We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jodi Riley a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jodi, thanks for joining us today. Have you ever seen (or implemented) a really awesome way to show a client you appreciate them

At Jodi Riley Consulting, our focus is nonprofit organizations. Nonprofits are so unique in how they function as businesses, and I think it is really important to consider this when I think about how best to demonstrate my appreciation for our clients. One of the biggest ways we show appreciation is by attending their fundraising events. Sometimes we sponsor the event, and sometimes, our team attends as a group. Personally, I even get my family involved! My husband and daughters can often be found at a 5K or gala with me on the weekends. This tangible demonstration of support lets clients know that I value their mission and am truly part of their team in the community.

Jodi, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I began my nonprofit sector career in education in 2008 and, since then, have worked in development roles focused on human trafficking prevention, workforce development, basic human rights, advocacy, and social justice. I hold an A.A. degree in Human Services, a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management, and an Executive Certificate in Transformational Nonprofit Leadership from the University of Notre Dame. In 2020 I earned my Grant Writer Certification from the American Grant Writers Association and in 2022, I earned my GPC credential from the Grant Professionals Institute of the Grant Professionals Association. My devotion to nonprofit causes is evident not only in my work but also in my service on various boards, as well as my involvement in local volunteer projects.

I am passionate about the arts, equality, and developing transformational leaders within the nonprofit sector. In 2016, I decided to begin my own firm focused on filling gaps in grant writing and development needs within the nonprofit sector. In my role as Principal Consultant/Certified Grant Writer, I lead our team of five and spearhead the grant writing & development processes.

Our firm is unique because we strive to meet each nonprofit organization where they are at. We offer a full menu of services, including grant prospecting, grant writing, grant report development, nonprofit consulting, grant training, and digital download templates for smaller organizations with a tight budget. We truly understand how our clients operate and want to ensure our services are equally accessible for every organization, no matter the size of their budget.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

My reputation was definitely built on community. My work in local nonprofits here in South Florida helped me form the right connections from the very beginning. Every Board I sat on and every hour I spent volunteering was showing key individuals that my heart is in the nonprofit sector, and when I went into business for myself, I had a ready cache of clients excited to begin working with me.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been to over-deliver, and that’s truly the basis of our business model. We have to be flexible enough to operate outside of the box on a frequent basis and find solutions for our clients. I think I can also attribute growth to our organized approaches and processes, as well as my outstanding team of administrative staff and grant assistants that ensure we do our best for every organization we work with.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jodirileyllc.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jodirileyconsultingllc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jodirileyconsulting
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jodi-riley-consulting-llc/

Image Credits
Tina Aligata Photography