Advancing Grant Professionals Through Advocacy and Community

In the world of grantwriting, where every word has the potential to unlock millions in funding, Mike Chamberlain is leading the charge to ensure the professionals behind those proposals get the recognition—and resources—they deserve. Mike has spent nearly a decade at the Grant Professionals Association (GPA), a national organization that supports professionals dedicated to securing and managing grants. As Chief Executive Officer, Mike’s role is to lead the association by advocating for the field, enhancing the professionalism of its members, and providing the tools they need to succeed. With a career grounded in association management and a passion for helping others thrive, Mike is a staunch advocate for the grant profession and the impact it has on communities across the country.

Founded in 1998, GPA supports individuals involved in all stages of grantwriting, from identifying funding to post-award reporting. Serving professionals across sectors like education, human services, and government, GPA provides a community for support, professional development, and advocacy. Under Mike's leadership, the association has become a key resource for grant professionals nationwide.

“Grant professionals are the unsung heroes of the nonprofit world,” Mike says. “They may not always get the recognition they deserve, but their work is critical to bringing ideas to life in the communities they serve. Whether it's funding an after-school program, building a community park, or expanding access to healthcare, grants are often the lifeblood that drives these initiatives forward.”

Mike points out that many grant professionals enter the field by chance, often transitioning into grant-related roles through other responsibilities. While grantwriting is sometimes just one of many tasks they handle, Mike emphasizes that it’s a highly specialized field requiring unique skills and expertise. He believes grantwriting should be recognized as a legitimate, valuable profession, regardless of how professionals come into the field.

One of Mike’s main goals at GPA is to raise awareness about the professionalism of grant work and ensure grant professionals are recognized for their strategic skills. They are not just writers or administrators, but project managers overseeing everything from research to budgets and post-award reporting. GPA supports them by offering resources, training, and a network of peers to help advance their careers and expertise.

"We work hard to create a supportive community for grant professionals to learn, share experiences, and overcome challenges," Mike says. "Grant work can be isolating, especially when you're the only one handling grants in your organization. With GPA, members have access to a network that understands their challenges and offers practical advice."

The association's focus on building a professional community is central to its mission. Through online forums, webinars, and conferences, GPA connects members nationwide. Mike finds great fulfillment in hearing stories from members about how GPA has helped them navigate challenges and achieve success. Recently, one member secured a multi-million-dollar federal grant, highlighting the impact of the association's support.

GPA is dedicated to professionalizing the grant field, advocating for the Grant Professional Certification (GPC) as a key credential. The association supports the GPC through continuing education and a member code of ethics. GPA is also working with the federal government to have grant professionals officially recognized as a distinct occupation. Mike believes that emphasizing professional standards helps elevate the field as a whole.

“Grant professionals have long been an essential part of the nonprofit and public sectors, but they haven’t always been recognized as a unique profession,” Mike says. “We’re working to change that by getting grant professionals listed in the Standard Occupational Classification system. Our goal is to ensure that those working in grants are seen for the highly skilled professionals they are.”

The work of a grant professional comes with its challenges, but Mike feels the rewards are much greater. One of the toughest aspects of his job, he explains, is helping those in the field recognize themselves as professionals. Many in the grant sector don't view their work in that light, despite the wide range of skills they bring—skills such as project management, financial oversight, and strategic planning—that are essential to the success of their organizations.

For Mike, the most rewarding aspect of his role is knowing that he is helping to create an environment where grant professionals can thrive. 

“When we hear from members who have completed a training course or participated in a community event and gone on to secure a major grant for their organization, it’s a win for all of us,” Mike says. “We may not write the grants or manage the funds ourselves, but we are part of a larger effort to make sure that the individuals who are doing that work have the tools and resources they need to be successful.”

As GPA continues to grow and evolve, Mike remains committed to raising the profile of the grant profession and ensuring that its impact is felt far and wide. 

“At the end of the day, our job is to make sure that our members are prepared to do their best work,” Mike says. “When they succeed, the communities they serve succeed. And that’s what drives everything we do.”