Episode Details

This episode, Sheleia Phillips explains how to grow a grant writing business, different ways to make your grant writing business more enjoyable, and the benefits of having an anchor client.

Sheleia Phillips is the Founder and Principal Consultant at SMP Nonprofit Consulting and has dedicated herself to the growth and development of nonprofits for nearly ten years.

In this episode, Sheleia Phillips explains her journey moving from working as a freelance grant writer to becoming the CEO of her own business, the impact of having a mentor, and how having SOPs can change a grant writing business.

She also talks about the things you need to consider when setting up a grant writing agency, how to get the first clients for a grant writing agency, and the impact hiring independent subcontractors has on a grant writing business’s profit.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Moving from working as a freelance grant writer to becoming a CEO.
• The impact of having a mentor.
• Why freelance grant writers should have an anchor client.
• Things you need to consider when setting up a grant writing agency.
• How to get the first clients for a grant writing agency.
• How to grow a grant writing business that doesn’t take over your life.
• Ways to make your grant writing business more enjoyable.
• How hiring independent subcontractors impacts a grant writing business’s profit.
• How soon after starting a business you should set up SOPs.
• How SOPs can change a grant writing business.

About Sheleia Phillips

Sheleia Phillips, MPH, CHES, is the Founder and Principal Consultant at SMP Nonprofit Consulting. A servant leader, Sheleia has dedicated herself to the growth and development of nonprofits for nearly ten years. Sheleia holds a Master of Public Health with an emphasis on Maternal and Child Health from Saint Louis University and a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Chemistry from Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville. She has advanced training in public health, program development, and public policy. Sheleia’s track record of securing millions of dollars in grants for nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies is a testament to her attention to detail and dedication to her clients. Her ability to effectively communicate her clients’ missions and objectives is a key factor in her success.

Sheleia is also a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration grant reviewer. Sheleia is an active Grant Professionals Association (GPA) board member. She is committed to serving the greater public good by practicing the highest ethical and professional standards by following GPA’s Code of Ethics. Beyond her grant writing work, Sheleia’s expertise and insights have made her a sought-after speaker and educator in the field. Sheleia has partnered with and been featured in various industry platforms and publications, including Forbes, Grant Professionals Association, Network for Good, Voyage Magazine (St. Louis), Certified Fundraising Executive Digest, Instrumentl, and Neon One. 

A Bank of America Emerging Leaders alum, Sheleia believes that nonprofits are essential to creating the change we all want to see. She has a deep passion for people and helping community organizations succeed with excellence and integrity. Her clients believe she motivates others with her can-do attitude, enthusiasm, and cheerful personality. She genuinely enjoys her work and brings a wealth of knowledge and resources to organizations and individuals interested in growing their capacity.

Connect with Sheleia:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Instagram