Life & Work with Beverly Browning of Goodyear

Today we’d like to introduce you to Beverly Browning.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Well, I started as a member of the board of directors of a nonprofit organization in Michigan. Funding was scarce, or so I believed, and our grant for the suicide hotline partnership with the county mental health agency had ended. We needed to find grant funding fast. I knew nothing, so I inquired at the public library. It was the beginning of many seeds planted in the far regions of my brain. Little did I know that my ignorance of grants would eventually change my career, enabling me to call myself a grant writer and nonprofit capacity-building consultant for over 50 years. That experience gave me confidence, research skills, an understanding of the importance of funder engagement, the ability to write to funder guidelines, and more! 48 grant writing-related publications later, I carved out a sustainable income and legacy for good in the grants industry.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Of course, it has not been a smooth road. There were multiple obstacles along the way to success. My life was never easy because some found me too vocal, too abrasive, and over-the-top. After all, I believed in thought leadership, grant-readiness change agents, and the ability to examine 100% of a grant applicant’s financial and operational characteristics and provide guidance that was not always well received. In all honesty, my struggles have been with industry colleagues more than the clients I’ve worked with. I think I was too much of a daredevil, shooting straight from the hip about what can and cannot be funded. I’ve always seen things differently. I’m not one to create false hopes. I call things the way I see them without sugarcoating my words. I’m honest when I tell a potential client that I can’t help them. I am always willing to refer them to a colleague with a different perspective.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have operated my consulting business with a bold, honest, and insightful approach. I believe that our name is all we have in life, in business, and perhaps in our memories after our death. I want to be remembered as someone insightful, truthful, discerning, unwilling to play mind games, and unwilling to bend to the perceived powers trying to change our industry into one of vitriol and backstabbing. Life is too short as it is. Rules are made to be broken when they are created to eliminate good people. I guess I’m the underdog, and I willingly accept that role if that’s who I need to be to push back the world’s craziness.

What matters most to you? Why?
Peace-in-place, peace in the world, overdoses of kindness, and practicing the Golden Rule. I chose these three things because I don’t see enough of them in every aspect of our lives. I can’t imagine being verbally abusive or destructive of anyone’s choices, career, lifestyle, or actions. We have to look for what’s in everyone’s heart, not their bank account, racial features, clothing choices, or other possessions (flashy, expensive, or bargain bin finds). Hate can spread like wildfire. Hate is easy. Love is a choice and an easy way to live. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. What you give is what you get back. Remember that!

Contact Info:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bevbrowning/