We’re your go-to team for professional and persuasive story-telling skills to boost your nonprofit’s grant strategy. We want you to fall in love with the way craft compelling grant narratives, and we want your funders to fall head-over-heels with your cause. We aim to be a trustworthy, effective and valuable support system for your organization.
Lyssa Schmidt
CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
I am a purpose-driven entrepreneur committed to serve the nonprofit industry with my strong writing skills and passion to create good in the world. With every word I write, I aim to influence hearts and souls to support your nonprofit’s mission. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Print Journalism and Spanish, an MBA in Internet Marketing and a Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership Management. I have 15+ years professional experience in communications, journalism and marketing, with 10+ in the nonprofit industry.
I have a true passion for encouraging community around ideas and empowering others to do good in the world. I am a creative mother + wife so obsessed with beach I dug one in my own backyard and a never-ending itch to explore something new. Road trip!
Amy Cloud
CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER
I am passionate about optimizing operations, streamlining workflows, and driving business growth. With over four years of experience in operations and project management, I have successfully led high-performing teams, implemented strategic processes, and enhanced overall efficiency for organizations. I thrive in ensuring businesses have the right structures in place to scale sustainably.
In my free time, I love to enjoy the outdoors, spend time with husband, and often find myself at any local sporting event enjoying an iced Diet Coke!
Morgan Kirchenwitz
GRANTS TEAM ADMINISTRATOR
With over a decade of experience in marketing and fundraising for nonprofit organizations, I love supporting new causes that are making the world a better place. I am a creative professional and a never-ending student, seeking new opportunities to learn and grow in my skills and passions. I enjoy bringing the visual elements together that will truly speak to your audience, creating unique designs to inspire good in the world. (I also offer nonprofit services beyond grant writing here.)
It’s my motto to always enjoy the moment, and I aspire to live that to its fullest. In my free time, I love getting outside, being physically active, finding new breweries to try, and socializing with friends. I also serve as a board member at Photo Opp, an Appleton-based nonprofit working to develop a welcoming community and inspire life-long learning through the lens of a camera.
Tracey Bloodworth
GRANT WRITER
I love connecting the dots—between people, purpose, and the stories that bring missions to life. As a grant researcher and writer, I help mission-driven organizations secure the funding they need to grow and thrive. With a background in fundraising, communications, and creative strategy, I bring a strong blend of research, storytelling, and strategic thinking to help organizations communicate their impact with confidence.
When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me creating whimsical art, painting, exploring the outdoors, or embracing life as a mom—finding inspiration in the simple moments that make meaningful stories possible.
Jessica Skaaland
GRANT WRITER
Jessica Skaaland graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran College with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She later earned a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater in 2005, followed by an Education Specialist degree in 2007.
With this training, Jessica spent 14 years working as a school psychologist, where she conducted evaluations and helped design interventions to support children with diverse learning needs. After a brief break to start her family, she transitioned into the nonprofit sector as a grant writer.
Jessica’s background in school psychology brings a strong data-driven lens to her work. She excels at developing grant proposals with clear, measurable goals and outcomes, while effectively communicating an organization’s mission, needs, and impact to a wide range of funders and stakeholders.
Lorna O’Hanlon
GRANT WRITER
I am dedicated to helping nonprofits strengthen their capacity to better serve their communities. As a grant writer, I am driven to create clear, compelling, and authentic narratives that reflect lived experiences and inspire funders to invest with confidence.
My commitment to working with nonprofits – particularly supporting children and families – is deeply shaped by my experience as a Communications Specialist with UNICEF, where I helped elevate the voices and needs of children around the world. Through hands-on volunteer work in local feeding programs and other charitable initiatives, I gain insights that directly inform and strengthen my grant writing.
Away from my laptop, I enjoy cooking, baking, crocheting, and paper crafting (yes, that’s a thing).
