CLEVELAND OHIO, December 5, 2022 —The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Greater Cleveland Chapter announced last week that Matt Carter has been elected as Chapter President. Carter, who has been a member of AFP of Greater Cleveland for more than 7years,has served as the Chapter’s Vice President for Professional Development since 2019.
Carter’s selection marks a notable shift in recognizing grant professionals as leaders in the fundraising sector.
“I am particularly proud to be the first chapter president who is a full-time grant professional” says Carter. “While this may seem like a fine distinction to some people, our chapter has worked hard to welcome and support all fundraising professionals—no matter their role, experience level, or type of organization. I see my election as a validation that our holistic approach is working.”
Carter is a Senior Advisor at Grants Plus, a grant-seeking firm that has raised over $250 million for nonprofit clients. A registered Cleveland Small Business and a Female Business Enterprise (FBE) in the City of Cleveland, Grants Plus has achieved a significant fundraising impact in Northeast Ohio. Notable grants secured by Grants Plus in partnership with its clients include a grant of $9.7 million to the City of Cleveland from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development Lead Hazard Reduction Program and $2 million to Cuyahoga Community College Foundation from the US Department of Education. These accomplishments, among others, have earned Grants Plus several regional awards including nine Weatherhead 100 Awards, and an Inside Business Northeast Ohio Success Award.
As a Senior Advisor at Grants Plus, Carter coaches and trains nonprofit leaders to be more successful at finding and securing grants from foundations, corporations, and government funders. Carter has designed and executed institutional fundraising strategies for cultural, educational, policy, and human service organizations, including the Cleveland Clinic Philanthropy Institute, Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana, Koinonia Homes, and Cuyahoga Community College.
Prior to joining Grants Plus, Carter was Associate Director of Development, Foundations and Grants, at the Western Reserve Historical Society, and Director of Development at New Life Community (now Family Promise of Greater Cleveland). He has been published in journals in the US and Europe, and co-authored the book,Seen But Not Heard: Strengthening Nonprofit Advocacy. He holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Buffalo.
“As a volunteer for AFP Greater Cleveland, Matt Carter will be tasked with leading the local chapter of our Global organization, the largest organization representing nonprofit fundraisers in North America and across the globe” says Mike Geiger, President and CEO of Association of Fundraising Professionals & AFP Foundations for Philanthropy (US, Canada, Mexico). “I am thrilled that Matt’s dedication and commitment to service provides fundraisers in the Greater Cleveland area the opportunity to gain the skills needed to be effective in their organizations, leading to real impact in the community.”
As Carter assumes his role as President, he is joined by a slate of executive committee members including Camille Rose Dickson, MNO; Jane Furth; Jessica Kanelos, M.Ed.; Jessica Malone, MPA;Mary Paxton; Michael Wolff;and Calvin Wood Jr.
About AFP Greater Cleveland Chapter: The Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Cleveland Chapter is dedicated to elevating the fundraising profession, providing valuable educational programming to our members, and serving the community by promoting ethical and professional practices in philanthropy.
About Grants Plus: Grants Plus is the nation’s most trusted and experienced professional grant-seeking firm. Since 2007, we’ve assisted nonprofit leaders across the country to secure $250 million in grant funding from private, corporate, and government funders.
To learn more about Grant Plus, visit grantsplus.com or connect with us on LinkedIn.
For media inquiries, please contact Katie Rosen, Marketing Coordinator, at katie.rosen@grantplus.com or call 216-916-7376 ext. 15.