Interests in the philanthropic sector are constantly changing in response to the social and political climate. In recent years, significant global events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and various climate disasters, have caused a shift in funding priorities. But that doesn’t mean funders are throwing money at problems without a plan. Gone are the days…
You may feel confident creating project budgets for foundations and corporations, but have you ever tried your hand at a federal grant project budget? Grant projects funded by the federal government are held to a high standard of transparency and accountability. Project budgeting for federal grants can be complex, with strict regulations, compliance standards, and detailed reporting requirements. In this blog post, we share insights to help you level up on federal grant budgets. …
Do you ever find that you or your team are struggling to stay on track with goals? Or getting lost in the complexities of a project? Well, look no further than a well-crafted work plan, something we teach clients how to create for federal grants and nonprofit work in general. In this blog post, we dive into the four essential elements of a winning work plan. …
In a previous post, we introduced you to the art of writing government proposals, one of our specialties here at Lydia Sierra Consulting. Over the next few months, we’re going deeper into this topic, sharing proven methods from our grant writing team, who spent the past year developing an online course for organizations seeking federal grant opportunities. To kick this off, we’re starting with the importance of writing a powerful needs statement. …
The holiday season is often touted as a time of joy and celebration, but it can bring about a range of difficult emotions. The pressure to spend money, attend holiday parties, and maintain a cheerful facade can lead to guilt and increased stress levels. On top of that, the emphasis on family can amplify the absence of loved ones or magnify complicated relationships, stirring up feelings of grief. …
In the four previous blog posts, we’ve highlighted end-of-year tasks that every nonprofit should be doing or at least thinking about to prepare for the upcoming year. Now, as the year comes to a close, we want to emphasize the importance of creating a projected budget — a financial roadmap showing how you will finish the fiscal year or what you anticipate for the year ahead, with a clear overview of expected revenue and expenses. …
Securing government contracts and grants can be a game-changer for nonprofits. However, winning these opportunities involves writing compelling proposals and navigating a complex landscape of regulations and competition. In this blog, we dive into the benefits and challenges of government proposals and what nonprofits can be doing now to prepare for them. …
Nonprofit donors are inundated with asks at the end of the year, have their own planned giving, and are enjoying the hectic holiday time. The earlier in December folks read your appeal letter, the better the chances that they’ll make you a priority. Yet, as much as this is pragmatic advice about time management, it also has bigger implications for cultivating your donor base and engaging your Board and volunteers. …
Fall isn’t just about pumpkin spice lattes and cozy sweaters; it’s an opportune time to collect and analyze data that can shape your nonprofit’s future. With heavy programming schedules after the summer break, organizations have a captive audience and the opportunity to gather valuable insights about participants’ experiences, preferences, and needs. …
In working for nonprofits and collaborating with them as a consultant, I’ve repeatedly seen the same challenges pop up across a wide range of organizations. The good news is that a little strategic fall planning can help you avoid many of these challenges. Here are six things your organization should be doing this season to end the year strong…
Sachin Prasad, Salesforce Consultant
Sachin Prasad is a Salesforce-certified expert and app builder with over eight years of IT consulting experience. He holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Sikkim Manipal University. He is an expert in Salesforce configuration and customization for non-profits. He helps organizations set up Salesforce for project management, donations/grants management, and custom applications. He focuses on helping non-profits spend less time on administration and more time on what really matters – delivering high-quality programs to their constituents and impacting their communities. Sachin sets up client Salesforce accounts for individual donor management, program and grants management, and additional customized applications.
Michael J. Cole, Prospect Researcher
Michael J. Cole is a proposal writer, digital content creator, and prospect researcher at Lydia Sierra Consulting (LSC). With a wealth of academic and professional experience, Michael previously served as a lecturer in Political Science and International Affairs at the University of New Hampshire. He is currently a PhD candidate (ABD) in the Global Governance and Human Security program at UMass Boston’s McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies. As a National Science Foundation (NSF) fellow, his research focuses on the intersection of environmental justice, community resilience, and climate change adaptation in coastal communities.
Michael’s expertise extends beyond academia into leadership roles in nonprofit consulting and international research. His experience includes work as a researcher at the Center for Governance and Sustainability and as a former Managing Editor of Global Governance: A Review of Multilateralism and International Organizations. His professional background in content creation, combined with his commitment to advocacy and environmental justice, enhances his contributions to LSC’s mission to empower underserved communities.
Alexandra Brown, Executive Assistant
With over 20 years of experience in customer service and 12 years in management, Lexi Brown excels as an Executive Assistant at Lydia Sierra Consulting. Renowned for her exceptional organizational and task management skills, she ensures smooth operations across a wide range of projects. In her role, Lexi assists with special initiatives such as individual donor campaigns and Salesforce customization, leveraging her expertise to enhance client success. Holding an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s in Finance, she is also a certified Salesforce Administrator and Nonprofit Cloud Consultant. Her sharp attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities make her indispensable to the LSC team. Her combined experience in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors, along with her dedication to organization, ensures that Lydia Sierra Consulting remains efficient and effective in its mission. Outside of work, Lexi channels her creativity by making candles and bath and body products.
Christyna Lepetiuk, Proposal Writer
Christyna is an accomplished environmental planner and fund development professional who has been a part of Lydia Sierra Consulting for over three years. Her role at LSC includes writing impactful grants, working with clients to optimize their use of CRM platforms like Salesforce, and providing guidance on program management. Prior to joining LSC, Christyna worked with communities and nonprofits across the southeastern United States, focusing on improving urban livability and natural resource protection. She has extensive experience leading interdisciplinary teams and working with developers in Baltimore and Washington, D.C. on Green Area Ratio and Natural Resource Protection Plans. Christyna holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Analysis and Planning from Frostburg State University, a Master’s Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Drexel University, and is completing a Master’s in Public Health from the University of South Florida. Her diverse expertise allows her to support clients in both environmental and nonprofit sectors, enhancing the overall impact of their work.
Irma Frias, Grants Coordinator
Irma is an integral part of Lydia Sierra Consulting’s operations, where she provides comprehensive support across various departments and assists with the management of key platforms like Salesforce and HIVE. Her strong organizational skills and ability to handle multiple projects ensure the smooth functioning of LSC’s daily operations. In addition to her role at LSC, Irma also serves as the Assistant Director of Prospect Research at Columbia Law School, where she creates detailed donor reports and manages high-level alumni relations. With a background in event planning, donor management, and nonprofit administration, Irma’s professional experience spans over a decade, including roles at Columbia University and the University of Texas at Austin. She holds a BA in Business Management from Saint Edward’s University and an MS in Nonprofit Management from Columbia University. Irma’s expertise and leadership in both administrative and strategic roles make her an invaluable asset to LSC.
Tom Wallace, Proposal Writer
Tom is driven by his passion for global human rights and education. After earning his graduate degree in International Development from New York University, he spent several years working with New York-based nonprofits, supporting under-resourced communities across Queens, Brooklyn, Upper Manhattan, and the Bronx. In his roles, Tom combined in-class teaching and grant writing to elevate the education of those in need. Over time, he honed his skills in marketing and digital communications, which he now leverages as a proposal writer at Lydia Sierra Consulting to help nonprofits expand their reach and impact. His unique blend of fieldwork, writing, and communications expertise ensures that LSC’s clients receive comprehensive and strategic support to drive their missions forward.
Lydia Sierra, Founder and Principal Consultant
Lydia earned a Master’s degree and completed two years of doctoral studies in Human Services Administration. She has over 30 years of experience in the nonprofit sector in areas such as youth development, juvenile justice, arts education, community organizing, immigration services, community development, community health and more. Prior to establishing Lydia Sierra Consulting, she was the founder and director of a community-based organization that served as the social service arm of a Bronx church. As a Bronx native, her unique aptitude and passion for understanding and addressing the needs of underrepresented urban communities have led to her raising tens of millions of dollars to support vital community work. She is an organizational development specialist and a fundraising expert who has developed assessment tools, toolkits, and a treasure chest of strategies to help community-based nonprofit organizations grow to the next level. When not hard at work for her clients, you might find Lydia spending time with her five adorable grandchildren, hiking in nature, buried in a book, or writing in her journal.
Jamie Andersson, Director of Fund Development
Jamie earned a Master’s of Fine Arts degree in Writing from Bard College and has 20+ years of experience providing strategic fund development services for organizations at a variety of scales (from new organizations with operating budgets under $100k to established multi-million dollar institutions). In addition to private foundation and corporate grant procurement, Jamie’s expertise includes proposal development for a wide variety of federal, state, and local government agencies. Jamie served as Managing Director of a non-profit technical assistance provider in NYC for over a decade before joining LSC in 2019. She now manages a talented team of LSC writers and grants managers to provide highly effective services to our vibrant roster of clients. Jamie works closely with organizational leadership, gaining deep knowledge of each client’s programs, systems, needs, goals, and funding gaps, allowing her to become a collaborative partner in visioning the most effective and efficient path to mission-driven growth. She’s also served on the Boards of several non-profit organizations in her home state of New York. Currently, she lives in Sweden with her husband and son.
Megan Rozzero, Director of Accounts and Administration
Megan earned a BA in Business Communication from Assumption College. She helps form the backbone of Lydia Sierra Consulting, providing a high level of support and performing essential administrative functions that keep LSC’s day-to-day operations running smoothly. From developing proposal outlines to packaging and submission, Megan is a professional administrator, providing oversight, guidance, and capacity for team members of her department and company-wide operations. She is an expert in project and systems management (including government databases, Salesforce, and other cloud-based management software), as well as event planning and customer service. Prior to working at LSC, Megan worked in development at Brown University and Providence College where she was responsible for coordinating administrative activities associated with gift solicitation, processing, and donor cultivation, including interfacing with donors of all levels. She also has a passion for the arts and enjoys taking a variety of dance classes, particularly jazz and tap.
Megan Sweat Lopes, Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist
Megan holds a Masters of Public Health in Social and Behavioral Health from Virginia Commonwealth University and has 15 years of multisector work experience in education, health, and nutrition. Megan’s expertise includes program design and evaluation, learning and professional development, and grant writing and management. For 9 years, Megan was Maryland’s Team Nutrition Training Grants Director, where she worked with diverse teams from community-based organizations, universities, and state/local agencies to provide training and nutrition education to school nutrition professionals, teachers, administrators, and children across the state. She has written federal and private grants, managed funds in excess of 1 million dollars, and established and managed funding opportunities for schools, child care centers, universities, and community-based organizations. Megan started her career as a Peace Corps HIV/AIDS Community Mobilization Volunteer in Namibia, and she worked closely with a local government and community based organizations to apply for HIV funding opportunities. Megan currently resides in Portugal with her husband and daughter where they love to adventure to new towns and cities and experience new cuisines.
Candace Famiglietti, Director of Training
Candace is an experienced nonprofit consultant with expertise in grant research, research methods, micro and social enterprise, gender, environmental justice, wildlife conservation, and sustainable development. Since joining the team in 2021, Candace has performed deep grant research with nonprofit leaders in social and environmental justice, youth development, sustainable economic development, reentry, juvenile justice reform, and more. Prior to LSC, Candace worked in Donor Relations at Stony Brook University and was co-owner of a social enterprise focused on helping children in war torn countries get access to peace-based education. Candace is also currently finishing a PhD in Global Governance and Human Security with a focus in Global Environmental Governance at the University of Massachusetts Boston where she is also a National Science Foundation IGERT Fellow and also has taught multiple sustainability courses at Babson College She also has an MS in International Studies with a concentration in International Human Development, Society, and Education and a BS in Finance with minors in French and Accounting from Oklahoma State University.
Andy Draheim, Senior Proposal Writer
Andy earned a BA in Metropolitan Studies at Michigan State University’s James Madison College and a MA in American History at Indiana University. Drawn to Lydia Sierra Consulting by the team’s deep-seated passion and desire to see youth, families, and communities thrive, he helps LSC’s inspiring roster of clients share their compelling stories and pitch their vital programs to charitable foundations, government agencies, and other grant funders. Andy brings more than two decades of proposal writing experience to LSC from his executive fundraising and development roles with major state and national nonprofits in the environmental and pro-democracy movements. An avid runner who has finished more than a dozen marathons, Andy enjoys family vacations on the amazing waters of northern Michigan where he grew up, visiting his three children who are scattered across the United States, and tailgating with friends at Michigan State University football games.
Christine Van Fossen, Government Proposal Specialist
Christine joined the Lydia Sierra Consulting team in 2024 as a Government Proposal Specialist, bringing her extensive expertise in food security, nutrition research, and international development. She earned her Master of Science in Food Policy and Applied Nutrition from Tufts University and serves as a senior advisor to the university’s Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, specializing in humanitarian assistance programs. Before joining LSC, Christine spent nearly a decade in the public sector, working on critical issues including environmental conservation, national parks, foreign policy, international development, and justice sector reform. Her unique background in both government and academic roles enables her to craft compelling proposals that drive impact for LSC’s clients.