State Grant Payments: Nonprofit Feedback Session
May 4 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm CDT
Virtual Workshop – Live/Online
Fee: Free
The Minnesota Council of Nonprofits (MCN) invites nonprofit staff to participate in an interactive feedback session on an upcoming revision to the state’s grant payment policy, OGM 08-08 (Grant Payments).
This policy shapes how and when nonprofits receive state grant funds, and for many organizations, one aspect has created significant challenges: the state’s preference for reimbursement-only payments. Without access to upfront working capital, nonprofits are often required to front the costs of delivering services before being reimbursed, creating cash flow strain and limiting participation in state grant opportunities.
As the policy is being reviewed, this is a critical opportunity for nonprofits to share real-world experiences and help shape practical, effective solutions.
What to Expect
During this session, MCN will:
- Provide an overview of OGM 08-08 and how it currently works
- Share key themes and pain points we’ve heard from nonprofits across the state
- Facilitate a collaborative process to identify and refine potential solutions
Participants will:
- Share ideas and experiences with the group verbally or in writing
- React to and build on others’ ideas
- Help prioritize the most effective and feasible solutions
Who Should Attend
We are excited to hear from staff whose role includes applying for or managing grants, finance, and public policy advocacy. No prior experience with state grant contracts is required. If your organization has ever considered applying, whether you did or not, your perspective is important.
Why Attend?
MCN will share the content of this session directly with the state Office of Grants management for them to consider as they update the policy. This is a chance to:
- Move towards state grant systems that work effectively for all nonprofit organizations
- Elevate the realities nonprofits face when managing cash flow
- Help shape policies that better support communities
Event Details
This virtual event will take place on the Zoom platform.
Captioning is provided automatically through Zoom. For information on requesting CART, ASL, or another accommodation, please visit our Registration Policies page.
To learn more about events, registration, and payment, visit our Event & Registration FAQ page.
Speaker Information
Kari Aanestad
Vice President
Minnesota Council of Nonprofits
Kari Aanestad is vice president at the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits. In this role, Kari partners closely with the president & CEO to chart MCN’s strategic response to organizational and sector challenges and plays a critical role as counselor, advisor, and strategic thought-partner for the president. Kari shapes and implements the organization’s strategy by providing oversight of fundraising, sector research, Greater MN programs, special programs, operations, human resources, and financial management.
As a nonprofit fundraising professional with nearly a decade of experience, Kari also provides leadership to GrantAdvisor.org, a strategic initiative launched in partnership between MCN, California Association of Nonprofits, and Great Nonprofits. GrantAdvisor is a crowdsourced website led by nonprofits that’s like a “Wikipedia” of philanthropy. Grantseekers write reviews of foundations, helping their colleagues and giving honest feedback to strengthen philanthropy.
Marie Ellis
Senior Advisor for Policy and Impact
Minnesota Council of Nonprofits
Marie serves the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits as a senior advisor for policy and impact. In this role, Marie supports MCN’s work to advance public policy initiatives that strengthen the nonprofit sector across the state. Marie is committed to continuing MCN’s work to review laws that impact nonprofits through lenses of equity and advocate for reform where needed. She wears the badge of “nonprofit nerd” with great pride.
Marie has been working in public policy for two decades, both in government and as a advocate through multiple nonprofits. Originally from Saint Cloud, Marie has a B.A. in Religion from Concordia College in Moorhead and a law degree from the University of Saint Thomas School of Law.
