Empowering education, youth, and workforce development organizations to build sustainable funding strategies—without the overwhelm

For established nonprofits ready to move beyond reactive fundraising and fund their work with intention.

Strategic grant writing + funding planning to help you focus on the right opportunities and build lasting support.

Who We Work With

Built for organizations ready to fund their work with intention - not uncertainty.

We work with education, youth, and workforce development organizations that have moved beyond the early stages and are ready for a more strategic approach to funding.

You’re a good fit if:

  • You’re already applying for grants - but it feels inconsistent

  • You want a clear plan instead of figuring it out as you go

  • You struggle to communicate your impact in a way funders understand

  • You’re ready to invest in a more sustainable approach

We don’t provide one-off grant support.

We work with organizations ready to build a long-term funding strategy.

Current/Past Client Logos. I’ve added a file upload to the Feedback & Testimonial form to gather them. Before we go live if we don’t have logos I’ll delete and add them as we get them.

Helping organizations secure $3.59M+ in funding since 2024

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Helping organizations secure $3.59M+ in funding since 2024 〰️

How We Help

We combine grant writing with strategy - so your funding efforts actually work together.

Instead of chasing individual grants, we help you build a clear plan that supports your work long-term.

Strategic Grant Writing
Apply to the right opportunities with stronger, clearer proposals.

Funding Strategy & Planning
Create a 12-month plan, so you know what to focus on and when.

Grant Research
Find opportunities that align with your programs and goals.

Funder Relationships
Build connections that lead to ongoing support - not just one-time funding.

Instead of wondering what to do next,
You have a clear plan for consistent funding.

Experienced Support for a More Strategic Approach to Funding

Behind Lightmaker Grants & Strategy is Dr. Ginny Blankeship, CFRE, a fundraising strategist with over 20 years of experience.

Known for helping organizations find the right words to secure funding and move their work forward. Ginny has worked across nonprofits, schools, and government, raising over $9 million and helping organizations secure funding from foundations, public agencies, and national funders.

She leads a team focused exclusively on education, youth, and workforce development - bringing both deep sector knowledge and a practical, strategic approach to funding.

We believe fundraising works best when it’s guided by a clear plan - not just more applications.