Every year, the Maryland Governor's Grants Office (GGO) hosts a unique training conference for professionals looking to share and draw from expertise in the arenas of state and federal financial assistance. Beyond venues most relevant to those from Maryland, presenters with national, nonprofit, and business experience draw attendees from all across the country. For those who were unable to make it this past November, the Maryland Governor's Grants Office generously shares the recordings and presentations online. Having had the privilege to attend and participate in the "Ungrants" panel, I know that PowerPoints can never match the in-person experience. However, there is still valuable information to be gleaned and we encourage you to visit their website.

The Maryland Governor's Grants Training Conference 2017

Below is a summary of the speakers with federal significance. You may access all the PowerPoints on the Maryland Governor's Grants Office Website:

• Susan Casey, Conference Chair, Governor's Grants Office made everyone feel welcome as she set the tone for the day. It was Susan's hard work and organizational talents that made the conference a success!

• Tricia Glass, Program Adviser, Grants.gov, reminded the audience that after December 31, 2017, the legacy PDF package will be retired and everyone applying on Grants.Gov will need to use Workspace to submit their applications. Included in her presentation are several tips on how to use this tool.

• Gil Tran, Senior Policy Analyst, Office of Management and Budget, included a summary of changes in the President’s proposed budget, and a brief overview of what is ahead for Uniform Guidance.

• Renata Maziarz, Senior Policy Analyst, U.S. Department of the Treasury,offered a high-level update on the Data Act.

• Trinity Tomsic, Deputy Director, Federal Funds Information for States (FFIS) recapped where we stand now, the funding areas most at risk, how the budget is progressing, and what should be on our radar in 2018.

Breakout Sessions

After lunch, participants had their choice of 13 different sessions on funding-related topics:

• Uniform Guidance - Subrecipient Oversight
• Uniform Compliance - From Compliance to Performance
• The True Costs for Sustainability and Impact
• Successfully Navigating the Single Audit Process
• Single Audit Findings Follow-Up
• Grants 101
• Grants 101 with Maryland Nonprofits
• Foundation Center Funding Resources
• Mid Shore Community Foundation
• Best Practices to Insure You Have the Best Year-end Campaign Ever
• The Ungrants - Impact Investing
• The Ungrants - Civic Crowdfunding
• Capital Bonds in the Maryland State Budget

Prepare for Next Year

The Maryland Governor’s Grants Office is nationally recognized. Keep up with the MDGGO’s activities and plan to join next year.