Can you share an overview of your role at BTCF?
As the Grants and Scholarship Operations Manager, I manage the competitive grant and scholarship applications through our online portals. Throughout the year we have over 50 separate competitive grant opportunities and over 75 scholarships. I also oversee the weekly grant and scholarship payment transactions; as a team we process over 4,600 payments to non-profits, students, and individuals each year.
What brought you to BTCF?
After graduate school, where I studied Nonprofit Management and earned an MFA in Arts and Cultural Leadership, I was working at the Greater Hartford Arts Council as their Community Investment Manager. During Covid, I was, unfortunately, along with many others, laid off. I wanted to stay in the nonprofit world, and loved the idea of working for one nonprofit while supporting many others. I found that I could still do this work at a community foundation. I started at BTCF in 2020 as the Grants Associate, working fully remote. I didn’t get to meet anyone in person for the first 6 months!
In your time with BTCF, what memory and/or accomplishment stands out that was especially meaningful to you?
I enjoy the individual impact I see in my work. Especially in scholarships, helping students achieve their educational goals, and how crucial funding can be to their overall experience. There is even one student who texts me updates every few months.
What interests do you have outside of work?
I love to travel and recently have been venturing out on solo trips. In the past year I have been to Santa Fe, New Mexico and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
What is your favorite local place to visit?
MASS MoCA in North Adams, Mass., will always have a place in my heart. I was part of the crew that worked on installing the Sol LeWitt: A Wall Drawing Retrospective in the summer of 2008. For many years, I also worked in the production department during their music festivals Solid Sound and FreshGrass. It’s been a while since I worked there, but I always enjoy a visit.
Learn more about Caitlin.
