Making a Game Plan: Tips and Tricks for Starting the Grant Proposal Process

Being born and raised in the city of Compton, giving back has always been embedded into Christi's DNA. Being involved heavily in the church, volunteering for many organizations, and working in the community is what birthed her very own nonprofit, Children Striving Together, which later created The Power Legacy. When she first started her business, she only had library books and expensive startup fees with neither assistance nor guidance. Christi wants to ensure that this does not happen to the next person with a vision, dream, and solution to a reoccurring problem.

I am the founder and President of June First Firm, a full-service grant writing firm dedicated to serving nonprofit organizations with comprehensive range of services, including grant research, writing, reporting, and administration. I specialize in federal funding sources winning $35M in grant awards in various sectors to include K-12 education, housing, and healthcare organizations. Nonprofits, I get it – you need top-notch grant writers. That's where I come in, helping newly hired Executive Directors train their staff so they won't have to worry. I specialize in training grant writers so they can acquire the necessary skills to write and win grants. I become a partner with your organization to lay the foundation for reasonable expectations among the entire team. I'm not just talk – I believe in always leveling up my skill. I'm a member of the Grant Professionals Association (GPA) and even served as the Georgia Chapter President for two years. I have an MBA from Ashford University and a Bachelor of Science degree from Tuskegee University.

Rachel Waterman has over 25 years of community development and grant writing experience, is Grant Professional Certified (GPC), a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), a Grant Professionals Association (GPA) Approved Trainer, and an expert in grant management. She holds a Master’s degree in community and economic development with a concentration in applied social research from Illinois State University and a Bachelor’s degree in international studies from Barry University. Her career has encompassed a broad spectrum of professional experiences, including serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer, nonprofit executive director, community organizer, city master planner, researcher, and Mayor of the city of Lake Worth Beach, Florida.

Rachel is CEO and Founder of GDS Grants. She is responsible for client strategy, new program & budget development, data tracking systems, outcome measures and data analysis. Rachel also oversees the GDS Professional Development Program and personally coaches GDS interns, fellows and mentees.

Meredith is an entrepreneur, community leader, and outdoor adventuress in Alaska. She is the co-founder of Learn Grant Writing, the #1 online membership for those building a career in grant writing. Her book, How to Write a Grant: Become a Grant Writing Unicorn, is a #1 bestseller for nonprofit fundraising and grants. If she's not biking or skiing, Meredith can be found curled around a steaming cup of green-tea and a good book.