College of the Canyons is inviting the Santa Clarita Valley's non-profit organizations, and their staffs, to participate in the sixth annual 'Meet the Grant Makers' fundraising seminar and panel discussion.

The event will offer a rare opportunity for representatives of local non-profit organizations and educational institutions to meet with, and learn from, experienced foundation professionals.

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During the panel presentation, guest speakers will discuss their foundation's current institutional priorities and funding trends, in an effort to help attendees maximize their ability to successfully secure grants and other forms of aid - despite the current economic climate.

A major topic of discussion at this year's event will be the benefit of organizational partnerships and collaborative grant applications, in order to vie for what is increasingly becoming a highly competitive revenue pool.

In addition, a special 'meet-and-greet' portion of the program will provide attendees with the opportunity to network with other non-profit organizations to create partnerships and explore the possibility of future collaboration projects. Representatives from more than 30 local non-profit organizations are expected to be in attendance.

'Meet the Grant Makers' will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Wednesday, April 7, 2010, in the Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center, room 258, located on the college's Valencia campus.

Panel guests will include:

·   Cathy Choi, Director of Programs
The Eisner Foundation
Foundation priorities: access and opportunity for the children and the aging of Los         Angeles County.

·   Wendy Garen, President and CEO
The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation
Foundation priorities: social impact, including civic and cultural programs, health and higher education.

"This event provides an opportunity for local non-profits to learn about private grant relationships from the best sources, the foundation representatives themselves," said Elana Edelstein, a grant writer at the college. "Attendees will gain valuable information on the types of projects that funders find most compelling, and learn the best ways to build a relationship with a foundation."

Admission to the event and parking in the University Center lot are free. A pre-presentation reception will begin at 9:30 a.m. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP before Friday, April 2.

The 'Meet the Grant Makers' event is being held in conjunction with the college's ongoing 40th Anniversary celebration.

For more information about 'Meet the Grant Makers' please call (661) 362-3644 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . To RSVP for this event please visit www.canyons.edu/GrantMakers .