Ellen Wright brings 30 years of experience to grant writing, collaborating with nonprofits of all sizes, writing foundation, corporate, state, and federal grants with a proven track record of raising millions of dollars in funding. Her experience includes grant writing, obtaining capital funding, corporate grant grants, and event sponsorships.
She specializes in education, sports, and programs for Veterans. Ellen Wright has served on State of California commissions, made national presentations, and authored and published articles pertaining to nonprofits needs, including technology, academic standards, STEM curriculum, and expanding growth of nonprofit organizations. Ellen is passionate about the impact that her work provides organizations and the communities they serve.
Experience
Boys & Girls Club of the Coastside –2014-Current
Grant writer responsible for state, local, and foundation grants, corporate sponsorships. Example: raised over $9 million for the construction of the Events Center utilized Cabrillo Unified School District. A sampling of approved operating grants includes Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, David & Lucile Packard Foundation, Atkinson Foundation, Olympic Club Foundation, Sand Hill Foundation, and many others.
Northern California PGA Foundation—2017-Current
Grant writer responsible for foundation and state grants to support Veterans, primarily disabled Veterans, in their re-entry into society through the comradery the game of golf provides. A sampling of approved grants includes CalOSBA, Community Foundation of Monterrey, Adaptive Sports grant, DAV, and many others.
XQ Initiative—2016-2018
XQ Initiative is a national initiative to redesign the American high school, with teams competing for major awards. Served as a judge selecting winning proposals ($10 million each) in their initial setup for awards.
Sequoia Union High School District—2013-2019
Grant writer responsible for foundation, state, and national grants under then Superintendent Mary Streshly. Raised over $6,000,000 in six years. Secured state, federal grants, and foundation grants (e.g., 21st Century grant, Student Support and Enrichment grant) supporting education and technology, Silicon Valley Community Foundation, CCS Mathematics: Spotlight on Success; two 21st Century Community Learning Centers ASSETS grants (each for $1,250,000) TUPE state grant, HP Innovation in Education grant ($265,000). Worked with Bob Fishtrom on technology grants (he is now at Mountain View Whisman School District).
Campbell Union High School District—2011-2013
Grant writer responsible for foundation and state grants under the Assistant Superintendent Mary Streshly. Secured $600,000 through the California Careers Pathway Trust, and multiple grants from foundations (e.g., In School and Out of School Mathematics grants).
Wildmind Science (formerly Wildlife Associates)—2015-2018
Awarded Next Generation Science Standards curriculum unit grant for elementary school children, and multiple grants for the at-risk and foster youth program, and environmental education programs.
Center for Research on Education Outcomes, Stanford University—2008-2010
Helped develop new reviews/ratings for the U.S. Department of Education and Office of Innovative Guides, and secure grants for expanding services across the United States.
Prior Experience
Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford
Served as Director of Development and raised funds for a successful Capital Campaign, in addition to responsibility for all grant writing.
Piedmont High School
Served as Principal of Piedmont High School and led a successful Capital Campaign for construction of the new high school while serving as Principal.
Education
- Stanford University – Stanford, California – Ph.D. program completed in Administration and Public Policy, with a minor in Law from Stanford Law School.
- Honors award – Phi Delta Kappa
- Stanford University – Stanford, California – M.A. Teacher Education Program
- University of California, Los Angeles – B.A. in English and Speech, Honors in English
Olympic Club Foundation—2020-Current Member, Board of Directors Member, Grants Committee
Former Member, Board of Directors College Track
Presentations (Sample Listing)
- White House Initiative on Education Excellence for Hispanic Americans: “Excelencia en Education: The Role of Parents in the Education of Their Children.”
- “National State Standards and Assessments: How Far the Promised Land?” Annual Western Regional Meeting of the College Board
- Defining Standards for All Students CSBA Regional Conference-What’s Next for Teachers”}
- “Essential Elements for a Successful Non-Profit Organization,” Stanford Business School, The World Business Forum
- “Creating World-Class Academic Standards,” Senate Forum on Education
- “Update on Academic Standards Development,” Assembly Education Committee, CA State Assembly
- “National Standards,” United States Department of Education, panelist IASA
- P-16 Conference Presenter, workshop describing the conditions and experiences of College Track student making it possible for them to graduate from high school and complete college.
State Commission Service
- Chair, State of California Commission for the Establishment of Academic Standards
- Vice Chair, State of California Postsecondary Education Commission
- Member, Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education
- Member, California Education Round Table on Expanding Information, Dissemination and Outreach
- Member, Teacher Credentialing Commission
- Planning Committee member, Chicano/Latino Intersegmental Convocation
Publications (sample listing)
“Characteristics of a Successful Non-Profit Organization,” Alumni Consulting Team, Stanford Business School
“Academic Standards for California’s Schools, Thrust for Educational Leadership, ACSA
“Synchronicity Between Community Foundation and Educational Institutions,” Technology Grant News, Winter edition
“The Expanding Role of Local Education Foundations,” Technology Grant News,
“Advances in STEM Curriculum, Initiatives, and Resources” distributed nationally. Project Lead the Way