A Personal Reflection: Transitioning from Public Relations to Grant Writing
I never thought I’d leave the familiar terrain of public relations and marketing, especially when working so closely with so many Indigenous communities. For years, my work supported telling stories, amplifying voices, and crafting messages that resonated with broader audiences. But something was missing. While PR brought awareness, it didn’t always bring action. We could shine a spotlight on the issues, but the resources to address them often remained out of reach. At the same time, I felt communications was shifting too quickly away from solid theoretical foundations toward an endless stream of reactive digital content. It became more about highlighting the issue of the moment rather than building lasting solutions. It felt like being stuck in a never-ending cycle—an ever-turning washing machine with no pause or clear end.
In March of 2024, I made a pivotal shift—moving away from PR and fully embracing grant writing. At first, it felt daunting. The structure, the strategy, the precise language—it was different from the creative flow I had grown used to. But as I dove deeper, I realized that this wasn’t a departure from helping communities; it was a more direct way of supporting them.
Looking back, I am still amazed at what we were able to accomplish in 2024.
Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change.
Wayne W. Dyer
Over eight months, we secured more than $3.5 million in funding. It’s not just the dollar figure that matters; it’s what those resources mean. Each grant was a door opened, a need being addressed, a vision brought closer to reality. More than the financial achievements, what stays with me is the feeling of seeing long-standing barriers dissolve.
There’s something profoundly fulfilling about helping communities access resources they’ve never had before. These aren’t abstract projects—they’re real initiatives, led by people who know exactly what their communities need. The funding we helped secure wasn’t just about filling a budget line; it was about empowering people to create the change they’ve always envisioned. It was about revitalizing languages, supporting youth programs, building cultural centers, and strengthening local economies.
Marketing and communications plays a vital role in this work, ensuring that access to these resources and programs is clearly communicated and understood. I deeply applaud and honour those who continue to do this critical work—it’s essential. But I also recognize it is no longer the path for me.
This transition wasn’t easy. It required a shift in mindset, a willingness to learn, and an acceptance that good storytelling alone wasn’t enough. But as I reflect on these months, I can see that stepping into grant writing allowed me to truly serve. The stories are still there, but now they’re backed by resources that help turn those stories into lasting impacts.
I’ll always value my time in public relations. It taught me how to listen, how to communicate effectively, and how to connect with people on a meaningful level. But moving into grant writing gave me something even more valuable: the ability to help make tangible change happen and a tangible sense of accomplishment.
For me, the most amazing part of this journey isn’t just the money raised; it’s the knowledge that those funds are now making a difference—supporting the people who know exactly how to build brighter futures for their communities.