Time Out

Stop and Take a Breath Breathing is something we take for granted. It just happens as it should. But studies show that you should consciously take several intentionally deep breaths a day to aid digestion, promote relaxation and improve your sleep. Learning to Breathe I learned to breathe properly because I’m an accomplished singer/songwriter and … Read More

SAFER Grant Awarded!

Yarnell Fire District, Yarnell, Arizona Established 1957 As grant writers know, the biggest reward is receiving that approval letter – the one that makes us do the happy dance! I write and manage grants for Yarnell Fire District (YFD). We’ve had a successful year in grants: Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) for a Source Capture … Read More

Music and More Music


Music is called “praying without words”…

The next two weeks are filled with music for me. Music is the embodiment of my persona, allowing me a freedom of expression that is unmatched by all other hobbies. As a jazz/blues performer, music teacher at Model Creek School and choir director at Yarnell Community Presbyterian Church, I have worked with the most amazing and talented people on the planet. The kick-off is Friday, August 31st, at Lohrwood Stock in Yarnell, Arizona. I plan to get them dancing! The following week holds a Steak Dinner Dance at VFW Post 541 in Prescott, Arizona on Friday, September 7th at 5pm. Then on Saturday, August 8th from 5:30 to 7:30pm, I can’t wait to play at Augie’s American Restaurant in Prescott.  If you’re in the area, we’d love to meet you! Click here to visit my musician website.

Grants for Fire Departments

I was hired as the Recruitment and Retention Coordinator for the FEMA Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant at Yarnell Fire District in February 2015.  It was one the most amazing experiences of my life. The grant offers a four year Period of Performance. which ended in March 2018. I applied on … Read More

Explore All the Options

Well, I love a funded grant proposal!  I should, since I am a passionate philanthropist. This week, I received word that a proposal I had written was funded in the amount of $61,400. This one is particularly interesting and powerful. Firstly, I applied for this grant through numerous entities. Grants, like sales, is a numbers … Read More

How To Find Grants For Youth Development

I enjoy writing grants that help fund youth projects.  In fact, three of my recently funded proposals were for education technology upgrades, a music program and a fire cadet program – all related to youth development and education. Thousands of entities are interested in funding projects related to our children. So where should you begin … Read More

Top 4 Things to Look for in a Grant Writer

I recently read a forum post where a gentleman asked, “I’ve been burned so many times by Grant Writers. Any tips on finding a good one?” Sadly, I’ve heard that before. There are steps you can take to ensure you’re hiring a person of utmost integrity. Here are four things to look for. A recently … Read More

Grant Writing: 4 Answers to Common Questions

The average person is uncertain about the grant writer’s role.  Case in point…”What exactly do you do?” a kind soul wonders. “I write grant proposals to help fund philanthropic programs, government agencies and community projects,” I respond. After pondering for a moment, the kind soul asks, “Can you write me a grant for paying my … Read More

A Picture’s Worth

A happy girl, enjoying nature and celebrating life with balloons – that’s how I feel right now! I have so many things to be grateful for. I was searching for a marketing photo for a promotion I’m involved in. But I came across this one, and felt compelled to share. Children are so adaptable and … Read More

My “New” Piano

I have been an accomplished pianist and piano teacher for many years. I started taking piano lessons at the age of 4, and it fit me like a glove. In fact, you should check out my music site! Music is not just part of my life – it nearly defines my life.  When I moved … Read More