Beyond the Proposal: Building Meaningful Relationships with Funders
Strong grant proposals begin with strong relationships. Join us for an engaging moderated conversation with Pete Geren, President of the Sid W. Richardson Foundation, as he shares candid insights into what funders value beyond the written proposal.
Designed for fundraising professionals, nonprofit leaders, and grant writers, this session will explore how organizations can build authentic, long-term relationships with foundation partners, better understand a funder's perspective, and position themselves for greater success throughout the grantmaking process. Attendees will gain practical guidance on cultivating trust, aligning organizational priorities with funder interests, communicating impact effectively, and avoiding common pitfalls that can hinder funding opportunities.
Built on questions you submitted, this conversation will provide valuable perspective from one of Texas' leading philanthropic leaders.
Pete Geren is president and CEO of the Sid W. Richardson Foundation, founded by the legendary wildcatter Sid Richardson, “to serve the people of Texas.” The Foundation provides grants to educational, health, human service, and cultural non-profit organizations in Texas. The Foundation works extensively in the field of public education, with student literacy as its primary focus. He joined the Foundation in 2010.
Geren served in the Department of Defense from 2001-2009, holding positions that included Acting Secretary of the Air Force, Under Secretary of the Army, and Secretary of the Army. He served four terms as a member of the U.S. Congress, representing the 12th District of Texas from 1989-1997. He played a prominent role in national security and transportation issues and was a co-founder of the Blue Dog Democrats. He also served on the staff of U.S. Senator Lloyd Bentsen.
A lawyer and former business executive, Geren has held leadership positions in numerous civic, educational, business, and philanthropic organizations in Texas, including over 30 years of combined service on NYSE corporate boards.
He was honored as a Distinguished Alumnus of the University of Texas in 2016 and a Distinguished Alumnus for Community Service by the University of Texas Law School in 2006. Geren earned a law degree from the University of Texas Law School in 1978 and a Bachelor’s degree in History from UT Austin in 1974. He studied architecture at Georgia Tech before transferring to UT.
A Fort Worth native, he is married, has three daughters and one granddaughter.
Moderated By:
Chris Evans, CFRE | YWLA
AFP Fort Worth, VP of Professional Development