Funder Focus: Connect with City of Austin Cultural Funding Programs

Funder Focus Series

Series description:

What do funders look for in a grant proposal: data, stories, both? What kinds of projects do foundations find inspiring? What choices do funders make in support of communities? Join us for Nonprofit Austin at ACC’s Fall Funder Focus series to learn more about the funding and grantmaking process. Bring your questions for this exceptional opportunity to connect directly with those who make funding decisions that support nonprofit work.

Funder Focus: City of Austin Cultural Funding Programs

Gain insights from and engage with representatives of the City of Austin’s Cultural Arts Division as they describe the Cultural Arts Funding Program, which supports arts and cultural programming for the Austin community. Bring your questions and hear about the Division’s history of funding for local artistic and cultural activities as well as their Cultural Funding Review Process, which has presented an opportunity to envision and create a more equitable system for the future. The team will discuss the process and the commitment to investing in BIPOC arts institutions and increased community access that guides development of their new programs.

Funder Focus Host: Susannah Erler

Susannah Erler, Director, Greater Good Strategies

About Susannah:

Susannah Erler started in a public radio career (including being Director of a National Public Radio affiliate) which later morphed into her current calling to support nonprofits. She earned her master’s degree in Business with an Arts Administration (Nonprofit) specialization, is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and is a Mission Capital Certified Interim Executive Director (ED). As an Interim ED, Susannah has assisted organizations such as the Literacy Coalition of Central Texas, the Texas Observer and the Texas Grants Resource Center. As a fundraiser, Susannah has obtained over $12 million in grant funds for nonprofit organizations and educational institutions.

Creativity is a word Susannah loves: she has played her violin in several rock bands, she made a documentary about her favorite restaurant (Tamale House #3) and loves to tweet about nonprofits (handle: @GreaterGoodGeek). Susannah grew up in Austin (but ask her about some of the other places she has lived too) and helps nonprofits in her role as Director of Greater Good Strategies.