Session Description:With changes in federal funding, it’s more important than ever for nonprofits to prepare from the inside out. This session goes beyond the question of where to find grants and dives into how internal readiness—strategic planning, project clarity, and organizational culture—positions you for success. We’ll assess your current state, identify opportunities for stronger funder alignment, reframe projects, and build partnerships that increase your grant readiness and overall fundability.
Who Should Attend:This session is ideal for nonprofit leaders—executive directors, board members, and those shaping strategy or direction—as well as staff responsible for development, programs, or partnerships. Whether you’re seeking new avenues of revenue, building funder relationships, or planning your next big initiative, you’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of how organizational alignment leads to more meaningful funding outcomes.
Learning Objectives:
About Kirsten:
After serving nonprofits for over 20 years, Kirsten Hubbard noticed that regardless of mission or size, nonprofits encountered identical issues to scaling great solutions—a lack of access to professional, sustained development and marketing services like grant writing, social media, print and web-based copywriting, and press releases. Kirsten developed a business model with entry points for every nonprofit, equalizing access to funding, donations, and the tools for organizations to author their own stories.
That innovative model won a business competition through Penn State University, and Ghost Writer LLC was founded in 2017, embracing a mission of “Writing a Better Human Story.” Since its inception, Ghost Writer has connected hundreds of initiatives with over $15 million. Most importantly, Ghost Writer now boasts solid data that proves investing in marketing and development is one of the most effective tools to sustain and scale world-changing solutions.
Ghost Writer has worked extensively with historic renovations, libraries, museums, downtown and economic development programs, human services, afterschool programs, and emergency services.
Kirsten is also an author, and her first published novel, Milwaukee Deep: An Ambrose Nobel Novel, written under the pen name Kirstie Croga, was released in May 2023. The first installment of Ghost Writer's upcoming book/workbook series Spiral Strategy will be available this summer.
When not engaged in activities for Ghost Writer, she enjoys writing, boxing, weightlifting, and watching football.
Chamber YOU sessions provide opportunities for you and your employees to learn, grow, and advance your business. Topic areas: Professional Development, Human Resources, and Marketing.
*CEU credits available from HCC for each session.*
Thanks to our Sponsor!
Lunch will be provided!
10:45 Doors Open
11:00-11:30 Lunch
11:30-1:00 Program
Hagerstown Community College
Career Programs Building, Rooms 211 & 213
$25 for Members | $35 for Non-Members
Payment, Cancelation & Refund Policy: Member rate applies to all employees of Chamber member companies in good standing. Payment must accompany registration. If you need to cancel prior to an event, you must contact the Chamber 72 hours in advance at 301-739-2015 ext.100 or maddie@hagerstown.org. If you do not cancel 72 hours in advance, you are responsible for your registration fee.
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