Great Lakes Regional Learning Exchange
Developing Your Organization to Successfully Steward Federal Funds
September 24, 2025 – Rochester, NY
Free event • Meals provided
Tentative Agenda
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Registration & Coffee
Check-in, light breakfast, and informal networking.
9:30 AM – 9:45 AM
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Framing the day and meeting the RAE & Junction Coalition team.
9:50 AM – 10:15 AM
Opening Plenary: The GLRI Landscape
Speaker: Administrator Anne Vogel, U.S. EPA Region 5
An overview of GLRI priorities, local leadership, and federal investment in the Great Lakes.
10:30 AM – 11:45 AM
Panel Session: Community Leadership in Western New York
Local leaders will share challenges and opportunities in accessing federal funding.
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Lunch & Networking
Meal provided with time to connect with attendees and presenters.
1:15 PM – 2:30 PM
Breakout Training Sessions I
- Organizational Readiness: Building Your Grant Management Infrastructure
Learn how to set up essential systems to effectively manage federal grants. - Designing Fundable Programs: From Fit to Final Proposal
Learn to assess grant fit and design compelling, community-centered proposals. - Understanding the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative: What It Is and Why It Matters
A foundational look at GLRI’s history, goals, and impact across the region.
2:45 PM – 4:15 PM
Breakout Training Sessions II
- Compliance & Reporting
Understand financial and performance requirements for federal grant compliance. - Evolving Your Message, Evolving Your Mission
Explore strategies for communicating impact and adapting programs through feedback. - Exploring the Funding Landscape Develop strategies to diversify revenue, engage partners, and build long-term financial resilience.
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Closing Plenary & Remarks
Speaker: Alicia Smith, Executive Director, Junction Coalition
Reflections on key takeaways and a call to continued community collaboration.
