The Power of Certification: Jillain Veil-Ehnert’s Role in Elevating the Grants Profession

The path to success is often paved with hard work and challenging tests, and for Jillain Veil-Ehnert, both have played a crucial role in shaping her distinguished career in the grants profession. As the current President of the Board of Directors for the Grant Professional Certification Institute (GPCI), she is dedicated to raising the standards of the grants profession by managing the prestigious Grant Professional Certification (GPC) credential. But her journey to this leadership role wasn't a straightforward path — it was one built on years of experience, a love of learning, and a commitment to professional growth.

Jillain’s career in nonprofits began right after college when she worked directly with adults with disabilities as a job coach, training them for employment. A strong background in English and a passion for writing led her to become involved in grantwriting, a skill she honed over the years while working for small nonprofits. As she moved through different positions, Jillain's talent for writing grants became more apparent. She was encouraged by a colleague to apply for a grantwriting role at a local performing arts school — a position that would set her on the course toward her current career.

Jillain’s background in higher education, coupled with a teaching degree, made her well-suited to the world of grants. Her ability to teach and plan became a cornerstone of her approach to grantwriting, and it wasn’t long before she became a recognized figure in the field.

“In the same way that you have to create a lesson plan, you have to create a program plan, and you have to assess and evaluate,” Jillian says. “It fits really well with the grant industry.” 

In 2015, Jillain’s supervisor at her institution encouraged her to pursue national certification. With her extensive experience in both federal and foundation grants, she wanted a certification that covered the full life cycle of grants, and that’s when she discovered the GPC credential. The process of earning the GPC is rigorous — an exam that requires mastery in all aspects of grantwriting and management. After 13 years in the field, Jillain faced the challenging but ultimately rewarding exam and earned her certification in 2016.

Her involvement with GPCI grew from there. Jillain’s leadership potential was recognized by colleagues and mentors, who encouraged her to contribute at a national level. In 2020, she was voted onto the GPCI board. The transition to board work came naturally, as Jillain had been involved with boards throughout her life, from her Girl Scout Gold Award days to various local organizations. She quickly became a key player in GPCI’s efforts, especially during the pandemic, when the board had to navigate the challenges of remote testing and accreditation.

Under Jillain's leadership, GPCI has continued to emphasize the importance of accreditation. With a background in higher education, Jillain deeply understands the significance of maintaining high standards, not just for the organization but for the grants profession as a whole. She is especially proud of the GPC’s accreditation by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), which it first received in 2019. The credential’s renewal in 2024 under the leadership of then-president Egondu Onuoha was a monumental achievement, ensuring that GPCI continues to meet the rigorous standards necessary for professionals to trust and rely on the GPC.

Jillain’s role at GPCI is challenging, especially when it comes to providing timely support to candidates and certified professionals. Despite the limited resources of the organization, Jillain and her team prioritize customer service. Her personal commitment to helping individuals is evident in her willingness to provide her phone number to candidates, ensuring they receive the support they need.

 “The most challenging part of my work is ensuring that we’re available to everyone who needs help, particularly when they face issues with testing centers or exam scheduling,” Jillian says.

The most rewarding aspect of her work is the impact the GPC credential has on grant professionals’ lives. Jillain fondly remembers the reception at the Grant Professionals Association’s annual summit, where certified professionals gather to celebrate their accomplishments. “It’s like coming home,” she says, describing the joy of seeing people who have earned their GPC and hearing their success stories. For Jillain, seeing the positive impact of GPCI’s work on professionals, particularly consultants who rely on the credential for their livelihoods, makes the challenges of the job worthwhile.

Outside of her role at GPCI, Jillain is the Director of Foundation Relations and Research Grants at Concordia College in Minnesota, finding deep fulfillment in the diversity of projects she encounters.

 “One day I might be looking at a physics grant, and the next, it’s Indigenous programming with local schools,” Jillain says. “It’s so exciting to see the different projects and the difference grants can make.”

For aspiring grant professionals, Jillain offers one simple piece of advice: “Just try a grant. See if it’s something you enjoy. It’s either something you’ll love, or something you’ll know isn’t for you.” For Jillain, the work is incredibly rewarding, and even when a grant isn’t successful, the lessons learned can be just as valuable.

Jillain’s leadership at GPCI is a reflection of her commitment to professional growth, continuous learning, and a dedication to helping others succeed in the grants profession. As GPCI continues to evolve, Jillain remains focused on ensuring the credential maintains the highest standards and continues to be a valuable asset to grant professionals worldwide. Whether through her leadership, her mentorship, or her personal commitment to the grants field, Jillain is helping shape the future of grant professionalism — one certification at a time.