WASHINGTON, DC - The District of Columbia Office of Grants Management and Development, in conjunction with the Support Center of Washington and the George Washington University, today held a conference on public/private partnership strategies. Participating in the conference were over 300 local nonprofit, private sector and foundation leaders as well as District and Federal government officials.

In his keynote address, Mayor Anthony A. Williams emphasized the importance of maximizing and leveraging grant funding through partnerships. "In past, there has been little coordination between the District government and local nonprofits in their attempts to obtain local and national grant funding," he said. "Today's conference will help the District in our efforts to develop a unified approach with the nonprofit and private sectors to maximize grant resources."

The event was hosted by George Washington University, with President Stephen Trachtenberg presenting welcoming remarks. Acting as emcee was Sherlyn Taylor, Acting Director, Office of Grants Management and Development. Joining her to represent the District's financial management organization was the newly appointed Chief Financial Officer, Valerie Holt.

The mission of the Office of Grants Management and Development is to ensure that the District obtains the maximum amount of grant funds, and to strengthen the capacity of DC government agencies to deliver programs and comply with federal and local requirements.