Her Story
About Sierra
Sierra Burke serves as a grant writer and manager at ALZA Communications, her independent consulting firm dedicated to supporting nonprofits in funding development. With five years of experience in the field, she provides grant writing services and stewardship to build sustainable relationships with donors and grantors. Her work focuses on organizations engaged in advocacy, climate initiatives, human rights, and indigenous justice. Burke holds a bachelor's degree in international relations and global studies, awarded in 2021, and is a member of the Grants Professionals Association, where she is pursuing certification. She attributes her professional success to individuals who have taken a chance on her with growth-oriented mindsets and to her hands-on experience with federal and foundational grants ranging from $5,000 to $10 million. In her approach, Burke emphasizes open-mindedness when collaborating with diverse cultures and organizations, while keeping the mission as the guiding North Star in all her efforts.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sierra
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to people who have taken a chance on me with growth mindsets involved. The training I've had working on federal grants from $5,000 to $10 million has made me a well-rounded grant writer.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Never assume my point is coming across the way I imagine it is. Be very explicit with communication, follow up to ensure understanding, especially as a grant writer who also acts as a project manager coordinating with finance, project teams, and CEOs.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't let fear hold you back from the nonprofit space. Follow your gut instinct if you want to work with nonprofits and have good writing skills. You can make a difference and provide for yourself. Seeing the direct benefit of winning grants that go to the people you support is incredibly rewarding.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is that many organizations need unrestricted operational funding, but most grants are project-specific. Nonprofits know best what they need, so there needs to be more trust between funders and nonprofits to allow creative, flexible funding.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Being open-minded, especially when working with different cultures and organizations that have unique needs. Keeping the mission as the North Star, remembering that every small task contributes to the larger goal even when immediate results aren't visible.
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