Through the creation of a new regional grants management position, the RGP sets itself as a connector and early-stage strategist in identifying opportunities, vetting eligibility and aligning regional partners for potential grant application.
Kicking off this new program in 2026, the RGP has hired Mikah Pransky for the position. Her primary responsibilities will include increasing visibility of federal, state and private grant opportunities while developing and implementing a regional strategy that quickly assembles partners around potential funding options.
“Mikah will serve as an initial point person in identifying and researching the most viable grant opportunities for Northwest Ohio. Grant issuers often look for coordination and the greatest return on their investment, so it is important this region demonstrates unity and cohesiveness when applying for grants.”
– Dean Monske, President and CEO, Regional Growth Partnership
Pransky previously worked on the Ohio Grants Alliance (OGA), an initiative of the Ohio Business Roundtable. OGA was created to increase Ohio’s competitiveness for federal funding by improving grant tracking and awareness capabilities. She said this new RGP initiative ensures Northwest Ohio benefits from early intelligence while also elevating regional priorities and successes at the state level. A particular focus will be helping level the playing field for organizations that previously lacked the internal capacity to track or pursue complex funding opportunities
While grant coordination occurs at the statewide level and grant work actively happens within individual organizations across the region, there has not been a dedicated role focused on coalescing such efforts in Northwest Ohio. This position fills that gap by aligning regional partners, translating statewide grant strategy into regional action, and ensuring the region is positioned to pursue collaborative opportunities.
According to Monske, Northwest Ohio has missed funding opportunities in the past due to a lack of established partnerships and coordination, particularly when short timelines require rapid collaboration.
Those interested in exploring grant opportunities, including nonprofits, institutions of higher education, for-profit organizations and local governments should contact the Regional Growth Partnership.