Economic Strategy Session I: Unlocking Grant Opportunities

Economic Strategy Session I:
Unlocking Grant Opportunities 
Strategies For Success!

About This Event:

Are you a business owner, nonprofit leader, startup, or community changemaker looking to unlock funding opportunities? Join us for the first Economic Strategy Session of the year, designed to demystify the grant process and equip you with the knowledge to find, apply for, and successfully secure grants.

Learn about different types of grants, eligibility criteria, and how they align with economic development goals. Hear firsthand success stories from local organizations that have secured funding and gain access to a curated list of grant opportunities, application tools, and best practices. Plus, engage in a live Q&A and networking session where you can connect with experts and peers.
 

About the Economic Strategy Sessions:

The Economic Strategy Sessions are an initiative by Traverse Connect to engage high-level investors and community leaders with the key pillars of our Strategic Plan, and to provide clear and transparent leadership and guidelines for our region's economic development activity. Held three times annually, each Economic Strategy Session focuses on one core strategy for Traverse Connect's economic development leadership. The 2025 Economic Strategy Session event series is Presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to unlock funding for your organization! Register now to secure your spot!
 

Learn More About the Panel Here:

Julie Hay | Bio

At her core, Julie Hay is a creative. She is emboldened by challenge, novelty, and the idiosyncrasies of people and place. Julie brings fifteen years of cross-sector experience in project development, policy, advocacy, and education to her managing partner role where she oversees communication, research, grant writing, and strategy. Julie has written, reported on, and managed millions of dollars in state and federal grants for businesses, municipalities, and agencies. Her technical expertise extends into the municipal realm, where she helps clients navigate zoning, tax abatements, land use issues, and funding opportunities.

Julie earned her B.A. and M.A. from the University of Michigan, where she developed her writing voice and love for civic engagement. She is a champion of green spaces, blue spaces, and the brownfields in between. Decades of domestic and international travel have informed her appreciation for the amenities and environments that allow people, plants, and animals to thrive. She always welcomes an opportunity to brainstorm solutions, talk strategy, or ponder the meaning of life unless, of course, she's on deadline.

Seth Johnson | Bio

Seth Johnson wears more hats than a magician has tricks. As President and CEO of United Way of Northwest Michigan, he leads an intricate ballet of community resources with the precision of a Swiss watch. Known for his legendary “power meetings” that could light up a small town, Seth is the ultimate master of “getting things done”—all while running on caffeine and optimism.

When he's not steering the ship at United Way with vision and impressive spreadsheet skills, Seth juggles roles as the MI TriShare Hub Director, Northwest Resource Center advocate, and occasional snack-fetcher. His commitment to community runs as deep as his love for a strong cup of coffee—both essentials in his book.
 

Outside the office, Seth enjoys adventures with his beautiful wife and their three lively kids, turning family outings into mini-adventures. In the rare moments of “free time” (a concept up for debate), you might even catch him scribbling down strategic ideas on a napkin or making friends in line at the local coffee shop.

Jill May | Bio

Jill is a lifelong nonprofit professional, with more than 20 years of experience as a leader in the nonprofit sector. Her skillset centers on managing relationships with individual donors and investors, foundations, corporations, and government funders. Beyond her knowledge and expertise, it’s her individualized, boutique-style fundraising that sets her apart from the rest.

When it comes to fundraising, the traditional “one size fits all” approach is no longer effective to meet the varied needs of today’s dynamic and ever-evolving nonprofit sector.​ As Director of Development for The Right Place, Jill established a formal fund development program and accompanying operational infrastructure, and launched a $15 million campaign to fully fund the organization for five years.

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She also served as Director of Lending for Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women (GROW), Interim Executive Director of the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce; and as Fund Development Consultant for Venture North Funding & Development in Traverse City. Jill has held fund development positions at the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts, the American Cancer Society and Catholic Charities of West Michigan. She has collectively raised millions of dollars for these organizations.