"If you wish to influence and individual or a group to embrace a particular value in their daily lives, tell them a compelling story."
-Annette Simmons-
-Annette Simmons-
About Drake Grants & Consulting
Natasha R. Drake,
Owner/Consultant
Natasha R. Drake is an established grant writer and fundraising professional serving locations in Denver, Colorado and Des Moines, Iowa, in addition to remote work with clients across the country. With seven years of experience in donor programming, Natasha has worked for a variety of nonprofit, community, and government organizations serving diverse constituent bases, including federally recognized Tribes, Native American organizations, educational institutions, religious groups, women, veterans, crime victims, students, and more.
Natasha's qualifications and career highlights include:
Natasha's qualifications and career highlights include:
- Wrote more than 150 successful proposals to corporate, foundation, and individual donors garnering $6 million in funding.
- Secured more than $1 million in new or increased funding through innovative grant writing.
- Managed a team responsible for the development, implementation, and evaluation of approximately $3 million in annual funding for a national nonprofit.
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Professional Background
American Indian College Fund - Resource Development Department Iowa Attorney General's Office - Crime Victim Assistance Division Office of the Governor & Lt. Governor of Iowa - Legal Department Educational Background Iliff School of Theology - Master of Arts in Social Change, 2015 University of Northern Iowa, Bachelor of Arts in Criminology with Minor in Politics & Law, 2007 Ellsworth Community College - Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts, 2005 Volunteer Work Romero Theater Troupe - Social Justice Through Organic Theater Iliff Voices Matter - Student-Led Community Organizing The Telling Project - Storytelling for Military Veterans |
Natasha's Story
Working with Native women leaders during a retreat in
Washington, D.C.
A writer from a young age, I have always understood the power of words as a tool for creating connections. My passion for telling stories grew as I became more socially aware and began to interact with communities outside of my own. I wanted to share what I was learning about the world, and I wanted to make a positive impact while doing so.
This passion became a profession when I landed my first job as a grant writer. Over the years, I have learned how to intricately weave stories of emotional, personal, and societal importance alongside statistics, financials, and mission statements. This work has been further strengthened by my graduate education in social change, a program that has allowed me to study under the guidance of gifted and talented community activists who have nurtured and developed my vocational philosophy and awareness of the role that storytelling plays in connecting groups and individuals across lines of difference.
This passion became a profession when I landed my first job as a grant writer. Over the years, I have learned how to intricately weave stories of emotional, personal, and societal importance alongside statistics, financials, and mission statements. This work has been further strengthened by my graduate education in social change, a program that has allowed me to study under the guidance of gifted and talented community activists who have nurtured and developed my vocational philosophy and awareness of the role that storytelling plays in connecting groups and individuals across lines of difference.
Managing the government's response to victims of violent crime.
I owe my knowledge and success to the numerous groups and individuals I have worked with over the course of my career, many of whom continue to patiently guide me through the nuances of using my own voice to tell the story of others. I began my professional career as an intern drafting confidential legal memoranda to a governor analyzing executive clemency applications from criminal offenders. I have since spent time working with Indigenous populations, domestic violence victims, veterans, and more. While advocating alongside these groups, I remain mindful of the need to amplify their voices with my talent for words rather overwhelming them with my own narrative.
Born and raised in Iowa, I now live in Colorado. I have worked with clients from across the country and am adept at advocating for local needs on a state, regional, and national level. I have finished all requirements and will receive my master's degree in social change from Iliff School of Theology in June 2015. I also hold a bachelor's degree in criminology and politics and law from the University of Northern Iowa. In my free-time, I organize around higher education issues and volunteer with The Romero Theater Troupe, a community group dedicated to social justice through organic theater. I am a lifelong learner, a yoga practitioner, and a dog lover.
Born and raised in Iowa, I now live in Colorado. I have worked with clients from across the country and am adept at advocating for local needs on a state, regional, and national level. I have finished all requirements and will receive my master's degree in social change from Iliff School of Theology in June 2015. I also hold a bachelor's degree in criminology and politics and law from the University of Northern Iowa. In my free-time, I organize around higher education issues and volunteer with The Romero Theater Troupe, a community group dedicated to social justice through organic theater. I am a lifelong learner, a yoga practitioner, and a dog lover.
Photo Credits: Nadia N. Drake and Bob Brammer
