Education Luncheon: Funders Panel
The Funders Perspective: An Inside Scoop!
Institutional grants are getting harder to secure as funders establish rigorous guidelines with clear funding metrics, as building good working relationships with funders is also becoming more difficult.
During the panel discussion, we will explore trends in philanthropy including the expectations of grant-makers and the importance of maintaining the integrity of program delivery. We will discuss how to work effectively with funders during all stages of the grant-making cycle, discussing hot topics including collaborative partnerships, data-driven measures, and sharing key metrics used by grantmakers.
Finally, the panel will field questions on the do’s and don’ts of grant applications, grant funding and the expectations of grant recipients during the funding cycle.
REGISTER HERE
Our Presenters:
Ashley Gaudiano – Chief Operating Officer, United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut
Ashley Gaudiano is the Chief Operating Officer at United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut, where she brings extensive expertise in strategy, advocacy, grantmaking, partnership development, fundraising, and marketing. Her work is rooted in fostering connection, driving impact, and creating opportunities for systemic change. Ashley is deeply committed to building a stronger, more equitable Connecticut by centering people, amplifying community voices, and advancing policies that create meaningful and lasting impact.
Prior to joining United Way, Ashley held senior leadership roles at prominent Connecticut nonprofits, including the Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants and Wholesome Wave. As Principal of Horizon Communications Group, she has provided strategic guidance to nonprofits in communications, fundraising, advocacy, and more. Ashley earned her Juris Doctor from Loyola University Chicago School of Law in 2011, along with a Certificate in Advocacy, further strengthening her ability to champion community-focused initiatives.
With her breadth of experience across nonprofit leadership, policy advocacy, and strategic communications, Ashley brings a unique perspective to discussions on creating systemic change. She offers valuable insights into building cross-sector partnerships, aligning strategies with community needs, and fostering equity-driven impact at every level.
Meg Soffen – Program Officer, New Canaan Community Foundation
Meg joined New Canaan Community Foundation in 2021 as a Foundation Associate. In 2023, Meg was promoted to Program Officer, where she oversees the Foundation’s grantmaking, scholarship cycle, Young Philanthropists Program, Touch A Life Fund, and other programming and community leadership as needed.
Prior to her joining NCCF, Meg worked as a Program Associate for D.S. Consulting Group, a New York-based firm that collaborated with nonprofit clients to plan and execute their large-scale fundraising events. Before graduating from New York University in 2019 with a B.A. in Public Policy, Meg was a “serial intern,” working at a variety of nonprofits including the Legal Aid Society, The Door: A Center for Alternatives, Pro Bono Net, and Rescuing Leftover Cuisine, among others.
Meg is currently working towards her Masters in Public Administration at the University of Connecticut. In her spare time (a rare occurrence!), Meg enjoys visiting family and friends out-of-state, cold-weather sports, and cuddling her dogs Janet and George.
Libby McKinney Tritschler – Board of Trustees, Bedford Family Social Responsibility Fund
Libby McKinney Tritschler serves on the Board of Directors for the Westport Weston YMCA and Is the chair of the Bedford Family Social Responsibility Fund, carrying forward a proud family legacy of philanthropy and community service. A descendant of the Bedford family, Libby is deeply committed to creating opportunities for underserved youth and families.
Her great-Aunt, Ruth T. Bedford, was a trailblazing philanthropist and a YMCA trustee emeritus who along with her sister Lucie Bedford Warren championed the renovation and expansion of the original downtown Westport YMCA in the 1980s. Inspired by her remarkable impact, the YMCA Board of Trustees established the Bedford Family Social Responsibility Fund in 2015 with a $5 million endowment. This fund supports one-year grants for local programs that enrich the greater Westport community.
With her passion for community engagement and her stewardship of the Bedford Family Fund, Libby brings invaluable insight into grantmaking. She will share details about the fund’s eligibility criteria, funding decisions, and the requirements for grantees, offering a unique perspective on how philanthropy can foster meaningful change.
Thank you to Our Sponsor:
CironeFriedberg is a leading regional CPA firm serving middle market, closely held and family-owned businesses, high-net-worth individuals, and not-for-profit organizations. The firm provides a full range of tax, audit and accounting, and business advisory services from three offices in Bethel, Shelton, and Darien, Connecticut. Learn more at https://cironefriedberg.com.
CironeFriedberg is a member of CPAmerica. CPAmerica is a member of Crowe Global, providing our firm access to a top-10 global accounting network with over 200 independent accounting and advisory firms in more than 130 countries.
Contact:
Patrick T. Dunleavey, CPA, Principal
CironeFriedberg, LLP
6 Research Drive, Suite 450
Shelton, CT 06484
Office: 203.366.5876 x319
Details
Date: Thursday, February 13, 2025
11:30 AM Registration and Networking
12:00-1:30 PM Lunch and Program
Location: Pinstripes (At the top of the SoNo Collection Mall), 100 North Water Street, Suite 3300, Norwalk, CT 06854
Note: Parking is $1/hour payable at a kiosk near the entrance to Pinstripes. Parking is on the roof level near Pinstripes. Before the event, we will send an email with detailed parking information.
Luncheon Fee
AFP MEMBERS – $45
FUTURE MEMBERS – $50
*GUEST of AFP Member – $55
A BENEFIT for all AFP-Fairfield County Chapter Members! We encourage you to invite a prospective member to an AFP educational program at a special rate of $50.
*Reservations can be made online by the guest, but the Member must attend the event. Walk-in guests will not qualify for special rate. Guests may only receive a special guest rate one time.