Think and Ink Grant Consulting,

Background & About Think and Ink

Think and Ink Grant Consulting was established back in 2016. They improve the grant-seeking process by facilitating connections with funders, addressing challenges, and enhancing community influence. Specializing in foundation, local, state, and federal grants, they focus on initiatives benefiting women, children, health, and education.

Over the years, Shavonn has held several leadership positions within non-profit organizations where she reviewed and decided on grant applications. During this time, she observed a discrepancy between what nonprofit leaders believe funders expect and what funders actually prioritize. This reflection allowed her to provide real life practical support and advice to clients.

Initially starting her career in finance, she pursued a Business major at Howard University followed by an MBA with a finance concentration at Emory University. With a background primarily in banking, her professional trajectory shifted in 2013 when the loss of her grandfather to prostate cancer deeply inspired her to pursue non-profit leadership and eventually led her to contemplate grant consulting.

Motivated by a strong desire to make a positive impact, she describes her mission as "helping the world."

Continuing a family legacy, she is the fourth generation to engage in similar philanthropic endeavors. Both her grandmothers and her mom were leading organizations and supporting non-profits!

Navigating Challenges

In her entrepreneurial journey, Shavonn grapples with the challenge of accessing resources tailored for businesses in the "middle tier," situated between startups and enterprises, which often face unique needs overlooked by existing support systems. Drawing upon her MBA training, she strategically navigates the complexities of business structuring to address this gap effectively. She also relies on a network of mentors and peers from various cohorts she has been a part of, leveraging their insights and experiences to overcome obstacles and drive her venture forward.

Current Projects and Collaborations

In some of her most recent professional endeavors, she has achieved significant milestones, including securing a $1.2 million grant for the Douglasville Community Service Board. This grant facilitated the implementation of a program aimed at providing mental health resources to individuals at the time of their arrest, emphasizing the importance of considering mental health support during sentencing for those who opt for such resources. Additionally, she played a pivotal role in supporting Atlanta Metropolitan College by securing another $2 million grant. This funding enabled the establishment of an on-campus childcare facility that alleviates the challenges faced by students who are balancing work and parenting responsibilities.

Entrepreneurial Highlights and Forming Connections

Shavonn values authenticity as a foundational quality, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful consideration in all endeavors. Shavonn mentioned “For any entrepreneur, I think the first great quality is being authentic and very thoughtful about what you want to do.” Guided by her strong faith, she incorporates its principles into her decision-making processes and business operations, shaping her approach to be in alignment with her beliefs. Her perspective diverges from convention, as she opts for paths less traveled, prioritizing sincerity and faith-driven guidance over traditional norms.

With a keen interest in both mentoring others and being mentored, Shavonn embodies a collaborative spirit. This newfound confidence propelled her to introduce herself and her business, fostering numerous meaningful connections. Her affinity for Industrious stems from the supportive community atmosphere. Eager to assist fellow members, she offers her expertise in writing, particularly in persuasive writing and she serves as a valuable resource due to her plentiful connections within the non-profit community in Atlanta.