Over 350 people attended the Office of Partnerships and Grant Services’ (OPGS) 10th Annual Public-Private Partnership Conference, held in conjunction with the Center for Nonprofit Advancement, on May 7, 2009. Michael Blake and Joshua DuBois, both from the Executive Office of the President, welcomed conference participants on behalf of the White House. Robert Egger, Founder and President of DC Central Kitchen, gave the keynote address, providing a perspective on how the Obama administration may implement policies and programs to support nonprofit organizations.

The conference continued with 12 different workshop sessions addressing nonprofit topics from finances and funding opportunities, to accessing the media and other communication skills. The luncheon plenary informed the audience about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and how the stimulus package is and will impact local government agencies and organizations, as well as residents of the District.

In honor of the 10th annual conference, OPGS Director Lafayette Barnes presented five awards to recognize partners and supporters of the Office. Awardees included: Capacity Builders Award – Children and Youth Investment Trust Corporation (Trust); Collaboration Award – Maryland Governor’s Grants Office; Director's Awards - Luisa Montero-Diaz, Director Latin America Youth Center’s Maryland Division, Pat Henry, Manager, Nonprofit & Faith-Based Relations, OPGS, and Kathy Deboe, Manager, Special Projects, OPGS.

Participants learned a lot of valuable information and made great connections as they networked and gathered resources from presenters and exhibitors. Click here to learn more about the conference.