About Us
President & CEO
Sharon S. McDonald
Sharon McDonald’s journey in the world of grant development and nonprofit consulting began over three decades ago. With a passion for making a difference, she has spearheaded both domestic and global grant programs for a wide range of nonprofit organizations and NGOs. Her expertise in top-tier grant development, prospect research, writing, and nonprofit consulting has made her a sought-after professional in the field.
Throughout her illustrious career, Sharon has inspired 64+ nonprofits to elevate their grant development efforts through grant writing workshops, professional mentoring, and high-quality proposal writing. Her commitment to creating social change has spanned diverse causes, including the environment, higher education, healthcare, human services, youth development, and arts & culture has been a driving force behind her success. Over the past two decades, Sharon has secured over $35 million in grant funding, supporting the growth and sustainability of numerous organizations.
Our Impact
At Effective Grants we believe in creating a lasting impact through expert grant development and consulting services. With over 35 years of experience in fundraising and development, Sharon S. McDonald has dedicated her career to empowering nonprofits and other organizations to secure the funding they need to achieve their missions. Our impact is best reflected in the lives we change by working together:
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We have helped 500 low-income homeless women and children achieve stability and pursue their personal goals through access to overnight shelter and safe, affordable housing.
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Our efforts have enhanced the welfare outcomes for 300 foster children, their foster families, and other service providers.
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We've increased access to workforce training and employment opportunities for 500 young adults and adults in mental health recovery.
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By supporting over 200 farmers markets, we've contributed to creating healthier communities across Massachusetts.
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We have improved food security for over 300,000 children and adults across the Commonwealth.
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Our work has reduced student absenteeism and improved educational outcomes for more than 90,000 PreK-12 students in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
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We've supported health and gender equality for 30,000 youth and women across rural communities in Rwanda.
Our Approach
A Paper Trail of Loveliness
We tailor our services to meet the unique needs of each client. Whether you are a nonprofit organization seeking to create a sustainable grants program or a grantmaker looking to strengthen your grant application process, we have the expertise and experience to help you succeed. Our services include:
Grant Development | Assessing grant readiness, identifying barriers, planning fundable priorities, conducting prospect research, and handling proposal writing and submission.
Grant Writing Training/Mentoring | Providing 1:1 and group workshops to teach staff about grant development, fundraising, developing workplans, researching funders, and creating compelling proposals.
Grantmaker Support | Offering technical assistance to help applicants assess grant eligibility and prepare high-quality letters of inquiry and proposals.
Work with us and secure the funding you need to achieve your mission.
