Linda Zensner & Nancy Bird

Tackling grant applications with precision and clarity can be daunting, but it's essential for securing those critical funds for your non-profit organization. Learning to successfully identify, plan, write, and submit a grant application saves time and energy for your organization while bringing programming and projects to life.

Outcomes:

1. A deeper understanding of the grantor/grantee partnership

2. Understanding the fundamentals of grant writing

3. How do I become grant ready and increase my chances of a successful grant application

BIO:

Linda joined Libro Credit Union in August of 2021 and is currently a member of the business banking team. She gives back to her community through the Each One Teach One program as a financial literacy workshop facilitator. Before that, she spent over 20 years in the not-for-profit sector with United Way Waterloo Region Communities, student nutrition programs, as the Grants Manager at the Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation (KWCF), and as a Fraternal Development Specialist with FaithLife Financial (now Selenia).

Linda is an avid volunteer within the community and has a passion for grants. She is currently a Grants Committee member with the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the City of Kitchener’s Tier 2 Grants. She also volunteers on committees with KW Oktoberfest, Concordia Club, and is a Board member on her condo board. When not spending time with family and friends, Linda loves to house and pet sit fur babies for her friends.

Tackling grant applications with precision and clarity can be daunting, but it's essential for securing those critical funds for your non-profit organization. Learning to successfully identify, plan, write, and submit a grant application saves time and energy for your organization while bringing programming and projects to life.

Outcomes:

1. A deeper understanding of the grantor/grantee partnership

2. Understanding the fundamentals of grant writing

3. How do I become grant ready and increase my chances of a successful grant application

BIO:

A life-long resident of Kitchener, Nancy has over 20 years of experience as a senior leader at United Way Kitchener Waterloo Area and United Way Waterloo Region Communities. Nancy has also served as an Interim Executive Director for an agency in Guelph and the Resource Development and Engagement Lead for Kawasaki Disease Canada. Her experience includes strategy and operational plan development, grantmaking, cross-functional team leadership, community engagement, and fundraising. Nancy has worked closely with community organizations, local government, and other funders.

Nancy established her own consulting business focused on leadership support and coaching in 2021. She has also volunteered on not-for-profit boards, community leadership tables, and grant review committees in Waterloo Region. Nancy holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Waterloo, Master of Arts degree in Leadership from University of Guelph, Adult Teacher/Trainer certificate from Conestoga College, Management and Leadership certificate from Laurier’s Faculty of Social Work, and is an alumnus of Leadership Waterloo Region.