My Approach

To Grant Writing, Proposal Development & Program Design

I design and write grant-based funding applications for institutional donors, such as large family foundations, funding consortiums, and foreign aid departments of governments. I provide nonprofit clients with a sound strategy based on donor intelligence, coupled with a great proposal that aligns with first-choice funders.

I use a programs-first approach blended with good donor intelligence. I believe in localization, partnerships, community-centred program design, and evidence-based solutions grounded in data. Decoding the donor and their funding approach and how it aligns with your program needs increases your chances of creating great funding partnerships.

I am trained in results-based management (RBM) methodology, and the logical framework approach (LFA). RBM and LFA are used extensively in the international development sector, including by UN Agencies, Global Affairs Canada, and USAID. Variations of RBM and LFA have been adapted by most funders internationally and are used consistently in grant-based funding applications. Incorporating aspects of RBM and LFA into any funding proposal is expected by most funders, especially proposals at the high-six-figure and seven-figure level.

I find RBM and LFA to be pretty useful tools to secure program-based funding. I genuinely enjoy the planning process, and believe that well-designed programs are a key part of a successful funding strategy. When a grant proposal lays out a well-designed and easy-to-understand project or program, the right funder will always be keen to resource it.

I work with senior-level decision makers (CEOs, EDs, VPs and Directors) at international non-government organizations (NGOs) with seven-figure budgets; however, I do reserve a portion of my time for smaller international nonprofits doing important work in their communities.

Testimonials
“Kelly was very helpful in supporting the charity to narrow in on our strengths and develop a long term vision for fund-raising to support our development. I would highly recommend working with her.”
- Vanessa Currie, Executive Director, International Institute for Child Rights in Development
"Kelly completed all grant writing tasks to a good standard. She has excellent communication skills, so there were never issues with miscommunication or misunderstanding of aims and deadlines. Great work!"

- Alice Bletsoe, Afghanistan and Central Asian Association (UK)

“What I appreciate about Kelly is her naturally strategic mind (she started talking about the 5-year plan in our first conversation) and her evident comfort with grant writing and positioning. Most of all, I appreciate her dedication to supporting us as a client and her focus on clarity…She has a creative and practical style that has really helped me see how different dots can be connected and leveraged to make our grant writing process easier and at the same time improve our business processes.”
- Franz Plangger, Executive Director, The Outdoor Council of Canada
“Kelly did a great job organizing our strategic operating plan, including developing concise, prioritized goals and strategies. She worked until a solid product was in place.”

- Andy Telfer, Executive Director, WITS Programs Foundation Canada

Kelly is extremely competent and insightful. She is a quick study and really listens, which is critical to an effective fundraising collaboration. She has helped us to successfully access hundreds of thousands in grant funding and is a joy to work with. I highly recommend her firm.

- Diana Gibson, Executive Director, Community Social Planning Council

"I wanted to learn from Kelly because of her extensive knowledge of international grant funding. In our Funding Strategy Call, Kelly broke down strategies for three international nonprofit clients working in different sectors globally. She advised on partnerships, relationship building with funding agencies, and international grant databases. I highly recommend Kelly."
- Rose Hedberg, Grant Writer

Before collaborating with Kelly, we at the World Council of Arameans (Syriacs) had engaged other grant writers. Yet, Kelly's approach was transformative. Leveraging her extensive experience, she equipped us with strategies for budgeting and how to tailor applications to engage potential grantors. Now, we're reassessing our previous methods with increased confidence, anticipating greater success for our NGO.

-- Johny Messo, President, World Council of Arameans (Syriacs), the Netherlands