The It'sGranted Story

Persuasive writing has been a thread through my educational and professional life. From peer-reviewed journal articles in graduate school, to industry articles to patents to community magazine publications to non-profit grants, it’s been the common link.

After rewarding business development and marketing/product management careers in the specialty materials and optical communications industries, I felt a draw to focus efforts in areas where I could have a positive impact on a more personal level. So, blessed with kids on their way to adulthood, including a son living life with autism, I headed in that direction.

Working with non-profits that provide services to people in the disability community allowed me to translate writing skills into successful fund development to benefit a community that holds a special place in my heart. In addition to disability services and related employment support, my experience includes grants and research supporting the alleviation of homelessness and food insecurity, faith, and veterans-based organizations.

As a scientist by education, I absolutely LOVE the research component of a successful grant application. There is nothing better than hitting upon the perfect funding opportunity that tightly matches a non-profit’s true work and mission.

To me, the process of successful grant-writing is much like a winning fishing trip. One must decide….

• Where to fish….deep sea, lake, river. Much like where to search for funding….private foundations, government, community grants.

• What type of fish to cast a line for….halibut, large-mouth bass, salmon. Much like what type of funding is the goal….general operating, capital, project.

• What type of bait to use….herring, night crawlers, salmon eggs. Much like what is the message….one with emotional impact, one of data & facts, or a combination of both.

~ Michelle