Shauntae E. Lewis is a U.S.-based mindset coach, veteran, and founder of Grant Life Consulting, an organization dedicated to helping nonprofits and individuals bring their visions to life through funding, grants, and strategic guidance. With over seven years of hands-on experience bridging the gap between dreams and resources, Shauntae has empowered countless people to access funding, build sustainable initiatives, and make a difference in their communities. Her story is one of service, resilience, and purpose.
At Humans of Fuzia, we’re honored to share her inspiring journey with our global community of over 5 million members who believe in supporting women and each other — He for She and She for She.
Q: Tell us a little about the inspiration behind Grant Life Consulting.
Shauntae: Grant Life Consulting started about seven years ago from my desire to create a nonprofit for women and children affected by domestic violence and low self-esteem. As I began that journey, I realized how difficult it was to find a good grant writer — so I decided to become one myself. I noticed a major gap between vision and funding, especially for women and minority-led organizations. That realization inspired me to help others access resources for their ideas and make an impact not just locally, but globally.
Q: You’re also involved with Yes Liberia. What does this organization do?
Shauntae: Yes Liberia is a nonprofit based in Monrovia, Liberia. We help children attend school by covering tuition, providing tutoring, and even offering a mobile bus that picks up students, helps with homework, and takes them to class. We’ve supported around 8,000 scholarships so far and are working toward creating a computer lab to expand access to technology. I’ve been part of their board for about five years now, managing grants and budgeting. It’s all about giving children a safe space to grow, learn, and dream.
Q: Your work reflects deep empathy and social awareness. Where does that drive come from?
Shauntae: Honestly, both my upbringing and life experiences shaped me. I grew up in an environment that wasn’t ideal for success, but I was determined to rise above it. Serving in the U.S. military in the 1990s taught me discipline, empathy, and teamwork. I met people from all walks of life and realized we all share the same basic needs — love, purpose, and opportunity. That understanding made me want to serve others and help them create their own definitions of success.
Q: Who are the main clients you work with through Grant Life Consulting?
Shauntae: Initially, we focused on nonprofits — helping them get “grant ready,” which means having everything in place to apply for funding. Over time, we expanded to support for-profit businesses and even individuals. Many veterans also reach out to us for guidance on starting or scaling their ventures. We also help individuals who need fundraising support for causes like medical emergencies or disaster recovery. Essentially, we help anyone with a meaningful vision bring it to life.
Q: How do you use digital platforms to expand your reach and impact?
Shauntae: Our digital presence is growing through our website, www.grantlifeconsulting.org, and our social media pages — Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. We’re also developing online workshops and training programs for nonprofits that may not have the funds for one-on-one consulting. The goal is to make information and resources accessible to everyone. I also do speaking engagements with organizations like the Wounded Warrior Project to educate veterans and nonprofit leaders on building and sustaining their missions.
Q: What are your aspirations for the next few years?
Shauntae: By 2026 and 2027, we’re focusing on developing structured training programs and an internship initiative for small nonprofits and individuals who want to learn the grant process firsthand. We’re also building comprehensive educational materials and seminars to make the grant world less intimidating. Personally, I’m also writing a book about women in business, work-life balance, and the real challenges of entrepreneurship — something that will empower others walking the same path.
Q: What challenges have you faced in your journey as an entrepreneur and changemaker?
Shauntae: One big challenge is the rise of AI in grant writing. While AI can automate tasks, it lacks the human touch — the heart that connects to a cause. That’s what sets our work apart. We write with empathy and authenticity. Funding was also tough in the beginning, but we’ve grown without taking a single loan in seven years by keeping our overhead low. And, of course, imposter syndrome is something many of us face — learning to show up authentically, be visible, and own your space is a continuous journey.
Q: What message would you like to share with our readers around the world?
Shauntae: Be you. Be authentic. Be loud and visible. Don’t shrink your presence out of fear or comparison. Everyone feels uncertain sometimes, but remember — no one else can be you. Own that uniqueness, and use it to make a difference.
Shauntae Lewis’s journey reminds us that empowerment begins with empathy, and leadership grows from service. Her work continues to help others transform obstacles into opportunities — one vision, one grant, and one heart at a time.
Connect with Shauntae Lewis:
LinkedIn | Instagram | Website
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