ABOUT US
MAUREEN RYAN, FOUNDER AND CEO
The principal of Write Connections, LLC is Maureen A. Ryan, a service-oriented business and education professional with 30 years combined experience in grant development, writing and administration working with non-profit agencies, community- and faith-based groups and for-profit companies. Maureen has raised more than $90 million in federal, state and city/county government and corporate and private foundation grants for nonprofits in California, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. Grants have been secured for programs and initiatives related to work in the fields of arts and culture, human/social services, K-12 and post-secondary education, STEM education, workforce development and career exploration, manufacturing, technology, engineering, biotechnology, energy, community and economic development, science and physical and behavioral healthcare.
Prior to starting Write Connections, LLC in 2007, Maureen held many positions in the non-profit sector including Manager of Education Initiatives, Workforce Education and Development at Catalyst Connection and the Pittsburgh Technology Council and Coordinator of Recruitment, Natural Sciences and Engineering Technology Department at Point Park University. More recently, Maureen served as Executive Director of PGSS Campaign, Inc. from 2012-2014 and STEM Coordinator for Penn State University-New Kensington campus from 2010-2011. In addition to grant consulting, Maureen also conducts grant writing workshops throughout the year to community-based organizations and non-profit groups of all sizes and presents at regional conferences.
Maureen is a recognized professional for her original approach to conceptualizing and developing unique and innovative grant proposals that focus on partnerships and achievable project outcomes. Maureen earned her bachelor’s degree in Humanities from the University of Pittsburgh and her Master’s in Business Administration from Point Park University, and currently holds memberships with the American Grantwriter’s Association, the Association of Fundraising Professionals –Western PA Chapter, and The Foundation Center, Washington, D.C. (Platinum). Write Connections, LLC is registered as professional fundraising counsel with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations. Maureen also holds current Act 34, Act 151, and FBI clearances.
Maureen takes very seriously her client relationships and has established Write Connections to be responsive, knowledgeable and flexible when working with organizations of all sizes – from small community-based groups to large national organizations.
ASHLEE CARTER, GRANT ASSOCIATE
Ashlee is a development professional who brings a wealth of knowledge to nonprofit organizations. She earned a Master’s degree in Professional Leadership with a concentration in Management for Nonprofits from Carlow University and a Bachelor’s degree in Health Service Administration from Slippery Rock University. Ashlee has worked in corporate and private philanthropy, honing her grant administration skills and managing innovative projects. She has also spent time in human services, empowering families with mental and behavioral health barriers.
