Hire the Best Blackbaud The Raiser's Edge Specialists
in the United States

Nonprofits run on lean teams, tight timelines, and high stakes. I've spent 5+ years making sure their projects don't suffer for it. I'm an Operations and Project Manager based in Charlotte, NC, with hands-on experience across US nonprofits, Caribbean NGOs, and international agencies. My background spans multi-stakeholder project coordination, CRM and database management (Salesforce, 500+ records), stakeholder communications, and end-to-end event coordination. At my peak I was managing 20+ events annually. I hold Graduate Certificates in Project Management and Policy Development in Global Health from the University of Washington, so I understand not just how to run a project, but why it matters to the communities you serve. What sets me apart right now: I layer AI-assisted workflows into my practice, using Claude and ChatGPT as thought partners for drafting, organizing, and communicating. My clients get faster turnaround without sacrificing the human judgment and discretion their work demands. Whether you need a program coordinated end-to-end, a newsletter operation built and systematised, or stakeholder communications that actually land, I bring structure, follow-through, and modern tools to every engagement. Let's talk about what's blocking your team right now.

25+ Years in Relationship-Centered Development Are you a nonprofit leader who knows you need to strengthen donor relationships and sharpen your message but aren't sure where to start? I help organizations move beyond transactional fundraising to build authentic, lasting connections with the people who believe in their mission—and I help you shape communications that inspire action. With over 25 years in nonprofit development and marketing, I've guided organizations of all sizes toward sustainable funding strategies and compelling narratives—from grassroots community groups to campaigns exceeding $20 million. My approach is built on my Cultivating Relationships (CR) framework—a donor-as-hero, gratitude-first philosophy that puts genuine connection before the ask. **How I can help you:** **Fundraising & Development Strategy** Fundraising strategy and campaign planning · Donor cultivation and stewardship strategy · Major donor and corporate partnership strategy · Board fundraising training and toolkits · Foundation and grant strategy · Case for support and messaging direction **Marketing & Communications Strategy** Storytelling and messaging strategy · Email and social media strategy · Integrated marketing strategy that supports fundraising goals · Brand and positioning guidance **Strategic Coaching & On-Call Support** Sometimes you don't need another deliverable—you need a thought partner. Through my coaching offering, you get a direct, ongoing line to me for the real-time moments: a donor conversation you're weighing, a decision before you hit send, a board ask you want to talk through. Available as a standalone package or built into a retainer. My clients include environmental conservation organizations, social justice nonprofits, youth development programs, and publications committed to amplifying diverse voices. I bring strategic vision and a partner's perspective. Whether you need a fundraising strategy, a communications approach that builds community, help preparing your board to fundraise confidently, or a thought partner to strengthen your overall direction, I'd love to learn about your organization and explore how I can help. Let's talk about what's possible for your mission.

I am a start-up, nonprofit business operations consultant passionate about helping mission-driven organizations grow through strategic planning, grant development, and operational excellence. Throughout my career, I have organized the internal structure of multiple LLC's, secured more than $800,000 in grant funding, managed the execution of hundreds of thousands of dollars in active grant awards, and led the development of multimillion-dollar initiatives, including a $10+ million Family Enrichment Center in collaboration with public, private, and community partners. My experience spans program development, fundraising, marketing, organizational leadership, administrative assistance, HR systems, and project management, allowing me to build sustainable solutions that create lasting community impact. I enjoy turning complex ideas into actionable strategies that strengthen organizations and help them achieve their missions. With academic backgrounds in Urban Development and Information Systems, I bring both analytical thinking and creative problem-solving to every project. Whether I'm developing business plans, writing grants, designing organizational systems, or leading cross-functional teams, I strive to build strong relationships, foster collaboration, and deliver measurable results that help organizations and the communities they serve thrive.

I’m a nonprofit strategy, fundraising, and grant writing professional with 20+ years of experience helping organizations strengthen funding, improve operations, and build systems that support long-term growth. I’ve spent the last 8 years as an Executive Director, so I understand nonprofit challenges from the inside. Not just as a consultant, but as someone responsible for budgets, boards, staff, and results. I work primarily with small to mid-sized nonprofits (under $1M budgets), membership organizations, and community-based or grassroots programs. My approach blends strategic planning, fund development, and execution, ensuring organizations not only raise more funds but also operate more clearly and sustainably. What I help with: Nonprofit strategy & capacity-building Fund development planning and donor strategy Grant research, writing, and submission management Annual, End-of-year & Giving Tuesday campaigns Case for Support and messaging frameworks Donor and membership systems (CRM/AMS, reporting, workflows) Board-ready fundraising tools and communications Funding pipelines, grant calendars, and sustainability planning I’ve secured funding from foundations, corporations, and government sources, led organizational strategy and growth initiatives, and built fundraising systems that increased donor retention and year-over-year revenue. My background spans youth development, education, health, and community-based nonprofits. Clients value working with me because I’m: Strategic but practical Detail-oriented and deadline-driven Collaborative and easy to work with Focused on solutions that teams can maintain long after the project ends If you’re looking for a trusted partner who can help align mission, strategy, and funding, I’d be glad to support your work.

Hi, I am an Administrative Support Specialist and Grant Writer with over a decade of experience helping organizations stay organized, communicate clearly, and secure funding. I bring a strong blend of professional administrative expertise, project coordination, and high‑quality grant writing for nonprofits and community programs. My background spans oil & gas, health IT, banking & finance, non-profits, home health care, and waste management, giving me a unique ability to manage complex tasks, streamline processes, and produce polished, accurate documentation that leaders can rely on. 🔹 Administrative & Executive Support I provide dependable, detail‑oriented administrative support that keeps operations running smoothly. My strengths include: Calendar & email management Document creation, editing, and formatting Data entry & record organization SOP creation and process documentation Vendor coordination & communication Meeting preparation, agendas, and follow‑ups Project tracking and reporting Professional correspondence and business writing Clients appreciate my ability to anticipate needs, maintain structure, and deliver work that is clean, organized, and ready for use. 🔹 Grant Writing & Nonprofit Proposal Development I help nonprofits strengthen their funding strategy through clear, compelling, and well‑structured grant proposals. My services include: Full grant proposal writing Proposal editing and enhancement Program descriptions, outcomes, and sustainability sections Project plans and timelines Grant calendars and submission strategy Community impact narratives Capacity‑building and program development support My writing style is concise, persuasive, and aligned with funder expectations, helping organizations present their mission and impact with confidence. 🔹 What You Can Expect Professional, polished communication Fast turnaround and reliable delivery Organized workflows and clear documentation A partner who understands both administrative operations and nonprofit needs High‑quality writing that elevates your proposals and projects If you need administrative support, grant writing, or project documentation, I’m ready to help you deliver exceptional results. Valerie.

Hi, my name is Sheila. I am a subject matter expert in the Social Sciences and Nonprofits. I worked for the US Depts. of Education and Labor developing programs and distributing/managing grants, and with the US Dept. Of Justice and Energy on planning and executing a large, state-wide grants in West Virginia); Tools to serve under-resourced young people (Black, Latinx, and Immigrant communities); Child, Adolescent Psychology and Social Work; Training for the Workforce (Labor) and Economic Development; Community and Economic Development and Housing Issues (not construction), Agriculture, Energy (specifically, Energy Efficiency (Where the field of Energy Efficiency is concerned, Residential Construction methods—but I don’t build anything but PROPOSALS). I have also had two funded SBIRs, and if that weren’t enough, Health Care Disparities for People of Color, LGBTQ and the Disabled. Please Note: Grant writers do not get paid AFTER the grant is funded, so please do not ask us to do any grant “on commission”, paying us from your proceeds. It is illegal in most cases, and unethical in all cases. If you have cancer, you cannot tell the doctor that you’ll “…pay him if you are cured…”, or the Attorney that you will “…pay him when he gets you acquitted for robbery..”. You’ll die of cancer and be convicted of robbery! You have to pay these professionals in advance, and you have to pay me in advance, too. We either take an hourly fee, work on retainer subtracted from a flat fee (my preferred method) or are paid a monthly salary. Freelancers like me normally do the first two, but it is hard work and we are specialists, and no matter how well you write, the chance of you winning a grant is LOW, whereas the chance of me winning it is MUCH HIGHER if it fits the cause and you and I have done our homework. So, now you know! I am also a nonprofit expert, having created over 100 nonprofits “from scratch”, as well as doing Board Development, Strategic Planning, and nonprofit “rescue” (what happens when you fail to do what you are legally compelled to do—sometimes, you need a helping hand with your funders, with a government, and with donors.). Call on me—I can help in a confidential and expedient manner. Yes, I have held senior management positions in every one of those aforementioned fields, as well as having been a university professor for 22 years. . But the connecting thread here is FUNDING—GRANTS. I am an expert grant writer. I’m patient and honest with clients. I’m connected. I help clients build their model from their random ideas, letting them know what is realistic and what isn’t, so that you are not wasting time and writing “pie in the sky” that won’t get funded. I’m really good under pressure, and I often know what you want to say when you don’t even know what to say. I am detail-oriented, a clear communicator, and I will get your proposal turned in on time. I will go to the mat for you, if needed, burning the midnight oil, but if we do things right, hopefully than won’t be necessary. I specialize in large projects with many working parts, and I am interested in working not just quickly, but most importantly, WELL. There is just too much on the line to be slapdash about this work. The expertise you get is verifiable and solid. On the other hand, I have also been hired by the Federal Government and States to conduct Program Evaluations on funded grant programs, so I’ll be looking at this portion of your grant to ascertain if you can pass an external evaluation (sometimes required for large sums of money). I have also conducted Federal research as a Principal Investigator (PI or co-PI) for the US Department of Energy and NIH, amongst other agencies.. Clients must compile their own budgets, but I will assist you (or teach you how). Clients must also make their own arrangements to submit their own grant proposals in a timely matter (never let anyone else submit your funding proposals—only you as an organization is responsible.) I can help you with reminders and expertise to help keep you on track so that we can work seamlessly together! I am serious, but also funny and not at all difficult to work with. My clients hire me multiple times not just because they like my work, but because we become colleagues and friends. Finally, I ask you to please be respectful of my rate and my time. To set your expectations, I will always respect your budget (disclosed in advance) and indeed MAY work with you to find a price that we can both live with if we aren’t far apart, but please don’t ask me to reduce my rate by half or more. If my rate is 50% or more outside of the top end of your budget, then I am not the person for the job. I am willing to negotiate, but please be a professional and be realistic and respectful of my time.