Strategic, Entertaining, Persuasive Writer

I am an experienced fundraising strategist and writer who knows how to play the grants game, too. I worked in a development office for 10 years, where I learned how to make a case and write to inspire support and donations. After a brief stint in the utility world, I became an independent contractor, initially offering writing services but evolving into association management and a foothold in the grantwriting world. A family move to rural Northern NY led to founding a firm to offer fundraising and economic development services -- here, we found many new things that just could not get off the ground because they lacked a plan and money, and decided to meet that need. I could not afford to specialize in one type of client, so this made me very good at quickly learning how to help all kinds of interests make a strong argument for why they needed and deserved money. In 15 years, we've generated over $750,000 in donations and grants for 30 communities, non profits and educational institutions in rural communities, here and in Ohio. Clients tell me I'm the best facilitator in the North Country of NYS, and that my relaxed style, creative analogies and fun and positive approach make the time we spend together enjoyable and successful. I also volunteer my services for our local school and to a group working to move our community forward in response to a pending manufacturing plant closure. I learn fast, am great at helping people tell their story, and know how to tell it in ways that the government, foundations and wealthy people will invest in and that the community as a whole will support.

Work Terms

It's been a fun ride but after years of pushing the wheel around like Arnold Schwarzegger in Conan, and getting paid in chickens or volunteering half my time (just the way it goes in rural areas), I am ready to go out and have a few new adventures. Oh, and I've also been learning to dance with cancer, that does tend to make you get clear on your priorities very fast. I am looking for challenging and fun writing projects, particularly speechwriting and presentations. My fee averages $75/hour but I typically bill on a project basis rather than hourly basis. Since I live on the edge of America (NY/Canadian border), I do most outside of this area client meetings by phone/email currently, and I could do Skype if you talked me into it. My kids are out of here so work hours are flexible. I'm happy to help you out to help pay off college bills and short term projects are the right thing for me right now.