Why My Faith Fuels My Passion
I was raised in the church. My mom became an ordained pastor when I was just one year old, so church has always felt like a second home. No matter what state or country I’m in, the feeling I get when stepping into the sanctuary is the same—the scent of the wooden pews, the sunlight streaming through the windows, and that large, empty cross on the wall all feel like home.
As a child, I would sneak into the sanctuary to talk with the Lord Jesus, believing the cross was like a direct line to Him. And since it was so big, I thought surely He could hear me better there.
Over the years, I’ve walked paths that led me away from the cross, and back again. Each time I wandered, His forgiveness became more precious to me.
"Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little." – Luke 7:47, KJV
The Lord met me where I was and, through a song, called me back home. Since then, my journey has been one of renewal—shedding unhealthy habits, losing weight, releasing what no longer served me, and ultimately being water baptized at the age of 40.
Why Faith Belongs on a Fundraising Website
Some might wonder why I share my faith on a site about fundraising. The answer is simple: my faith is the reason I am here.
In 2020, at the height of uncertainty, my husband and I lost our contract positions. In that moment of upheaval, the Lord Jesus placed these words on my heart: grant writing.
That calling led me to work with nonprofits, government agencies, schools, and for-profit organizations, gathering tools and resources to help others. Along the way, I encountered employers who told me that small startups weren’t worth helping because they weren’t “profitable” yet. I remembered my younger self, starting my first business at 24, wishing I had a mentor. I realized this site needed to exist for people like that—for people like you.
The Burden and Blessing of This Work
Many in the grant writing community are people of faith. This work carries a heavy responsibility. Funding can mean the difference between life and death, homelessness and shelter, or a family staying together versus being torn apart. It requires ethics, honesty, and integrity. And we know that money, when stewarded well, is simply a tool to bless others.
After years in this profession, I’ve seen both the best and worst sides of fundraising. I can say with confidence that those who remain true and selfless in their mission will endure, while those who work only for themselves will fade away.
In all things, the Lord is to be praised, for He is the One who gives and takes away.
Why I’m Sharing This With You
I share this testimony not to boost search rankings, but to show you the heart behind my work. I want you to grow, to succeed, and to sustain your passion. And I pray that once you reach your goals, you will pay it forward to someone who needs your help, without hesitation and without self-interest.
When you’re at the peak of your career, it’s easy to forget how you started. My prayer is that you will remember, and that you’ll keep moving forward with the same humility and gratitude you had at the beginning.
Thank you for what you do. Keep pressing on. And know that He is in control of it all.
Click here to learn about What Rejection Taught Me About Grant Writing (And Why You Shouldn’t Take It Personally)
