Consultant Spotlight: Elisabeth Weinstein

My journey into grant writing began while I was a graduate student. A colleague and I learned about an Elementary Charter School in Baltimore City that piqued our interest, and together we set out to write a grant to open a Charter High School that would create a seamless K–12 pathway for students. Through that process, we began meeting community members, forming a board of directors, and learning what it really takes to build a nonprofit from the ground up. That experience opened my eyes to the power of grants—and it was my first real introduction to how meaningful this work could be.

 I had always known I wanted to be a writer; I just hadn’t yet discovered what I was meant to write. After that experience, I knew grant writing was my calling. Even as a school principal, I continued writing grants for schools and districts, eventually launching my own nonprofit consulting company. Over the years, my work expanded beyond education into other areas I’m passionate about—arts, sports, the environment, and animal welfare, to name just a few.

 

A few years ago, I began working with Fox Advancement, and it’s been an incredible partnership. I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with clients across the country who are doing extraordinary work. I’m so grateful for this career. It’s truly rewarding to spend each day helping others achieve their missions and make a difference in the world.

Why do you love your work?

What I love most about my work is the people. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with nonprofits across so many sectors such as education, the environment, the arts, and the humanities, both locally and around the world. Each organization is driven by people who are passionate, selfless, and deeply committed to making the world a better place. Hearing their stories, learning what inspires them, and helping them secure the resources to continue their incredible work is what truly fuels me. It’s humbling and uplifting to be surrounded by individuals who care so deeply about others and give so much of themselves for the greater good.

If you were able to meet the founder or CEO of any non-profit, who would it be and why? 

It’s hard to choose just one—there are so many leaders I admire for their courage, vision, and compassion. I’m most inspired by those who took a personal passion or life experience and turned it into a mission that serves others. Those are the founders who remind me why I love what I do: because one person can create a ripple that impacts countless lives.