Grant Writing

Building Organizational Sustainability & Teamwork

I led a small grant-writing team to raise $723,141 in grant funding over three years.

As Development Manager, I oversaw all stages of the grant process: researching opportunities, writing and submitting proposals, managing reporting, and cultivating funder relationships. Grants supported everything from marketing campaigns and warehouse upgrades to new staff roles and community programming.

Background & Goals

When I joined Flourish as an AmeriCorps VISTA, there was no formal grant strategy in place. As the organization’s first dedicated development staff member, I built our grant-writing infrastructure from the ground up—laying the foundation for long-term, sustainable growth.

I developed a comprehensive grant calendar, implemented systems for tracking deadlines and reporting requirements, and conducted extensive research to identify new funding opportunities. I also recruited and onboarded a team of volunteer grant writers, assigning proposals based on skill and capacity while ensuring consistency in tone and alignment with organizational goals.

As Development Manager, I continued to refine these systems while leading our team through every stage of the grant process—from identifying and applying to managing awards and stewarding funder relationships. My goal was to create a replicable structure that would continue to support Flourish’s growth long after each individual application was submitted.

Impact

91% average annual increase in funding
Budget grew by 300%
Two new full-time staff positions created
Significantly increased Flourish’s visibility among funders and partners

Highlight: John Deere Grant Proposal (2025)

**“We’re requesting $2,000 to help maintain our fleet of box trucks—the backbone of Flourish’s donation pickup program that spans the Kansas City metro...
Our pickup program is powered by volunteers, including John Deere employee Geremy Larson, who has served more than 350 hours since 2020. Once items are collected, they’re cleaned, repaired, and prepped in our volunteer-run workshops. Then, they’re offered to families during private shopping appointments—where guests choose everything they need to rebuild with dignity...
This funding ensures our vehicles remain reliable—so no child has to sleep on the floor, and no parent has to choose between buying a bed or paying rent.”**
(Excerpt from 2025 John Deere Foundation grant proposal)

Example Awards

Mid-America Regional Council SWMD

$89,000 (2024)
Volunteer program staff, warehouse upgrades, and marketing campaign

Blessings Abound

$72,000 (2025)
Monthly operating support

Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation

$21,000 (2024)
General operations and event volunteer coordination

United Way Impact 100

$15,000 (2024)
General operations and community recognition