In this engaging conversation, Holly Rustick interviews Kia Chatmon, founder of Heart for the Community Consulting, about her journey into grant writing and consulting. Kia shares her experiences in the nonprofit sector, the diverse cause areas she serves, and the tools she uses for grant research. They discuss the importance of networking, the value of mentorship, and the systems Kia has implemented in her business. Kia also highlights her upcoming LinkedIn Live series focused on supporting Black-led organizations.

Takeaways

Her upcoming LinkedIn Live series will focus on Black-led organizations and their challenges.

Kia’s journey into grant writing began in the nonprofit sector.

She serves a diverse range of cause areas including health, education, and youth development.

Kia prefers working with corporate and private foundations over federal grants.

Grant readiness is crucial for nonprofits seeking funding.

Networking and word-of-mouth have been key to Kia’s business growth.

The mentorship program provided valuable frameworks for her grant writing business.

Kia emphasizes the importance of hiring and delegating tasks effectively.

She has implemented systems for client onboarding and follow-up.

Kia launched a blog to share valuable information and insights.

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About Kia Chatmon

Kia Chatmon is a nonprofit strategist, grant writer, and trusted advisor who has spent her career helping mission-driven organizations thrive. A proud Stanford graduate, Kia began her journey in public service in Washington, DC, through the Children’s Defense Fund’s Black Student Leadership Network and Freedom Schools, where she learned the power of servant leadership under the guidance of legendary advocate Marian Wright Edelman.

Kia has been recognized as a rising changemaker, selected for the inaugural cohort of NYU’s IGNITE Institute for Women of Color in the Social Sector and the final class of the Nonprofit Roundtable’s Future Executive Directors Fellowship. Her career has included working with respected capacity-building firms and advising organizations on how to sharpen their strategies, strengthen their infrastructure, and maximize their impact.

Now, as the founder of Heart for the Community Consulting, Kia partners with nonprofits as a resource development specialist, freelance grant writer, researcher, and board development consultant. With deep roots in community and a passion for equity, Kia helps leaders turn vision into action – and good intentions into sustainable results.

Connect with Kia Chatmon

• Heart for the Community Consulting Website: https://www.heartforthecommunityconsulting.com/
• Kia’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiachatmon/

Links Mentioned

Grant Professional Mentorship

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