03/21/2024
I’m Not a Consultant—I’m Part of Your Team
If you told me five years ago I’d be a consultant for nonprofits, I would’ve laughed—surely, you have me confused with someone else.
About six years ago, I was working through a personal trauma. As I neared feeling whole again, I wanted to help the survivorship community, but in an impactful way. My therapist excitedly suggested that I become a grant writer.
What’s a grant writer? I had no idea that was a thing.
She used words like critical thinking, creative writing, persuasive writing, research, organization… so many of my favorite things! My heart soared.
I went home and immediately searched for a grant writing course—a forever academic at heart, I wanted to earn a reputable degree or a certificate. I found an Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Management and Fund Development through Notre Dame. Ooooh. Fancy.
I was registered within a few weeks. Meanwhile, I was still teaching as an adjunct English professor and juggling two babies—an infant and a nearly two-year-old. I was exhausted, but so inspired and driven. I loved every moment of the courses; I reviewed the materials repeatedly… it was like a new relationship. Who needs sleep? I’m not hungry! This is the greatest thing that’s ever happened to me!
Upon completing the program, I reached out to Mark Germano, one of the professors (okay, he was totally my favorite!) and a career nonprofit professional. I asked if it was realistic to become a freelance grant writer. Being a freelance editor for going on two decades was not without its challenges when it came to steady income.
Not only did Mark encourage me to pursue it, he immediately offered me a subcontractor agreement with his consultancy.
It was official. I was a grant writer.
I’m a work-from-home mom. And, as every working parent knows… there’s literally no such thing as balance. Sometimes you reschedule a Zoom meeting five minutes before start time because your four-year-old just threw up. Sometimes you send emails at 4am because someone woke up with a fever, but they went back to sleep and you didn’t.
But I wouldn’t change a thing. Although they are young now, my girls see their Mama working hard at a meaningful and impactful and important career that she loves. And they see a Daddy who is supportive and proud, who tags in to do the household and family things when Mama has a deadline or a meeting. One day they will understand what helping all of you means for our community and our world.
I’ve made amazing connections along the way. The entirety of my client base is referrals—I know ya’ll talk to each other! But now, I want to talk to you. And so, I introduce myself:
My name is Nicole Draiss. I am a nonprofit consultant specializing in grant writing and fund development. I am 46 years old. I currently reside in Unionville, North Carolina. And I would love to join your team.
