In 2001, Paula Swartzberg started the DeKalb County Board of Education’s grant program. She quickly realized that there was a need for a “job-a-like” group or a “support group” for grant writers, grant managers, grant coordinators, and grant development professionals. Over the next few years, there were a handful of school district employees who met occasionally to network and share ideas.
In 2004, this handful of pioneering grant professionals decided they wanted to join or start a professional grant association. This group served as the original Board Members and Directors. After considerable discussion and research into their options, they decided to join the American Association of Grant Professionals (AAGP).
The AAGP is a nonprofit membership association that builds and supports an international community of grant professionals committed to serving the greater public good by practicing the highest ethical and professional standards.
In 2005, the Metro Atlanta Association of Grant Professionals (MAAGP) was incorporated and the membership elected its first Officers (2006-2007). MAAGP became an official chapter of the American Association of Grant Professionals. The chapter serves members in the Atlanta, Georgia area and metropolitan surrounding counties. The Chapter’s MAAGP.org website was launched. MAAGP Member, David Bridges, was selected as the AAGP State Representative for Georgia.
In 2006, the membership of the Georgia Government Grant Writers Association (G3WA) joined the MAAGP. The G3WA was a group of grant professionals employed by city, county and state government agencies in the Atlanta region. The G3WA was formed by Danny Blitch while employed as a Grants Manager for the City of Roswell, Georgia.
In 2007, the MAAGP membership grew to include grant professionals who are self-employed as grant consultants, or employed by government agencies and non-profit organizations. The MAAGP formed four committees: Programming; Membership; Professional Development; and Funding/Website Development.
In 2008, the MAAGP was named by the AAGP Foundation the 2008 “Star Chapter” for its participation in the Every Chapter Challenge. The MAAGP hosted, in conjunction with the Grant Professionals Certification Institute (GPCI), the Grant Professional Certified (GPC) exam on August 2, 2008 at Georgia Tech Research Institute. For information on the GPC credentials, please visit the Grant Professionals Certification Institute.
In 2009, the MAAGP was named by the AAGP Foundation the 2009 “Star Chapter” for its participation in the Every Chapter Challenge. The announcement was made at the 10th Annual AAGP National Conference in Long Beach, CA.
In 2010, the AAGP changed its name to the Grant Professionals Association (GPA).
In 2011, the MAAGP changed its name to the Georgia Grant Professionals Association (GGPA).
In 2012, the Georgia Grant Professionals Association launched its new website www.ggpa.org.
In 2013, the Georgia Grant Professionals Association hosted the Southern Regional Grant Conference at the Loudermilk Center, Atlanta. Twenty-four speakers and panelists provided 64 participants with a day and a half of grant related professional development.
In 2014, the Georgia Grant Professionals Association hosted the Second Annual Southern Regional Grant Conference at the Sheraton Suites Galleria, Atlanta.
In 2015, the Georgia Grant Professionals Association hosted the Third Annual Southern Regional Grant Conference at the Sheraton Suites Galleria, Atlanta.
In 2016, the Georgia Chapter was the host for the GPA Annual Conference that was held at the Hyatt Regency in Atlanta.
In 2017, the Georgia Grant Professionals Association hosted the Fourth Annual Southern Regional Grant Conference at the Morrow Center in Morrow, GA.