Hire the Best Grant Writers in Colorado

As a Top Rated Plus fundraising strategist and grant writer with a Master of Science in Nonprofit Management and 14+ years of experience, I partner with mission-driven organizations to build sustainable funding, strengthen their development efforts, and grow with stability and intention. I’ve worked with nonprofits across sectors including international aid, healthcare, youth services, teen services, military family support, animal welfare, food security, medical research, the arts, and community-based initiatives. Throughout my career, I’ve helped raise over $5M through fundraising events and campaigns, while also supporting grant-funded programs and organizational expansion. Here are the ways that I typically support clients: Grant writing and funding strategy - Includes grant research aligned with your mission and eligibility; Full proposal development (foundation, corporate, and select government funding); Clear, compelling narratives that communicate your impact; Application management and submission support; Building a realistic, strategic grant pipeline Fundraising campaigns and development strategy- Including End-of-year and Giving Tuesday campaigns; Year-round fundraising planning and campaign calendars; Peer-to-peer and crowdfunding campaigns; Awareness and seasonal campaigns; Donor journey mapping and engagement strategy Content and development support- Includes Fundraising emails and appeal letters; Donor communications and newsletters; Annual report drafting and design; Website and campaign messaging; Development process improvement and workflow support Advising and capacity building- Includes Training for staff and leadership on fundraising best practices; Strategic consulting for growing or evolving organizations; Support for early-stage nonprofits building their development function I’ve grown up in the nonprofit world, starting as a volunteer and working my way into leadership roles, so I understand how organizations actually function behind the scenes. I know what it’s like to work with limited time, limited staff, and big goals. Because of that, everything I create is designed to be realistic, actionable, and aligned with your capacity. Not just ideas that sound good but strategies you can actually implement and sustain. I also stay current on fundraising trends and best practices through continued professional development, so you’re getting approaches that are both proven and relevant. If you’re looking for someone who can step in as a true partner in your fundraising, I’d love to connect!

Emily Harkless | Grant Writer & Strategist for community based nonprofits My freelance work is specially developed to aid small to midsized, new or struggling nonprofits achieve funding through grants. If you have never written a grant before, or haven't had much success in obtaining funding, you've come to the right person. I will develop a custom plan to get you on track with your grants, while identifying the best funders for your organization. I can also help established organizations with writing and submitting grant applications, as well as individual coaching and editing. As a grant writer with five years of experience, a master’s degree in public health focusing on nonprofit management, and co-founder of Summit Grant Strategies, I’ve helped secure over $1M in funding for new, small, and struggling nonprofits. I provide full-service support—from grant research and prospecting to writing comprehensive Master Grant Templates, crafting compelling proposals, and ensuring strong program evaluation. My mission-first approach prioritizes the sustainability and success of every organization I work with, helping them secure the resources they need to thrive. Freelance Grant Services: ✅Grant Toolkit Development- I will create an all in one resource to empower you to submit grants ✅ Grant Prospecting & Funder Research – Identify funding aligned with your mission. After the in-depth review of available opportunities I will provide you with a spreadsheet that includes at least 3 highly matched opportunities. 
✅ Grant Proposal Writing & Editing – For opportunities you are currently (or planning on) applying to. I can develop/submit the application for your behalf, or provide coaching and/or editing services. 
✅ Program Budget Development & Financial Planning – I will align your program budgets with funder priorities utilizing a customized Grant Budget. I will help you identify which programs could be fully funded through grants, and make an action plan ✅ Program Design & Strategic Planning – I can help you develop clear goals for the following 12 months, including analyzing current programs and making recommendations for continuation, identifying new program opportunities, developing outcomes and outputs for each program, and put together a roadmap with milestones and goals. 
✅ Survey Design & Evaluation Strategies – Measure impact and ensure grant compliance. 
✅ Impact Reporting & Grant Management – Track results, submit reports, and maintain funder relationships. My Background & Experience: 📌 Graduated Magna Cum Laude with a MPH in Community and Behavioral Health from the Colorado School of Public Health (2015) 📌 Co-Founder, Summit Grant Strategies (2022-Present): Secured $2M+ in funding for small and emerging nonprofits through grant writing, prospect research, and program development. 
📌 Board Member, Paramedics for Children Int’l (Honduras): Led grant writing and program expansion efforts for international healthcare and education initiatives.
 📌 Former Board Member, Medicine Horse Program (2019-2021): Spearheaded fundraising and development, securing $323K+ for equine-assisted therapy programs.
 📌 Faculty, AIMS Community College Paramedic Program: Developed training programs, curriculum, and funding strategies for emergency medical education.
 Key Achievements: Co-founded a successful Grant Writing Firm offering end-to-end grant management and raising over 1.1 million in grants for nonprofits with organizational budgets less than $650,000 Conducted grant prospecting and funding strategy development for diverse nonprofits. With a focus on smaller nonprofits struggling to receive funding.
 Designed surveys and evaluation tools to measure program success and grant impact.
 Created grant compliance and reporting frameworks to ensure the scope of work within awarded grant contracts are achievable and readily accessible Developed evaluation methods utilizing the most recent evidence based methodology Worked as a technical grant advisor with the Indian Health Service focusing on injury prevention cooperative grants across the United States. Let’s Work Together! If you need a skilled grant writer and nonprofit consultant who understands funding strategy, program design, and evaluation, I’d love to help. Let’s build strong, fundable programs together! 📩 Message me to discuss your project!

For 25 years, I have worked with businesses, nonprofits, local, state, and federal governments to improve program outcomes and deliver better services. I research and develop private/public partnerships and solutions and help businesses identify government needs, navigate procurement processes, and write and submit winning proposals. Whether adding fresh perspective to an existing team or being the expert guide to support your company's successful venture into government procurements, I can help. My track record of achievement includes: • 25-year expert in successful government procurement pursuits and partnerships for businesses and non-profits • Wrote and/or managed government proposals awarded more than $850 million in revenue • Experienced in all aspects of state, local, and federal procurements • White House-recognized leader for government/private business partnership project • National and State conference presenter on government procurement processes and government employer programs

I use the skills I developed in a 40-year academic career in two ways. First, I work with masters and doctoral students who need help with organizing, editing, proofing and formatting their projects. Second, I also assist nonprofits that need help with grant writing, program planning, and program evaluation. My background prepared me for this type of work. I had careers as a journalist, special events director for a national retail chain, nonprofit administrator, university professor (all three ranks), academic dean, and nonprofit consultant. Currently, I am on the faculty of an online university in Germany and coach masters and doctoral student though their research projects and teach a class in academic writing. I love working with students and I give them the confidence they need to get to the finish line.