Nesha will lead the session Moves That Matter: Communication Strategies for Every Stage of Grants Management, focusing on transforming grants management from a transactional process into a relationship-centered strategy. Participants will explore how soft skills communication, emotional intelligence, and relationship-building can strengthen funder relationships at every stage, from cultivation and solicitation to stewardship and renewal. Through practical tools and real-world examples, attendees will learn how to communicate impact effectively, deepen engagement, and secure long-term support for their community development initiatives. This session directly supports the theme, Fundraising and Sustaining Momentum, by showing how strategic communication can turn funders into lasting partners and champions of mission-driven work.

Learning Questions:

1. How can communication, emotional intelligence, and relationship-building transform grants management from a transactional process into a relationship-centered strategy that strengthens funder partnerships and drives sustained investment?
2. How do you apply moves management to your overall grant strategy so that funder cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and renewal all build toward long-term, equity-centered partnerships?
3. How can intentional communication and funder stewardship turn every stage of the grants management cycle - from first contact to multi-year renewal - into moves that matter for equity, trust, and lasting impact?