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Meet Vanessa Burns: the Grant Strategist who is officially making grants a little more fun.  As one of only six Grant Professional Certified (GPC) accredited pros in Canada, Vanessa is essentially the CPA of the grant world.  Vanessa is the Founder of Vanessa Burns Grant Consulting based in Halifax, NS. Since 2021, Vanessa has worked with over 140 clients to help them apply for first time grants, become more confident in their grants programs, and win much needed funding. She has taken the stage both nationally and internationally to deliver interactive workshops.

 Vanessa Burns Grant Consulting is a certified Queer owned business with the Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce (CQCC) and was awarded the 2025 Atlantic Canada Certified Queer Supplier of the Year. As a GPC, ethics and accountability are key in her business.  There is more to grants than writing and Vanessa doesn't approach grants in the traditional sense. She helps to architect the futures of small businesses and not for profits through a strategic process. She’s built a reputation for moving past the grind of paperwork and turning grant funding into a powerful change agent.

 One day she is leading her signature Grants Without the Grind cohort, the next, she is helping strategize a grant program to help bring an organization’s vision to life. Vanessa’s mission is simple. To help you navigate grants using PURPOSE and not PANIC.

Vanessa is a sought-after speaker for her ability to capture the room through interactive activities, simple to understand content and a sense of humour. She brings a high-energy, uplifting presence to every stage, proving that with the right strategy, anyone can learn to love the grant process.