About

I’m Carolyn Caldwell, GPC, CFRE. I’ve been working in fundraising for nearly 25 years, I am a Certified Fund Raising Executive (or CFRE), and a Grant Professional Certified (or GPC). I am also a GPA Approved Trainer. GPA is Grant Professionals Association, where I am an active member. I am also active in Association of Fundraising Professionals. Both organization’s members adhere to a Code of Ethics. AFP members also follow the Donor Bill of Rights.

I’ve written successful grant proposals at the federal, state, local government levels, private foundation level, and corporate level for clients in arts & culture, health and human services, education, and many other sectors. Now my mission is to share what I know about grants so YOU can effectively apply for them yourselves, grow in your grants career or hire a grant writer when it’s time, and appreciate what they do and what they need to do it. 

GPA Approved Trainer (since 2022)

Certified Fund Raising Executive, CFRE International (since 2019)

Grant Professional Certified, Grant Professionals Certification Institute (since 2016)

Actors’ Theatre of Columbus Board Member (2019-2023)

Phoenix Rising Printmaking Cooperative Board Member (2010-2015)

Grant Reviewer

• National Endowment for the Arts (2020)
• Ohio Department of Education’s Community Connectors (2012-2018) and 21st CCLC grants (2011-2019)

Association of Fundraising Professionals Central Ohio chapter:

• Member since 2010, Board Member since 2012
• Chapter President (2017)
• Current: Strategic Partnerships and BE the CAUSE Chair (2025)
• Previous roles: Membership Chair, VP Membership, Global Education Courses Chair, VP Professional Development

Grant Professionals Association Central Ohio Chapter 

• Member since 2010
• Chapter President, 2012