Nonprofit Fundraising Series – Session 6: Approaches to Federal Funding in 2026
Brent Merchant, Principal and Co-founder, Merchant McIntyre Associates
This is the sixth in a series of six free, stand-alone trainings featuring national and regional experts on nonprofit fundraising. Participants may attend any or all of the virtual sessions, held each Thursday, January 15 through February 19, from 1:00 to 2:30 PM. Featured topics include the federal funding landscape, opportunities for earned revenue, cause marketing, legacy giving, corporate sponsorships, and more. Presented and sponsored by the Northland Foundation to support nonprofit capacity building in our region.
WHEN: February 19, 2026 | 1:00 – 2:30 PM
WHERE: Virtual via Zoom
WHO: Anyone involved in fundraising/development for nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations located within the 7-county/5-Tribal nation region served by the Northland Foundation
EVENT DESCRIPTION: This session will cover:
- The current realities of federal funding.
- Principles and approaches to forecasting federal funding.
- Federal funding program and application design.
- Building and articulating political support for federal funding applications.
SPEAKER BIO: Named as a Top Lobbyist (nonprofit category) by the National Institute for Lobbying and Ethics, Brent Merchant has helped secure nearly $100 million in federal support for nonprofit institutions and organizations. Prior to co-creating Merchant McIntyre Associates, Brent secured grant funding for nonprofit clients in the Washington office of Russ Reid, then the largest marketing and communications agency in the world serving exclusively nonprofits. Beginning in 2009, he established the federal government presence for LPB Energy Management, advising the company on policy and legislative matters and overseeing the development and execution of government contracts and partnerships. From 2001 to 2008, Brent served as senior staff at the Department of Energy, where he was named Deputy Chief of Staff to the Secretary of Energy. Brent also served as Senior Advisor to the Deputy Secretary of Energy, focusing on policy, project management, and operational issues throughout the Department and its National Laboratory complex.
REGISTER: Free of charge. https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__3g70UpzTXO_WIh1aTxzcA#/registration