Stacking, Storytelling, and Execution (Workshop)

​Participants are encouraged to bring their current funding strategy or a draft application for personalized feedback.

​Building on the foundations of the first session, Lucrezia's second session focuses on advanced execution and long-term sustainability. Lucrezia will lead an interactive dive into the art of "stacking,” maximizing your total support by combining multiple funding sources effectively.

​Workshop

• ​The $1M Proposal Review: Analyzing a successful high-value proposal to understand funder priorities.

• ​Strategic Storytelling: Using narrative to craft compelling applications that resonate with reviewers.

• ​Relationship Building: Strategies for engaging and sustaining long-term partnerships with funders.

• ​Personalized Feedback: Hands-on review of participant applications to provide actionable refinements.

​Presenter Bio

​Lucrezia Spagnolo is the founder and CEO of VESTA Social Innovation Technologies, a social enterprise building trauma-informed digital tools for survivors of gender-based violence. Under her leadership, VESTA has secured over $3 million in non-dilutive funding and works closely with grassroots organizations to deliver survivor-centered, culturally competent solutions. A published researcher in technology and survivor-centered design, Lucrezia’s work bridges scholarship and practice. She has advised global changemakers as an Executive in Residence at the Ashoka Foundation and at the Toronto Public Library, where she mentors women entrepreneurs. In 2025, Lucrezia was recognized as a one of the Top 25 Women in Tech by Toast/Betakit. She is nationally recognized for social impact and technical innovation as she leads with integrity, urgency, and a justice-driven vision.