I’ve always believed in the power of people. Long before I became a grant writer, consultant, or founder, I was just a young Black girl growing up between two worlds—D.C. and the Bay Area— with my siblings and mom, learning how to find community wherever I went. That instinct to build, to connect, to serve? It’s guided me every step of the way.

After graduating from Stanford with a degree in Anthropology (because I could study a variety of subjects: English, African American Studies, Psychology, etc.), I found my way into the nonprofit sector through the Children’s Defense Fund, the Black Student Leadership Network and the Freedom Schools program. We utilized USDA summer feeding sites to provide Black children not just with food, but with affirmation, education, and joy. From there, I joined AmeriCorps through Public Allies, and just like that, I began a 30+ year journey in public service. One rooted in care. One shaped by culture. One led by heart.

I’ve held titles from Community Education Assistant to Associate Director for Major Gifts. I’ve worked for nonprofits big and small, local and national. But it was behind the scenes—writing grants, researching funding opportunities, and supporting visionary leaders—that I found a deeper calling.

The truth is, I didn’t set out to become a grants professional. I simply followed the work that made me feel most useful. And when my position at Providence Health Foundation was dissolved in 2017, I had a decision to make: find another “job,” or bet on myself and start my own thing. I chose the latter. That leap—equal parts terrifying and freeing—led to the birth of Heart for the Community Consulting.

Fast forward eight years, I’ve supported organizations of various sizes – grassroots to multimillion-dollar – with missions focused on issues ranging from mutual aid, to Catholic education, to cooking and nutrition, to youth mentoring to environmental conservation. My clients have budgets from under $100K to those topping $10 million. What they all share is a commitment to people and a vision for financial growth while holding fast to their core values.

A huge part of my work now involves supporting Black-led organizations. And let me be honest: the barriers are real. I’ve seen Black Executive Directors asked to jump through hoops for funding where their white counterparts receive with far less scrutiny. I’ve seen reporting requirements arbitrarily added. I’ve seen the burnout. The brilliance. The quiet endurance. And the beauty.

Because of this, I’m launching a LinkedIn Live series featuring Black Founders and Executive Directors who are doing this work with grace and grit. I want their wisdom and experiences to reach others. I want to normalize transparency, truth-telling, and peer support in philanthropy.

One thing I’ve learned? Relationships matter.
Yes, we write stellar proposals—but the funding doesn’t always follow just because the writing is good. It takes strategy. It takes persistence. It takes stewardship. One of my proudest accomplishments was helping a client grow a $35,000 relationship into $1 million in grants. Not overnight. Not without effort. But through thoughtful engagement, consistent touchpoints, and a refusal to give up.

Another win? Advocating for off-cycle grants during the height of COVID—and actually getting them. Because sometimes, you just have to ask. The worst they can say is no.

At Heart for the Community, we don’t just write grants—we help organizations get ready for them. We help them tell their story, strengthen their systems, and move through the process with confidence, clarity, and care.

So here’s what I want you to know:

  • Grants are not quick money. They require work, follow-up, and strategy.
  • Never hire a grant writer on commission. It’s unethical, and it’s against the Grant Professionals Association’s Code of Ethics.
  • A good proposal is only one part of the puzzle. You also need relationships, timing, alignment, and often… luck.

If you’re ready to approach fundraising with more heart and less hustle, I invite you to join me.

👉 Subscribe to our weekly blog
👉 Follow us to LinkedIn to view our upcoming LinkedIn Live series
👉 Reach out for support with grant readiness, research, or writing

At the end of the day, I believe in community. I believe in equity. And I believe that with the right tools and the right support, we can build something better, together.

Warmly,
Kia

Posted in Heart for the Community Consulting and tagged , , , , ,

Leave a Comment