Mentorship Program

GPA Cincinnati Chapter Mentorship Program

 

The GPA Cincinnati Chapter Mentorship program provides participants a way to get personalized attention and support from another member of the chapter—a valuable resource for many of us who are the only grant writer in our organizations.

 

How it Works

 

Volunteer Mentors and Mentees are paired based on criteria of their choosing, such as specific area of interest, institution type, years in grant writing, and goals. Once matched, the two individuals are responsible for coordinating the collaboration that works best for them. While there are no formal rules for managing the interactions, we encourage a regular schedule of communication, whether meeting in person or connecting by e-mail or telephone. 

 

Roles and Responsibilities

 

 

Mentors

 

Mentors should be able to provide advice, support, and guidance—sharing their knowledge within the field of grant development, or other topics of the partner’s choosing such as development, leadership, or many others. Many mentors have 3+ years’ experience in the area of focus, but this is not a requirement.

 

A Mentor, at a minimum, should be willing to:

  • Meet/communicate with a mentee on a regular schedule agreed upon by both parties, and
  • Share relevant knowledge and experience

 

In addition, a Mentor can also volunteer to:

  • Provide networking referrals and opportunities, and
  • Assist or advise in other aspects of professional development

 

Qualities of a Good Mentor include:

  • Relevant knowledge and experience,
  • Excellent interpersonal skills,
  • Empathy for the learner and what the learner is trying to achieve
  • Enthusiasm for new energy and new ideas
  • Willingness to be proactive

 

 

Mentees

 

Mentees are those who are looking for advice, support, and guidance from an experienced professional in their field. Mentees may be relatively new to grant writing, development or moving into a new phase of their careers, such as consulting.

 

A Mentee should use this service to:

  • Benefit from the knowledge and experience a mentor can provide
  • Explore professional networking and development field opportunities,
  • Connect easily with fellow GPA members and colleagues, or
  • Learn more about GPA and how to get the most out of a GPA membership

 

Qualities of a Good Mentee include:

  • Enthusiasm for learning and sharing,
  • Openness to feedback and guidance,
  • Desire to set and meet clear goals
  • Willingness to be proactive and to take ownership of professional development

 

 

Interested in participating?

 

Sign up here!

 

Mentoring Resources

 

For Mentees:

 

For Mentors:

 

Scroll to Top