Find a Vetted Grant Writer

Looking to hire a grant writer? The professionals listed below have earned the Spark the Fire Certificate in Grant Writing an assessment-based credential that requires demonstrated proficiency in both grant writing and grant research. Many have also completed The Business of Freelance Grant Writing, our advanced course on running a sustainable grant writing practice.

These are working practitioners, available as independent consultants or for direct hire. They are not assigned to you, and Spark the Fire does not manage the engagement — you contact them directly and decide together whether the fit is right for your project.

A few things to consider as you choose:

  • Sector experience matters. A grant writer who has worked in your sector (education, public health, arts, social services, environmental, tribal, etc.) will move faster and write more credibly than one who is starting from scratch on your subject matter.

  • Funder type matters. Federal grants require different skills than foundation grants. Capital campaigns work differently than program grants. Ask about the funder types they have worked with.

  • Capacity matters. Good grant writers are often booked weeks or months out. The earlier you reach out, the better your chances of working with the person you want.

 

Emanuel Martins

Email | Ronkonkoma, NY
Specializes in supporting small businesses, non-profits, and government municipalities, with experience consulting on records management grant projects for over 10 municipalities, as well as assisting with small business startup planning and development. 

Sheri Bradley

Email | Indianapolis, IN
Mission Partner Strategies helps faith-based nonprofits secure funding to carry out their missions. I have primarily worked with mid-size to large churches. I am available for in-person consultations in the greater Indianapolis area or remotely anywhere in the U.S.

Hannah Elzig

Email | Seattle, WA
Founder of The Dream World Connection, specializing in grant writing for changemakers. Services span grant readiness assessment, prospect research, proposal writing, and post-submission coordination.

Grace Panknin

Email | Las Vegas, NV
Specializes in government and foundation grants for nonprofits working in affordable housing, community health initiatives, recovery services, and foster care.

 

Andrea Swiedom

Email | Portland, OR
Works with movement builders and grassroots organizations to secure funding and strengthen operations. Specialties span grants, contract management, finance, and data systems.

Katlynn Hembd

Email | Palm Springs, CA
Nonprofit consultant specializing in grant writing, strategic planning, and corporate sponsorships. Focuses on finding mission-aligned funding opportunities and helping nonprofits diversify their revenue for long-term sustainability.

Michael Morrow

Email | Corvallis, OR
Certified grant writer with over one million dollars in awarded funds. Assists in building the structures, documents and strategies necessary to develop a successful grant pipeline for long-term funding of your mission.

GINA THURSTON

Email | Olympia, WA
Specializes in grant writing for animal welfare nonprofits, plus factory farming, wildlife connectivity, humane treatment and education, and the prevention of animal exploitation.  

 

Peggy Sheffler

Email | Montrose, PA
Certified grant writer specializing in support for rural municipalities and nonprofit organizations in Pennsylvania. Brings dual certifications in grant writing and a strong foundation in prospect research, proposal development, and grants management.

 

About This Directory

Inclusion in this directory does not constitute an endorsement of any individual's work on a specific project. Engagement terms, scope, fees, and outcomes are between you and the grant writer you hire. Spark the Fire does not manage these engagements or guarantee specific results.

Are You a Grant Writer?

This directory features grant writers who have earned the assessment-based Certificate in Grant Writing through Spark the Fire. The certificate requires demonstrated proficiency in both grant writing and grant research, and is one of the most rigorous credentials in the field.

Learn more about the Certificate in Grant Writing →

This directory is updated quarterly. Last updated: May 2026