About Me
I am a recovered newspaper person (after 24 years), and now have my own business (Melissa Draut Grant Writing LLC) where I work as a grant writer raising funds for non-profit organizations. My previous corporate life started as an ad agency copywriter and then advanced in marketing, sales and advertising management positions at The Courier-Journal. After leaving the newspaper business in 2007, I started working as a grant writer (for a former C-J editor – small world!), and published a children’s book The Clash of the Tooth Fairy & Santa Claus: An Adventure Fantasy Based on an Almost True Story.
As a newspaper executive, I honed my skills as a writer, organizer and presenter – and learned how to meet deadlines every day – all good things that easily transferred to grant writing and fundraising. I have a B.A. in English from the University of Louisville (go Cards!), and a Masters in Marketing from Webster University of St. Louis.
As a board member for the Fundraising Executives of Metro Louisville (FREML), I developed a Mentor Program helping new fundraising professionals connect with members, and I frequently coach new grant writers. I also have fun sharing my book and passion for good writing through readings and presentations at local schools.
I enjoy spending time with husband Ken, son Sam and dog Rosco. I am a journal writer, lap swimmer, yoga practitioner, Pilates fan, avid reader and dog walker. I hate to shop, but like to cook. My best friend Gail and I are huge GLEE fans.
From the Blog
Relationship Building Key to Foundation Grants
Since much of my career has been in sales, I have seen the power of relationship building. Using relationship building skills in grant writing is even more critical as we “sell” our organizations. At the GPA Conference, Henry Berman – CEO, Association of Small Foundations, also foundation President and trustee of a family foundation [...]
“My Name is Shirley”
David Bowers, VP of the DC market for Enterprise Community Partners, was the most inspiring speaker I heard at the Grant Professionals Association Conference in October. He lifted the audience with his inspiring stories, preacher-like delivery and intelligence problem solving on the issues of affordable housing. What about his talk resonated with me? First, I’m [...]
My Grant Goddess: Dr. Beverly Browning
When I first started grant writing five years ago, I used Dr. Beverly Browning’s Grant Writing for Dummies book as my guide. I had never written a grant before, and her book offered me a crash course. The best endorsement for this book is that the grant I wrote got funded! So you can imagine [...]