This is Deiona Monroe [the Guru].
Innovative, honest, strategic Grants Consultant.
Quick
Facts
5 years in the game.
A self-taught Grant Consultant who, over the course of just a little more than two years (2019-2021), had embarked on a remarkable journey from freelancing as a Grant Writer + Researcher to being entrusted with the helm of Grants and Development Departments at two distinct organizations. Currently, I am the Project Manager of Development for The Moriah Group and Grants Consultant for several nonprofit organizations and businesses.
Harlem, born and raised.
I’ve never been shy about declaring where I’m from and will be a New Yorker no matter where I go. Harlem raised me, but Philadelphia has been my home since 2011. Currently living with a roommate who has never paid rent, but she’s my fury best friend, so she has an excuse.
Temple made.
Came to Temple University in 2011 and graduated in 2015 with a BA in Political Science and Criminal Justice. I have also honed my expertise through comprehensive training, earning several Certificates in Grant Writing, Management, and Development from Temple University, along with a certificate in Financial Success for Nonprofits from Cornell University.
$10.3M earned, and counting.
In these last 5 years, I’ve had the honor of securing over
$10 million in grant awards and donations for the organizations and businesses I've had the privilege to work with, all of which are Black-led and Black-serving spaces. This accomplishment fuels my unwavering commitment to continue the vital work of earning them even greater support and resources to expand their missions and create lasting change. This is only the beginning.
Values
Be Innovative.
Innovation is the driving force behind progress in the world of grants and development. I approach each project with a spirit of innovation, constantly seeking fresh, creative approaches to challenges. This includes staying up-to-date with emerging trends in philanthropy, grant-making, and development, as well as exploring new avenues to maximize impact. By fostering innovation, we can unlock new opportunities and create more efficient and effective solutions for those we serve.
Be Transparent.
In the realm of grants and development, transparency is the cornerstone of trust. I firmly believe that open and honest communication is essential at every stage of the process. By being transparent in our interactions and strategies, we build credibility with funding organizations and stakeholders. Transparency ensures that our actions align with our commitment to accessible equity, allowing us to demonstrate how resources are allocated and how they contribute to tangible impact.
Generosity lies at the heart of my work. It's not just about securing resources; it's about giving back to the communities and causes we support. In a world where we are often advised to safeguard our resources, development work reminds us of the enduring humanity that exists within it. By embracing generosity, we create a culture of giving and collaboration that amplifies the impact of our work. We connect with those who have unwavering faith in the impact we are generating that they go against the norm and make it their mission to support our cause.
Be Generous.
Be Respectful.
Respect is the foundation of meaningful relationships in the grants and development landscape. I approach every individual and organization with the utmost respect for their unique goals, challenges, and contributions. It means valuing diverse perspectives and working collaboratively to achieve shared objectives. In our pursuit of accessible equity, respect is the guiding principle that ensures that all voices are heard and all stakeholders are treated with dignity and fairness.
By upholding these values of transparency, innovation, generosity, and respect, I aim to enrich the field of grants and development, staying true to my purpose of turning visions into accessible equity for the benefit of all, especially Black-led and Black-serving nonprofits, businesses, initiatives, and communities.
These values guide my every action and decision, ensuring that our collective efforts lead to positive, lasting change.
TESTIMONIALS
The spaces that have grown with me.
under construction
Daniel Croson
Chief of Staff
Newark Opportunity Youth Network
(click on photos to discover more)
“We LOVED working with Deiona! Her creative thinking, dynamic grant writing, and authentic relationship-building skills helped us secure over $500K in start-up revenue. Deiona's passion and love for developing community-based organizations
are truly inspiring!”
Joy Lindsay
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Butterfly Dreamz, Inc.
(click on photos to discover more)
“Our collaboration with Deiona was a turning point in GP In the Midst Inc.'s formation and fundraising efforts.
Thanks to her expertise, our vision and objectives became compelling narratives,
effectively conveying the impact and significance of our projects to potential partners and funders.
Deiona is working towards securing multiple grants that will empower us
to make a significant impact in our community. Without hesitation, we highly recommend Deiona to any individual or organization needing a dedicated, knowledgeable, and results-oriented professional grant writer.”
Derrick ‘Pie’ Bell and Kimberley Downer
Founder/co-CEO and Co-CEO/Director
GP In The Midst, Inc.
(click on photos to discover more)
LETS CONNECT