Hi, I’m Emma—writer, tea drinker, sourdough baker, romantasy book lover, and now the founder of Pressed & Poured, a grant writing consultancy based in Indianapolis, Indiana, serving nonprofits, churches, and public-serving organizations nationwide and abroad. I’m so glad you’re here!

If you’d asked me a few years ago what I’d be doing right now, I probably would’ve told you I’d be chasing a career in publishing, full-time author dreams in hand. Grant writing services? Not even on the radar. But God has a way of surprising us and turning side doors into main pathways.

The Unexpected Start

My first taste of grant writing came in college, during a class on nonprofit foundation grants. I didn’t think much of it at the time, just another elective. But soon after, I found myself writing a real grant for my college job at a lakeside recreation facility. With the help of my boss (who knew the legal side) and my own love of storytelling (along with my new grant writing skills), we submitted it. A year later, we found out we’d won! My first-ever grant…and I was hooked.

From Uganda to Grant Writing

Part of why grant writing for nonprofits and ministries resonates with me is my background. I grew up in Uganda, where my parents started a nonprofit academy to give underserved children access to education and care. Looking back, grant funding was never something we considered when starting out. We relied on faith, passion, and the generosity of others. But had we known about foundation grant opportunities, it would have eased so much of the stress and allowed us to focus even more on the mission.

That experience planted a seed in me. I know firsthand how vital funding can be for organizations serving their communities and how empowering it is when a great mission is backed by the right resources.

Building the Dream

After college, I kept pursuing opportunities in grant writing, eventually working for local government in Illinois. There, I partnered with organizations across the city to secure funding for low-income housing repairs, community initiatives, and digital equity programs. Some projects succeeded, some fell through, but each one taught me the power of aligning vision with resources.

The more I wrote, the more I knew: I loved this work. It combined everything I cared about—writing, impact, and faith.

When my husband’s job took us on a new adventure, I decided it was finally time to step out and build something of my own. And thus, Pressed & Poured was born: a space where professional grant writing meets purpose and provision.

Why “Pressed & Poured”?

The name comes from 1 Kings 17 & John 4, two Bible stories close to my heart:

• The widow with the jars of oil, whose faith kept her provision flowing.

• The Samaritan woman at the well, who discovers the living water only Jesus offers.

These stories remind me that God always provides. My role as a grant writer and consultant is to partner story and strategy with faith—to help nonprofits, ministries, and community organizations access the funding and grants they need to serve their communities well.

Whether it’s a foundation grant, state grant, or federal grant proposal, I see my work as a way to connect vision with opportunity, helping missions thrive for the long term.

A Little About Me

When I’m not working with words, you’ll probably find me curled up with a cup of tea (matcha, if we’re being specific) and a good book in hand. I also love writing creative nonfiction. It’s been a lifelong dream and joy of mine. My husband and I love to travel, exploring new corners (and cuisines) of the world. And when I need a creative reset, I head to my piano. Music has always been a source of peace and focus for me.

Looking Ahead

Pressed & Poured isn’t just about proposals and deadlines. It’s about provision, faith, and story. My prayer is that this venture can play a part in helping organizations keep doing the vital work they’re called to do. Whether that’s across the street or around the globe.

So whether you’re a nonprofit leader, a ministry dreamer, or simply a curious reader—I’m glad you’re here.

Here’s to stories that matter, jars that never run empty, and communities made stronger through provision.

– Emma