Jen Adams

Grant Writing & Research

Jen has been working in the field of grants development since 2004. She has served both for-profit and nonprofit clients nationwide but 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 2.500 seniors in various levels of residential care. Moving back to Rochester in 2004, Jen continued to develop skills in grant writing as Project Manager at the Rochester-based Grants Office firm.

For the last fifteen years, as an independent consultant, Jen has worked extensively with nonprofit agencies, schools and municipalities to analyze their operational and capital needs and to align those needs with prospective funders. 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. Utilizing up-to-date research and expertise in project development, Jen can assist organizations to present concise and compelling applications for funding. Combined with 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 serves on the board of 441 Ministries – an organization that operates an apprenticeship program for urban youth at their New City Café and offers an array of mentorship programs. Jen lives on the Erie Canal in Spencerport with her husband, Bob, and their four children. The family enjoys hiking, camping and kayaking in the great outdoors.