It all started with a fountain pen.
For many years, Rhonda worked with more than 800 clients over a 12-year span, adding calligraphy to everything from delicate china to school walls to fine paper. These years taught her the importance of multi-tasking, meeting deadlines and reaching desired outcomes under strict requirements. Through current-day grant consulting in San Francisco, she still turns to pen and paper for mapping out compelling proposals.
“You should write.”
She heard this advice twice… once from a literature teacher in college (who took one look at her many scribblings) and once from a non-profit executive in 2009. The last encounter introduced her to opportunities. Opportunities that come when those with giving hearts are matched with those meeting critical needs, for instance. She began writing grants and realized a truth: when you truly enjoy doing something, the likelihood of success is greater. This holds true today through her grant consulting in San Francisco.
AGWA to GPA to AFP – Professionalism Matters.
Successful grant writing is grounded in best practices. And Rhonda realized this early on. She joined the American Grant Writers Association and has learned techniques and practices that appeal to potential funders. As part of this professional group, she has served as chairperson for Consulting as well as California State focus areas, stays abreast of funding trends and maintains sharp grant-writing skills. Rhonda is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Golden Gate Chapter as well as the Grant Professionals Association, where she she has gained a wealth of knowledge as a Grant Professional Certified [GPC].
Service breeds service.
Her Grant Consutling in San Francisco has led to service. Rhonda’s passion for volunteer service lies with the Rotary Club of San Francisco (where she served as the 2018-2019 club president) and Because Justice Matters (women’s support and anti-exploitation advocacy).
It’s all in the numbers.
- 165 grant funding request awards Rhonda has authored solo or written as a team leader.
- 13 million dollars to date in successful grant awards, public and private.
- 600,000 grant dollars awarded for public school music education.
- 500,000 dollars funded to sustain a health center allowing much-needed screenings and health education.
- 20,000 dollars granted to launch a community farm.
- 250,000 dollars to see an olive oil farm family grow their business through a USDA value added matching grant.
Generous funders are behind each success story. Rhonda enjoys the challenge of matching their gifts with impactful programs and causes.
Every “I” must be dotted; every “t” must be crossed. Grant writing is somewhat of a delicate art. Articulating clear, concise messages is important, as is congruency of narrative and budget. Rhonda works with your grant or program team, making their work read as “one voice”. The end product is one that meets the funder’s requirements with supportive data, solid goals and outcomes, clear program description and reliable evaluation. These are the very considerations that make Rhonda an excellent peer reviewer, coming behind your team to ensure that your almost-completed grant has the optimal polishing touch.
GRANTdog is located in the heart of San Francisco, CA but serves organizations aross the US. And the inspiration? Her original office mate, a labrador/Great Dane mix named Bud. Rhonda and her husband Bill are parents to two adult children, Emily and Blake. Contact her to explore grant opportunities that fit your work and passion.
