Grant Writer for your Nonprofit

Providing high-quality grant writing services for your nonprofit with a proven return on your Investment.

Hey there, I'm DeaRonda,

Known for being typically quiet – can you believe I got in trouble in school for talking too much? I guess I was bored. But hey, I was a straight-A student, and anything less than an A felt like a failure to me.

Writing has always been my jam. In high school, a teacher told me I had a flair for it and I’ve been getting paid to write ever since.

When I’m not working, you can find me hanging out with my family, hunting down new restaurants in Atlanta, indulging in some Garretts popcorn, or savoring a killer grilled cheese sandwich. And nothing beats my ma’s cornbread – it’s the best! Clearly, I am a certified foodie!

I’m a ‘90s R&B aficionado and can listen to it all day everyday. Honestly, I have no clue who these new artists are these days.

I am the founder and President of June First Firm, a full-service grant writing firm dedicated to serving nonprofit organizations with comprehensive range of services, including grant research, writing, and reporting.

I specialize in public funding sources winning $45M in grant awards in various sectors to include housing, healthcare, and workforce development.

We Get Results – I become a partner with your organization to increase grant revenue. Our clients average a 10:1 return on their investment.

I’m not just talking – I believe in always leveling up my skill.

I’m a member of the Grant Professionals Association (GPA) and even served as the Georgia Chapter President for two years. I have an MBA from Ashford University and a Bachelor of Science degree from Tuskegee University.

MEMBERSHIPS & RECOGNITIONS

Grants Awards We've Secured for Clients

<$500k

$14,200,000 – Department of Education (Teacher and School Leadership Training)
$12,000,000 – Department of Education (SEED)
$5,000,000 – Bezos Day One Fund (housing services)
$2,000,000 – The Community Partnership for the Prevention of Homelessness (rapid rehousing)
$1,809,274 – Health Resources and Services Administration/HRSA (health care access)
$1,700,000 – Department of Health and Human Services (health access)
$1,000,000 – Department of Health and Human Services (health access)

$800,000 – The Community Partnership for the Prevention of Homelessness (housing)
$500,000 – Charles & Helen Schwab Foundation (K-12 education)
$500,000 – Charles & Lynn Schusterman Foundation (K-12 education)
$500,000 – Walton Family Foundation (K-12 education)
$500,000 – America Achieves Accelerate (K-12 education)
$500,000 – Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (K-12 education)

$101k-$499k

$370,000 – The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation (community services)
$350,000 – A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation (leadership professional development)
$350,000 – Bloomberg Philanthropies (K -12 education)
$345,000 – Capital One (workforce development and housing)
$200,000 – W.K. Kellogg Foundation (professional development for teachers)

$200,000 – Bank of America Neighborhood Builders (capacity building)
$150,000 – Department of Human Services (health services)
$150,000 – Department of Human Services (health services)
$125,000 – TD Charitable Foundation (affordable housing)
$100,000 – CareFirst (healthcare access)

>$100k

$100,000 – Department of Employment Services (workforce education)
$100,000 – CareFirst (healthcare access)
$100,000 – Department of Employment Services (workforce education)
$100,000 – WorkSource Montgomery (job training education)
$100,000 – CareFirst (healthcare access)
$100,000 – W.K. Kellogg Foundation (summer school sessions)
$100,000 – Department of Employment Services (workforce education)
$90,000 – The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation (general operating)
$90,000 – Helping Children Grow (parenting classes)
$50,000 – Philip Graham Fund (education)

$50,000 – Entergy (internet access for virtual learning)
$50,000 – The Greater Washington Community Foundation (housing and employment)
$50,000 – The Richard E. and Nancy P. Marriott Family Foundation (workforce education)
$30,000 – Eugene & Agnes Meyer Foundation (capacity building)
$30,000 – Delta Dental (dental equipment and charity care)
$25,000 – Arcana (housing)
$25,000 – TD Bank (disaster recovery)
$25,000 – AmeriHealth (housing support)
$25,000 – Wells Fargo Foundation (sponsorships, mentoring, and workshops)
$20,000 – United Way (youth education)

And I've managed to win a few awards for myself

America Achieves

America Achieves Accelerate award recipient of $500k to deliver tutoring resources to K-12 students

Bank of America

Bank of America Neighborhood Builders award recipient of $200k for post-secondary education support

The Clark Foundation

The Clark Foundation award recipient of $350k to deliver training to diverse school leaders.

Kind Words From My Amazing Clients

DeaRonda Harrison is highly skilled in grant writing and management. Her ability to craft compelling, data-driven proposals and align organizational needs with funder priorities is incredibly strong. DeaRonda’s strategic and collaborative approach makes her an invaluable asset to any team seeking to secure and manage funding effectively.

Jamie E.Housing Program Manager, City of Fairfax

DeaRonda is a no brainer decision. I brought DeaRonda on in my first two months as an Executive Director. She completely overhauled all of our grant language, made a grants calendar, applied to grants independently and we were able to bring in more money in our fourth quarter than we had all year. DeaRonda is warm, professional, and talented. She left us in such a strong place that I can now transition her work to an internal staff member. Don't walk, run, to DeaRonda! She paid for herself in one month!

Erica B.School Leader Lab

DeaRonda came to Atlanta Mission in just the knick of time. She jumped right in and helped us manage our $1M grant program with a number of corporate and foundation deadlines that she helped to assist in a rapid manner. She did what it took to make sure we didn’t miss deadlines and continue to engage and develop relationships with current and new funders. I would recommend her to any organization that needs a grant professional with promising results that can hit the ground running to secure and manage funds.

Toni D.Atlanta Mission

DeaRonda immediately helped us complete grant applications to support our youth programs. She researched additional grants and new sponsor opportunities. Through her efforts, we were able to secure grant funding from Fulton County government. Her support was invaluable and allowed our small staff the ability to focus on their specific job duties.

Elna P.Family Support Circle

Trusted By Clients Like

Need an expert grant writer for your event or panel?

If you’re looking for an experienced grant writing expert to speak at your next event, I got you covered.

Whether it’s breaking down public funding strategies, helping nonprofits secure more grants, or guiding aspiring grant writers, I will help you level-up.

Check out my Media Page to learn more and book me for your next speaking engagement!