About Spark the Fire

Professional Development Training for Leaders of Change

Company Overview

A woman giving a presentation to an audience at a conference, with a large screen displaying the text '100 FORMS IN 100 DAYS'.

Spark the Fire Grant Writing Classes, LLC is a nationally recognized professional development training leader specializing in grant writing, grants management, and consultation for organizations. Established in 2003, we have empowered over 7,000 organizations to strengthen their funding capabilities.

Our training courses have been rated among the best grant writing classes in the nation by Instrumentl for three consecutive years. We leverage brain-based learning research to design every program, using a blended learning model that combines online, on-demand courses with interactive group video conferences for real-world problem-solving and case-based discussion.

Our approach centers purpose, not hustle. Whether you are building your first grant proposal or launching a freelance consulting practice, our courses give you the clarity, skills, and confidence to do meaningful work.

A woman with blonde, curly hair is smiling and wearing a black blazer over a white shirt. The background has blurred yellow lights.

Meet Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC

Allison is the firestarter behind Spark the Fire Grant Writing. She is a bold, nature-loving educator who turns purpose-driven professionals into skilled grant writers with clarity, heart, and no fluff.

A lifelong educator with the soul of a strategist, Allison blends expert-level grant writing with smart technology, adult learning science, and a deep commitment to people and the planet. Whether she is teaching in rural communities, redesigning training modules, or speaking at national conferences, Allison does it all with grace, grit, and a healthy dose of "let's make this better."

She empowers midlife career-changers and seasoned professionals alike to write like practitioners and think like funders. No excuses, only solutions.

Credentials

Allison brings over 25 years of grant writing, training, and reviewer experience. She holds an M.Ed. in Adult Education and is a Grant Professional Certified (GPC) credential holder. She is one of approximately 30 trainers nationally approved by the Grant Professionals Certification Institute, and an approved trainer for both the Grant Professionals Association and Certified Fund Raising Executives.

She contributes her expertise as a grant reviewer for foundations and government entities, gaining insights that directly enrich her training. She is a respected speaker and frequently presents at national conferences, including the Grant Professionals Association Grant Summit and the Association of Fundraising Professionals Conference.

Allison is the author of the forthcoming The "Of Course" Factor: A Guide to Meaningful Grant Writing (October 2026).

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My mom was a social worker who spent her life fighting for social justice. She instilled in me a deep sense of empathy for others and a lot of fight to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. I have followed in her footsteps. I have worked to protect children in foster care, immigrants and refugees, persons experiencing homelessness, and individuals with serious mental illnesses. I have also protected habitat and wildlife, made sure children had a place to play, and much more.

I started as my mom did, working directly with those in need. Then I learned about the power of philanthropy.

I learned that by using the power of the pen, combined with the spark of hope, I could write grant proposals that compelled others to give money to support good causes. My first grant was a multi-million-dollar federal award. It was a big win, and it taught me that with the right structure and preparation, even the most complex proposals are doable. From there, I went on to learn foundation grants, community grants, and everything in between.

What surprised me most was how transferable those skills were. The core of a strong proposal is the same whether you are writing to a federal agency or a family foundation. The scale changes, but the thinking does not.

And that is when I realized that by learning to write grants, I could actually help change the world. I could make a difference on a larger scale than I ever thought was possible.

How It Started

The Secret

Here is what most people do not realize: writing a federal grant is not that different from writing a foundation grant. The format varies. The requirements shift. But the fundamentals of a compelling proposal, a clear case for support, a solid plan, and a well-told story… those stay the same.

With the right training, a little practice, and some persistence, you can do it too.

I started Spark the Fire Grant Writing Classes because I believe we need more people like you to spark the fire of philanthropy. I love teaching people how to write grants. I love meeting new people and hearing about your amazing work. And I especially love hearing from my students that they just got a grant to fund something they care deeply about and can now do more good work in the world.

I invite you to reach out with any questions. Invite me to teach in your community. Let me know how I can be of service to you. Together, we can make a difference.

Testimonials

  • Smiling grant writing student with brown hair.

    Secured $500K in First Year

    "After completing your course last December, I have written several successful grants, securing over $500,000 for our organization. It has been exciting and rewarding to move into this aspect of non-profit work and build new skills."
    - Annie Dimitras

  • Portrait of Amanda Apitz

    $300K raised in six months, and just getting started

    "Since I completed her Spark the Fire coursework, I have raised 300k in 6 months and am sure to gain steam after recently completing her Freelance program. I now have the confidence it takes to get this critical work done. I will forever recommend Spark the Fire programs."

    -Amanda Apitz

  • Portrait of Bridget Wood

    Write Grants that Get Funded

    "Professor Allison is hands down the best grant writing instructor you will find. While taking the Spark the Fire course, I wrote a grant alongside my coursework for my organization. The day before the final day of class, my grant was funded, and I was informed that my grant submitted was the most thorough and professional the grantor had ever reviewed."
    -Bridget Wood

  • Portrait of Bonnie Reese

    We got it today — $200K!

    "I took what I learned in your class and used it toward that big Federal CARSI Grant for my organization and we got it today — $200,000!"

    -Bonnie Reese

  • Portrait of Gina Thurston

    I Got Word of My First Funded Grant

    I got word of my very first funded grant of $2,500... a funder approved my LOI to advance to a full proposal for $100K... and a grant I helped write was funded for $50K!"

    -Gina Thurston

  • Portrait of Tiffany Villigan

    I Got the Job!

    "I got the job! ...I've been there two weeks and have already seen so many things from your class in action. I can see so many ways that your class helped prepare me for it."

  • Portrait of Andrea Swiedom

    The Confidence to Charge Appropriately and Deliver

    "Spark the Fire courses taught me fundamental grant writing practices and guided me through the process of establishing my own business. Thanks to Allison and her curriculum, I have the confidence to onboard clients, charge appropriately for my services, and provide exemplary services."

    -Andrea Swiedom

Follow Spark the Fire

A woman with long red hair smiling at a booth for a grant writing class, with a large banner behind her that says 'Spark the Fire Class' and details about grant writing training, certificates, and webinars.
Group of people standing outside holding certificates, celebrating an achievement, in front of a glass building with a tree and greenery.
A large conference room filled with round tables and white chairs, where people are attending a presentation. The presenter stands on a stage near a large screen displaying a PowerPoint slide titled 'Five sections of a grant proposal or case.' The room has high ceilings with visible ductwork and industrial lighting, and a disco ball hanging from the ceiling.
A woman with red hair and glasses speaking into a microphone at a conference or event, while seated audience members listen.