Kia Chatmon
Kia Chatmon is a seasoned nonprofit professional and the Founder of Heart for the Community Consulting, where she empowers nonprofit leaders with budgets under $5 million to strengthen their organizations through strategic grant writing and capacity building. With over 20 years of experience, Kia has successfully secured funding from philanthropic foundations, corporate donors, and government agencies, managing grants ranging from $5,000 to $3 million. Her expertise also includes donor cultivation, board development, program planning, and staff training, making her a trusted advisor to organizations across the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
Kia’s commitment to community impact is reflected in her diverse career, which includes roles such as Development Officer for the National Organization of Concerned Black Men, Associate Director for Major Gifts at the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, and Grant Writer at Providence Hospital. She is recognized not only for her grant writing acumen but also for her ability to train and mentor nonprofit leaders, helping them implement sustainable fundraising strategies and maximize their organizational potential.
A Stanford University graduate in Anthropology, Kia combines her academic foundation with practical leadership experience, further enhanced by programs such as the Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women: Black in Business and the Future Executive Directors Fellowship. Through her work, she continues to advance equity and excellence in the nonprofit sector while inspiring the next generation of community-focused leaders.
• One Million Black Women: Black in Business Graduate
• Product Management: Customer Development
• The Six Morning Habits of High Performers
• Stanford University- B.A.
• The Nonprofit Roundtable of Greater Washington
• Canada College- A.A.
• NYU Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
• Grant Professionals Association - National Capital Area Chapter
• Toastmasters International - Joy, Care, Respect Speakers Club
• NTL Advanced Speakers Toastmasters Club
• Toastmasters International
• Joy Care Respect Toastmasters Club
• Deanwood History Committee
• Stanford Black Alumni Association
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of resilience, strategic thinking, and a commitment to serving others. My journey in the nonprofit sector has been shaped by embracing challenges, investing in continuous growth, and creating access and opportunities for organizations and people who need it most.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to think long-term about business ownership, sustainability, and legacy, and to use my experiences—both successes and challenges—to help others navigate their paths more smoothly. It reminded me that our journeys can create opportunities and guidance for those who come after us.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to gain hands-on experience through volunteering or board service to truly understand nonprofit operations, and, if pursuing entrepreneurship, to learn from others’ experiences, seek out like-minded mentors, and connect with those currently thriving in the field.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field right now are decreased federal funding and increased competition for private and corporate grants, which makes it harder for nonprofits to stand out and secure resources. This also presents an opportunity for strategic support, like grant consulting, to help organizations build the systems and readiness needed to thrive.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important value in my work and personal life is being a consummate learner, always seeking growth, new knowledge, and ways to improve both myself and the organizations I support.