“We’ve met before. It was somewhere, but I just can’t recall.” These words have been spoken by many when it comes to Reginald Grant.
Reginald Grant is the guy you’re sure you’ve met but can’t quite place. “I’m the guy who always gets mistaken for someone else,” he says with a smile. “But it doesn’t bother me. I use it as an icebreaker.”
Grant is the president of Grant Consulting, where he provides services to nonprofits in fundraising, board development, staff development, and major gifts development.
His work begins with getting to know people from all walks of life and business sectors. “I can’t help if I don’t know who you are and what your needs may be. So, I try to meet as many people as possible and see how we can connect.”
A native of Savannah, Georgia, Grant has been involved with nonprofits for 40 years. In 1985, he volunteered with the Urban League and United Way in Austin, Texas.
In 2008, after a 22-year career with the Boy Scouts of America, he moved to the Dallas-Fort Worth region. A consulting opportunity with United Way of Tarrant County in 2018 solidified his presence in Fort Worth.
During his time at United Way of Tarrant County, Grant became a CFRE—a Certified Fundraising Executive. “United Way provided funding for professional development, which helped me pass the CFRE exam. Being CFRE-certified and a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals has opened doors for introductions and referrals to nonprofits that need my services.”
What Grant enjoys most about his work is helping nonprofits achieve their mission and increase their fundraising capacity. This, in turn, allows them to serve more clients while boosting their operating income.
As rewarding as it is, Grant acknowledges that his work comes with challenges. Budget constraints and a lack of appreciation for fundraising consultants from some boards and CEOs can pose obstacles. “And then there’s always the challenge of marketing—who knows me and who I know.”
When asked what motivates him, Grant replied, “I’m a Boy Scout at heart. I enjoy helping others all the time.”
“I want to be that guy people can call and depend on to assist them with their goals and needs. If I can’t help them directly, I want to connect them with someone who can.” For Grant, it’s about delivering results. “We do this by increasing awareness and emphasizing the need for their services—essentially, helping tell their story to influencers who can impact their bottom line.”
So, the next time you find yourself in a crowd or at an event, take a moment to scan the room. You just might spot “That Guy.”
