Hello! I’m Jeana, and I’ve been a nonprofit professional for 15 years – which honestly isn’t as boring as it sounds. You wouldn’t believe the scandal and intrigue that goes on behind closed doors at some of the agencies I’ve worked for! But since I’m not at liberty to tell you about that, I’ll tell you about this:
In all my years of nonprofit work, I’ve done everything from program planning and direct service, to grant writing and being a Development Director. About 3 years ago I started my own consultancy and I’ve never looked back. I love being my own boss in an office with just a party of me (although the water cooler gossip isn’t nearly as interesting).
But let’s back up a minute. When I launched my business in late 2017 I had a clear vision of what I wanted it to look like. I’d spent the previous decade in some aspect of community organizing and activism – whether in my my personal life or at work. I was becoming more and more aware of how my whiteness was showing up everywhere and in everything. So when I started my own business, I was committed to decentering my whiteness and re-centering equity and inclusion in every facet of what I do.
What this looks like in practice: 1. I prioritize working with organizations led by BIPOC; 2. I prioritize organizations who, like me, are critically evaluating race, equity, and inclusion, and are committed to dismantling white-centered practices and policies in their communities; and 3. Any material I create – from grant proposals to curriculum content – is created through a lens of equity and intersectional empowerment.
As a grant writing consultant for six years now, I’ve been able to do a lot of work I’m really proud of. I’ve partnered with incredible organizations and cool people. I’ve written more grants than I can even count (okay, it’s about 300). If your nonprofit agency needs help, we’d love to talk to you. If you don’t, we still love you and hope you’ll check back with us in the future.
Until then, best wishes on your nonprofit journey (it’s a doozy sometimes, but it’s well worth the blood, sweat, and tears)!
Jeana Van Sickle, Owner & CEO – JVS Consulting, LLC
