Sexy Budget Narratives
May 6 @ 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Learn how to turn a boring budget into a toothsome narrative that is clear, compelling, and appealing to funders. This session will cover the crucial elements of any budget, tips for developing budget narratives, and considerations for using federal and non-federal templates.
Tonia Brown-Kinzel, GPC, Grant Compliance Manager, The Grant Plant
Tonia has worked or volunteered as a grant writer, grant reviewer, and grant maker since 1999. Her unique combination of experience yields special insights, helping Tonia earn nearly $20 million in grants throughout her career. She is the President of the Miami Valley Chapter of the Grant Professionals Association (GPA) and a member of the National Grant Management Association. She has also served on the GPA’s Professional Education Committee since 2021 and is a GPA Approved Trainer.
Colleen Coleman (Moderator), Community Navigator Project Director, American Indigenous Tourism Association
As Community Navigator Project Director at the American Indigenous Tourism Association, Colleen Coleman leads a national initiative in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service to help Native Nations and communities strengthen their connection to federal resources that support forestry, cultural tourism, and sustainable land stewardship.
She oversees the Community Navigator program, guiding a team that delivers outreach, technical assistance, and capacity-building support so Native communities can access funding opportunities that honor tradition, promote healthy forests, and expand tourism rooted in culture and place. Colleen brings a career dedicated to mission-driven storytelling, brand leadership, and cross-sector partnership building.
Prior to joining us, she served as Director of Marketing and Communications at the National Forest Foundation, where she elevated a nationally recognized brand platform and developed collaborations with leading outdoor and retail organizations.