Melbourne musters grantmaking enthusiasts

The free half-day “Grantmaking Muster” will be hosted by the Institute of Grants Management (IGM) and SmartyGrants in the Queen Victoria Market precinct.

The event is billed as an intensive learning and networking opportunity for funders wanting to manage grants better.

Topics will include grantmaking analytics and data, creating better assessment panels and establishing how to map an entire grantmaking process.

SmartyGrants director of managed services Stephen Foxworthy said the event would appeal to emerging and experienced grantmakers alike with its focus on useful knowledge and topical issues. And while SmartyGrants users will find the event a natural fit, he said topic areas were applicable to all grantmakers across the government, philanthropic and corporate sectors.

“I’ll be talking about the value of establishing assessment panels that reduce conflicts, increase transparency, employ experienced assessors and ensure consistency in decision-making.”

He said he would also discuss the rise of artificial intelligence and how it could affect grant assessments, as well as its risks and limits.

Other SmartyGrants specialists will explore case studies and best-practice use of data and analytics, and building an effective business process to manage all stages of the grantmaking lifecycle.

Foxworthy said his favourite part of the event would be the chance to discuss grantmaking challenges and solutions informally at the after-event drinks with fellow “grant nerds”.

“This is the only event of its kind in Australia, and any grant nerd worth their salt should be there, or plan to come to future events in other states,” he said.

“We love running these musters around the country, because they bring grantmakers face-to-face in a rare opportunity to meet, talk and share what they’re up to, while learning best-practice approaches from the SmartyGrants team.”

“The events are always a great way to make connections, and attendees consistently tell us they’re a fantastic way to increase their knowledge in a helpful and collaborative way with their peers."

The event will begin at 1.30pm, Thursday, October 23. For more details and free registration, click on the link.