Track Record

President & CEO

Sharon S. McDonald

35 years  leading effective grant development 

$35m

Raised

At Effective Grants, we believe “a paper trail of loveliness” is the tool nonprofits need to share their unique story with funders and secure the funds that help them change the world.  We have sourced transformational awards ranging from $5k to $2 million.


150+

Funders

Agnes M. Lindsay Trust

Amelia Peabody Charitable Fund

Amelia Peabody Foundation

Anna B. Stearns Charitable Foundation

Bank of America Charitable Foundation

Bay State Savings Charitable Foundation

Boston Evening Clinic Foundation

Cambridge Community Foundation

Charlesbank Homes

Clipper Ship Foundation

Comcast Foundation

Community Foundation for MetroWest

Cummings Foundation

DCU for Kids

Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism

Eastern Bank Foundation

Ezra M. Cutting Trust

Fletcher Foundation

George A. Ramlose Foundation

George I. Alden Trust

George R. Wallace Foundation

Greater Lowell Community Foundation

Greater Worcester Community Foundation

Hamilton Company Charitable Foundation

Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts

Hoche-Scofield Foundation

John W. Alden Trust

Liberty Mutual Foundation

Lloyd G. Balfour Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee

Ludcke Foundation

Mabel Louise Riley Foundation

Massachusetts Cultural Council

Metrowest Health Foundation

Middlesex Savings Bank Charitable Foundation

Mifflin Memorial Fund

Mildred’s Dream Foundation

Nellie Mae Foundation

New Commonwealth Fund

Proctor & Gamble Community Grant Program

Ramsey McCluskey Family Foundation

Reliant Foundation

Roy A. Hunt Foundation

Stoddard Charitable Trust

The Boston Foundation

The Franklin Square House Foundation

The Fuller Foundation

The George F. and Sybil H. Fuller Foundation

The J.E. & Z.B. Butler Foundation

The Linden Foundation

The Ruth H. and Waren A. Ellsworth Foundation

The Stevens Foundations

The Sudbury Foundation

Thomas Anthony Pappas Charitable Trust

TJX Foundation

Wyman-Gordon Foundation

Yawkey Foundations

64+

Clients

ACT Lawrence, Inc.

Abby’s House

Bread & Roses Housing, Inc.

CASA Project Worcester County

Catie’s Closet, Inc.

Charles River Conservancy, Inc.

The Centre for Faith, Art, & Justice

Copley Raff

Easterseals Massachusetts, Inc.

Employment Options, Inc.

Federation Children Special Needs, Inc.

Harborlight Homes

The Health Foundation of Central MA

Inspired Philanthropy

Izaak Walton League of America

Jeff’s Place, Inc.

Laboure College

Mass Farmer’s Markets

Newton Athletes Unlimited, Inc.

The Outreach Program: EndHunger N.E.

Plummer Youth Promise, Inc.

Reclaim Childhood, Inc.

Riverside Community Care

Shooting Touch, Inc.

St. Labre Indian School Educational Association

The Boston Public Art Triennial

The Parmenter Foundation

The Trustees of Reservations, Inc.

Transition House, Inc.

Victim Rights Law Center

Worcester State University

Our Impact

Empowering Stability

500

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.

Improving Child Welfare

300

Our efforts have enhanced the welfare outcomes for 300 foster children, their foster families, and other service providers.

Supporting Communities

200

By supporting over 200 farmers markets, we've contributed to creating healthier communities across Massachusetts.

What Our Clients Have Said

  • "I've had the privilege of collaborating with Sharon McDonald for over a decade throughout my tenure as Vice President for Advancement at Worcester State University. Sharon has proven to be a professional, detail-oriented, exemplary colleague, collaborator, and friend."

    Thomas M. McNamara
    Vice-President of University Advancement, Worcester State University

  • "Effective Grants, LLC has added critical capacity and expertise to our annual fundraising strategy. We have also increased foundation giving by 40% in the 4 years that we have been working with Sharon. "

    Laura Jasinksi
    Executive Director, Charles River Conservancy, Inc.

  • "Employment Options has worked with Effective Grants, LLC for more than a decade and Sharon delivers far more than what you contract for. We have received superior commitment, service, and dedication on every level."

    Shannon Leary
    Executive Director, Employment Options, Inc.

  • "The Health Foundation contracts with Effective Grants to offer grant writing consulting services as technical assistance for applicants. Sharon is a trusted partner, and our applicants have commented on her extensive knowledge and valuable suggestions for strengthening their applications."

    Amie Shei
    President & CEO, The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts