Hire the Best Grant Writers in Chicago, IL

A former high school English teacher and current grants professional, I actively listen and ask questions to meet funding needs. My areas include creative youth development; arts education; the arts, particularly the performing and movement arts; youth development and after-school programs. Other possibilities include early childhood, recreation, outdoor engagement, the importance of play. I am additionally available for copyediting, proofreading, and content writing support.

I'm a grant writer who specializes in SBIR and STTR proposal, the federal, non-dilutive R&D funding that lets startups, inventors, and deep-tech founders commercialize their technology without giving up equity. I've written for NIH, NSF, and DoD/Navy solicitations. Top Rated, 100% Job Success, 5.0 across every engagement. Most of my clients have the hard part already solved: real technology, real data, a genuine breakthrough. What stands between them and the funding is a proposal that has to do two things at once satisfy strict federal compliance rules to the letter, and make a technical innovation legible and compelling to evaluators who may not share the founder's expertise. That's the gap I close. What I do: - SBIR/STTR Phase I proposals — technical volume authoring, cost volume construction, and budget structuring that stays within agency caps (including Base/Option splits where required). - Federal submission compliance — formatting, page and font limits, and multi-volume requirements verified against official agency instructions (DoD DSIP, Grants.gov, and agency-specific portals). - Technical writing & consultation — turning complex science and software into clear, evaluator-ready narratives. Recent work includes documentation and consultation for AI software, plus invention and patent-stage application writing. Recent highlight: I led a complete Navy SBIR Phase I submission for a GPS-denied timing-correction software technology, authoring the technical and cost volumes, engineering the Base/Option budget within Navy caps, bringing all seven required DSIP volumes to 100% compliance, and supporting the client through certification and on-time submission under real deadline pressure. The client endorsed the work as committed to quality, accountable for outcomes, and detail-oriented. How I work: I start with the solicitation and its evaluation criteria, flag eligibility or compliance disqualifiers before they cost you, then build a submission-ready package narrative, budget, and attachments with a clear checklist so nothing slips before the deadline. If you have an SBIR/STTR or federal R&D opportunity coming up, message me with the solicitation number and the due date. I'll give you an honest read on fit and exactly how I'd approach it. Sam.gov, Grants.gov, EU, SBIR, Business Plan, SOP Writing, Call for Proposals, Call For Quotation, RFQ, RFP, RFI, UN, Climate Action, Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, UNHCR, UNICEF, UNFAO, UNFPA, Climate Change , SBA

Before applying for federal, state, or local grants, it is essential to register your business on SAM.gov and obtain as many classifications as possible from government registering agencies. These classifications include WOSB (Women-Owned Small Business), HUB (Historically Underutilized Business), disability-owned, and veteran-owned businesses. These set-aside and favored categories can give your business a significant advantage when seeking grant funds. You focus on optimizing your business. I’ll get you registered. Unlike other registration sites, YOU KEEP YOUR ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROL!! The SAM application process and other registrations can seem laborious and time-consuming, but they are mandatory for grant-making operations. I will take the lead and handle all the necessary tasks, ensuring that by the end of the process, your business will be well-positioned to compete for government funding. With extensive experience in successfully registering dozens of SAM businesses, I specialize in navigating the complexities of public and private certifications, such as the Small Business Administration (SBA), Women Business Enterprise Certification (WBENC), and various state government programs offering certifications.

As a strategist in the nonprofit sector, I bring an in-depth understanding of fundraising, nonprofit leadership, and DEI & Belonging strategies. My credentials include successfully raising over $45 million in the past 9 years, and working with diverse sectors including Private & Family Foundations, and Corporate Philanthropy (Banking, Professional Services, Insurance, Pharmaceuticals, Energy etc). I offer bespoke services tailored to the unique needs of each client, with a strong focus on right-sizing my expertise in relationship-centered giving campaigns, sophisticated institutional and individual relationship management planning, and grant-seeking strategy. Some of my offerings include: Planning & Strategy: Strategic Planning, Staff Retention Strategies, Capital Campaigns, Fundraising Feasibility Studies, DEI & Belonging Strategy Development, Diversity Recruitment Strategy. Support: Board Development and Governance, Volunteer Recruitment and Management, Corporate Partner Acquisition, Institutional Donor Acquisition, Grant Writing and Management, DEI Assessment, Inclusive Hiring Support. Training: Leadership Training, Capacity Building Workshops, Fundraising Training Workshops, Nonprofit Storytelling and Communication, Unconscious Bias Training, Cultural Competency Training. My client engagement is flexible, adapting to the unique needs and capacity of the organizations I work with. I always strive to create strong, beneficial relationships that cater to my clients' evolving needs over time. Currently, I am actively seeking to collaborate with clients led by or serving BIPOC communities, LGBTQIA+ communities, and people with disabilities. My commitment to advancing racial justice and creating a more inclusive society underscores much of my work. Connect with me to discuss how we can strengthen your organization's reach, impact, and inclusivity together.