Mission

Our mission is to empower foundations to maximize their philanthropic impact through streamlined processes that respect both funder and grantee resources. We transform complex grantmaking systems into clear, efficient pathways that connect worthy causes with the support they need.

Our History

Grantmaker Solutions was born from a deep understanding of both sides of the philanthropic equation. With over 25 years in the nonprofit sector spanning diverse causes from child advocacy and environmental protection to education, workforce development, and community justice, we've witnessed firsthand the critical role foundations play in sustaining vital community services.

Why We Do This Work

In a time when philanthropic resources are more precious and more needed than ever, we believe in the power of efficient, effective grantmaking to transform communities and the people within them. Every hour saved on administration is an hour redirected to mission. Every application process simplified is an opportunity for a smaller, vital nonprofit to access needed funding.

By bringing strategy and structure to the grantmaking process, we help foundations do the most good they can, while supporting a seamless process to empower grantees.

Strategic Approach

We believe effective grantmaking requires balance between thorough evaluation and administrative efficiency, between accountability and trust, and between standard practices and customized solutions.

The Team

Headquartered in the Midwest, our growing team works with clients throughout the United States, bringing together professionals with expertise in:

• Nonprofit Management

• Mental Health

• Law and Compliance

• Finance

• Government Relations

• Public Sector Operations

• Business Administration

This multidisciplinary approach allows us to address the full spectrum of challenges facing modern foundations and develop comprehensive solutions that work in the real world.

Expertise

Our team ethic is grounded in practical experience and education, with team members holding certifications and degrees in a wide range of disciplines, including:

• Law, Compliance, Risk Management

• Sociology, Communication, Education

• Finance, Business, Program Evaluation, Analytics

• Infant and Early Childhood Development, Animal Husbandry

• Community Development, Public Health Policy Research

• Cybersecurity, IT, Program Development

This combination of legal knowledge, communication skills, and research experience enables us to design evidence-based grantmaking processes that are efficient and legally sound.

About: Grantmaking Solutions Approach to Philanthropic Innovation

Our Founder & CEO

Our founder's journey began as a victim advocate serving rural women in Rural southern Missouri, eventually leading to directorship of a 5-county shelter program. This frontline experience gave her up-close and personal experience with the often dire needs of nonprofit organizations, who are out there working on the frontlines of a range of issues, and these organizations rely on foundation and individual donor support to carry out critical work in communities across the globe. Dee's experience includes:

• Overseeing grantees for the Iowa Attorney General's Office.

• Leading federal grant review committees.

• Writing and securing over $100 million in funding.

• Developing RFPs and review criteria for philanthropic, county, state, and federal grantmaking entities.

• Providing compliance expertise to numerous agencies.

• Creating and evaluating programs across diverse sectors.

"My years as a nonprofit leader taught me that if you want to transform lives, build robust communities, and create tangible global change, it requires strategic collaboration and the vision to see beyond current limitations."

CEO & Founder