ), Chuck Howard (OR), Mary Hale Meyer (PA), Jodi Pearl (FL), Phyl Renninger (FL), Joani Sarkiss (TX), and Karen Stinson (IA).

Accomplishments

Held 9th Annual Conference: Crystal Gateway Marriot Hotel, Arlington, VA. Conference Attendance: 494.
Membership: 1,478.
Published Eighth AAGP Journal

2006
Board of Directors
Pauline Annarino (CA) - President; Susan Linn (MA) - Vice President; Karen Stinson (IA) - Secretary; Bernard Turner (TN) - Treasurer, Phyl Renninger (FL) - Immediate Past President; Board Members: Jane Hexter (NY), Chuck Howard (OR), Mary Hale Meyer (PA), Candra Parker (VA), Jodi Pearl (FL), and Joani Sarkiss (TX).

Accomplishments

Held 8th Annual Conference: Loews Vanderbilt Plaza Hotel, Nashville, TN. Conference Attendance: 481.
Membership: 1,194
Published Seventh AAGP Journal

2005

Board of Directors
Phyl Renninger (FL) - President; Pauline Annarino (CA) - Vice President; Deanna Nurnberg (IL) - Secretary; Michael Wells (OR) - Treasurer; Brad Knudson (SD) - Immediate Past-President; Board Members: Cynthia Renae Oda (IN), Mary Hale Meyer (PA), Bernard Turner (TN), Joani Sarkiss (AL), Chuck Howard (OR), Susan Linn (MA), Karen Stinson (IA)

Accomplishments

Held Seventh Annual Conference: Doubletree Paradise Valley Resort, Scottsdale AZ. Conference Attendance: 500.
Membership: 941
Published Sixth AAGP Journal
Formed more than 19 new AAGP Chapters
Drafted first AAGP Business Plan
Expanded Association office staff to include Administrative Assistant, Membership Coordinator and independent contractor

2004
Board of Directors
Phyl Renninger (FL) - President; Maryn Boess (AZ) - Vice President; Deanna Nurnberg (IL) - Secretary; Michael Wells (OR) - Treasurer; Brad Knudson (SD) - Immediate Past-President; Board Members: Randall Givens (NE), Jerry Dillehay (AZ), Cynthia Renae Oda (IN), Pauline Annarino (CA), Mary Hale Meyer (PA), Bernard Turner (TN), Joani Sarkiss (AL)

Accomplishments

Held Sixth Annual Conference: Westin Copley Place hotel, Boston MA. Conference Attendance: 400.
Membership: 700.
Introduced individual grant review sessions at conference. Immediate success.
Contracted for first Executive Director.
Formed first AAGP Chapter in Alabama.
Held first Credentialing Test Development workshop in Boston.
Formed AAGP’s first affiliate organizations, Grant Professionals Certification Institute (GPCI) and the AAGP Foundation.
Drafted first Committee Policy and Procedure Manuals.
Updated and created new AAGP logo with new colors “red and black,” new logo, “G”.
Initiated First Annual Conference Awards Ceremony.
Presented First Presidents Award to Stephen Nill of CharityChannel.

2003
Board of Directors
Phyl Renninger (FL) - President; Gail Vertz (KS) / Maryn Boess (AZ) - Vice President; Linda Lambert (FL) - Secretary; Michael Wells (OR) - Treasurer; Brad Knudson (SD) - Immediate Past-President; Board Members: Frank Mandley (FL), Cynthia Renae Oda (IN), Deanna Nurnberg (IL), Janel Patteson (FL), Jerry Dillehay (AZ)

Accomplishments

Conducted First Board retreat for Strategic Planning and Long-term goal setting, Phoenix AZ, February 21-22.
Held Fifth Annual Conference: Westin Crown Center, Kansas City MO, November. Conference Attendance: 300.
Membership: 481.
Established first contract for Association management services.
Published three e-Newsletters.
Published second and third AAGP Journal.

2002
Board of Directors
Brad Knudson (SD) - President; Phyl Renninger (FL) - Vice President; Gail Vertz (MO) - Secretary; Michael Wells (OR) - Treasurer; Randall Givens (NE) - Past-President; Board Members: Deanna Nurnberg (IL), Frank Mandley (FL), Cynthia Renae Oda (IN), Linda Lambert (FL), Janel Patteson (FL), Rebecca Walsh (IA).

Accomplishments

Held Fourth Annual Conference: Radisson Governor’s Hotel, Portland OR. November 6 -9. Conference Attendance: 300.
Membership: 321 (November).
Published First e-mail Newsletter, First AAGP Journal, and First AAGP Member Directory.
Established AAGP members only forum.

2001
Board of Directors
Brad Knudson (SD) - President; Phyl Renninger (FL) - Vice President; Gail Vertz (MO) - Secretary; Michael Wells (OR) - Treasurer; Randall Givens (NE) - Past-President; Board Members: Deanna Nurnberg (IL), Iris Coffin (IA), Frank Mandley (FL), Cynthia Renae Oda (IN).

Accomplishments

Conducted Board meeting in Florida. Membership: 190 (April).
Held Third Annual Conference: Radisson Plaza Orlando Downtown, Orlando FL. November 8 – 10. Conference Attendance: 125.
Increased membership to 212.

2000
Board of Directors
VC League (CA) - President, Brad Knudson (SD) - Vice President; Phyl Renninger (FL) - Secretary; Michael Wells (OR) - Treasurer; Randall Givens (NE) - Past-President; Board Members: Deanna Nurnberg (IL), Iris Coffin (IA), Gail Vertz (MO), Frank Mandley (FL), Cynthia Renae Oda (IN).

Accomplishments

Conducted Board meeting in Berkeley, CA. Membership: 104 (April).
Held Second Annual Conference: Berkley Marina, Berkley CA. November 18-19. Conference Attendance: 45.
Voted Credentialing as an organizational priority.
Introduced Chaptering as an organizational priority.

1999
Board of Directors
Randall Givens (NE) - President; VC League (CA) - Vice President; Phyl Renninger (FL) - Secretary; Iris Coffin (IA) - Treasurer; Mike Brock (MI) - Association Administrator; Board Members – Brad Knudson (SD), Kimberee Susan Wuertz (MO).

Accomplishments

Conducted Board Meeting, April 17, Chicago.
Held First Annual Conference: Holiday Inn, Chicago Mart Plaza, Chicago IL. November 19. Conference Attendance: 22.
Adopted By-laws.
Opened first checking account.
Accepted Legacy (originally named Charter) Memberships ($50). Membership: 27 (April).
Filed as a Michigan nonprofit corporation.
Formed Committees (Conference, Membership, and Recruiting. Voted to added Credentialing and Communication).
Established first website at www.grantprofessionals.org.
Drafted first Code of Ethical Conduct for members of AAGP.
Designed first membership brochure.
Ended Legacy membership drive, membership: 73 from 28 states - dues increased to $75.

1998
Board of Directors
Randall Givens (NE) - President; VC League (CA) - Vice President; Phyl Renninger (FL) - Secretary; Iris Coffin (IA) - Treasurer; Mike Brock (MI) - Association Administrator; Brad Knudson (SD) - Member.

Accomplishments

Conducted First Board Meeting (April 2 conference call).Six founding members designated with Emeritus membership status.
Held First Workshop and Board Meeting: Drake University, Des Moines IA. October 24. Meeting Attendance: 6.
Adopted the name “American Association of Grant Professionals”.
Adopted the “quill” as the logo and the colors “teal and burgundy”.
Adopted Mission Statement.
Started process to become a Professional Organization, 501(c)(6).
Drafted By-laws.

Adopted the following AAGP Mission:
The American Association of Grant Professionals (AAGP) enhances the role of grant developers who work for public or private organizations. The association maintains a code of ethics, and promotes the public image of professional grant developers. It also enhances grant developers’ relationships with funders and employers and advances educational opportunities.