Jen Adams

Jen Adams has been working in the field of grants development since 2004. She has served both for-profit and nonprofit clients nationwide, and she is especially passionate about serving agencies and businesses here in Rochester and its surrounding communities.

A graduate of nearby Roberts Wesleyan College, Jen received a B.A. in Communications with a Business minor. She entered the world of fundraising while working as Development Coordinator at the Heritage Group, a healthcare organization south of Buffalo serving seniors in various levels of residential care.

For the last 15 years, as an independent consultant, Jen has worked extensively with nonprofits, schools and municipalities to analyze their programmatic, operational and capital needs and build customized grant strategies. Jen uses Foundation Directory Online and a variety of other national, state and local list servs to keep a pulse on new grant opportunities and changing funder priorities. In partnership with organization staff and utilizing best practices and local research, Jen composes compelling grant applications to local and national foundations, as well as state and federal agencies. Combined with her experience in grant evaluation and reporting, having served as a federal and NYS grant reviewer, Jen offers a wide array of expertise and perspective in areas related to grant development and grant administration.

Out of a love for Rochester and a deep desire to see inner-city neighborhoods transform from cycles of poverty toward self-sufficiency, Jen also works part-time as Development Associate at 441 Ministries—an organization that operates an apprenticeship program for urban youth at their New City Café and offers an array of mentorship and community programs.

Jen lives on the Erie Canal in Spencerport with her husband, Bob, and their four children. The family enjoys hiking, camping and being outside as much as possible!