Doniesha Higgins
Phoenix,Arizona
Summary
Grant professional with a proven track record of securing over $7 million in funding, including $5 million within the past six years. Experienced in managing the full grant lifecycle from application through closeout, including budget development, compliance, reporting, and program implementation. Skilled in aligning programs with funding priorities, coordinating with stakeholders, and ensuring grant-funded initiatives are executed effectively and in compliance with requirements.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Executive Director
Melabiz Community Hub
04.2022 - Current
- Secured grant funding to support youth programming, workforce development, mental health services, and community-based initiatives
- Managed the full lifecycle of multiple grant-funded programs, ensuring compliance, accurate reporting, and successful implementation
- Developed program models aligned with funding priorities, strengthening competitiveness for grant opportunities
- Coordinated with community organizations, government agencies, and stakeholders to implement grant-funded services effectively
- Established systems for data tracking, program evaluation, and reporting requirements
- Monitored program budgets and expenditures to ensure alignment with grant guidelines and funding regulations
CEO & Business Consultant
Melabiz Service Hub
06.2019 - Current
- Wrote and secured grant funding on behalf of multiple organizations, contributing to a combined total of over $7 million in awarded funding
- Led full grant development process, including opportunity identification, proposal writing, budget creation, and submission
- Provided technical assistance to organizations on grant applications, budgets, compliance, and reporting
- Supported organizations in aligning proposals with funding priorities and regulatory requirements
- Assisted clients in managing grant implementation, reporting, and compliance processes
- Built partnerships with nonprofits, agencies, and community organizations to strengthen funding opportunities
Executive Director (Contract)
TigerMountain Foundation
02.2021 - 03.2023
- Led grant writing and funding strategy efforts, identifying opportunities and developing proposals to support organizational programs
- Managed grant-funded initiatives, ensuring compliance with funding requirements and reporting expectations
- Developed budgets and monitored expenditures to align with grant guidelines and financial requirements
- Coordinated with leadership and stakeholders to align program goals with funding priorities
- Evaluated program outcomes and supported reporting to funding agencies
Director
Boys & Girls Club of Milwaukee
01.2018 - 06.2022
- Managed large-scale program budgets and supported grant-funded initiatives
- Led fundraising and grant efforts to secure funding for youth programming
- Monitored program performance and ensured alignment with funding requirements
- Collaborated with leadership and community partners to support program sustainability and growth
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Human Services
Kaplan University
Associate of Science - Criminal Justice
Capella University
Skills
- Grant Lifecycle Management (Application → Closeout)
- Budget Development & Financial Compliance
- Government & Federal Grant Processes
- Program Design & Implementation
- Stakeholder Coordination & Partnerships
- Contract & Grant Monitoring
- Reporting & Performance Tracking
- Strategic Planning & Process Development
Affiliations
Member, Grant Professionals Association
Certification
- Mental Health First Aid (Adult & Youth)
- Crisis Intervention Training
- Thinking for a Change
- CPR Certified
- Health & Nutrition Life Coach
Timeline
Executive Director
Melabiz Community Hub
04.2022 - Current
Executive Director (Contract)
TigerMountain Foundation
02.2021 - 03.2023
CEO & Business Consultant
Melabiz Service Hub
06.2019 - Current
Director
Boys & Girls Club of Milwaukee
01.2018 - 06.2022
Associate of Science - Criminal Justice
Capella University
Bachelor of Arts - Human Services
Kaplan University