Bess de Farber, is the University of Florida Libraries’ grants manager, and previously served as the University of Arizona Libraries’ grants manager. She has provided grantsmanship instruction throughout the past 26 years, and has led efforts to secure millions in grant funding for nonprofits and academic libraries. Her research interest is asset-based collaboration development. As a certified professional facilitator through the International Association of Facilitators, she invented the CoLAB Planning Series®, large group processes, for individuals and organizations seeking new collaborative partnerships. This process has served more than 1,200 individuals and 600 organizations since 2002. de Farber has served on grants panels for the National Endowment for the Arts, Florida Division of Cultural Affairs, Education Foundation of Palm Beach County, Arizona State TRIF (Technology Research Initiative Fund) Awards, and The Children’s Trust (Dade County). As program officer for the Community Foundation of Palm Beach and Martin Counties and Palm Beach County Cultural Council she managed the allocation of funds for arts and culture, human and race relations, and social services. Price Waterhouse/South Florida magazine honored her as the Up & Comer for Community Development. She holds a Master of Nonprofit Management from Florida Atlantic University, and Bachelor of Music from the University of Southern California.