Grantseeking Solutions (initially known as J&L Fundraising) has since gone on to help a diverse
range of clients meet the needs of the community through accessing funding from over 50 different
grant-making organisations. Grantseeking Solutions has since evolved under Lyn and Jo's attention
and now boasts a highly energetic consultancy team with decades of experience in all areas of
not-for-profit fundraising, marketing and management. Together we strive to make a difference through
supporting the incredible causes and services our NFP clients deliver.
JOANNA GARNER - PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT & CO-DIRECTOR, GRANTSEEKING SOLUTIONS
Jo Garner has been working in Fundraising and the not for profit sector for over 13 years. Jo set up
her own grant seeking consultancy business in 2002. Initial clients, the Royal Children's Hospital
Foundation (RCHF) and Qld Baptist Care (QBC), are still clients today. During the time that Jo has been
grantseeking for the RCHF and QBC, grants program revenue for both organisations has quadrupled,
allowing services and research to people in need continue and expand.
Jo holds a degree in Commerce with majors in Marketing and Information Systems and has completed
several FIA courses and masterclasses. Starting out in full-time positions with Diabetes Australia -
Qld and then the Mater Hospitals' Trust, she also managed the FIA Queensland Secretariat for 12 months,
did some freelance event management, served on the FIA - Queensland Executive and has co-presented at
FIA Queensland conferences and workshops. Jo is a member of the FIA.
In addition to current clients, Jo has also consulted to RSPCA Qld, the Endeavour Foundation, the
Qld Council for Adult Literacy and the Logan Division of General Practice. She also currently does pro
bono work for the Yeronga State School P&C Association and is assisting a new foundation to establish
their fundraising processes. With a passion for the not-for-profit sector and a proven successful track
record in the grant seeking and fundraising arena, Jo loves working with organisations to optimize their
chances of obtaining funding through developing a carefully planned, strategic approach to grant seeking,
to ensure vital programs can continue and expand.
LYN BUCKLEY - PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT & CO-DIRECTOR, GRANTSEEKING SOLUTIONS
With a GradCert Bus (Philanthropy & NpSt) and over 23 years experience in the not for profit sector
as a professional fundraiser, Lyn brings experience only a fundraising veteran can offer. As a Certified
Fundraising Executive (CFRE), Lyn has managed donor development programs, bequest programs, direct
marketing programs, special events and art unions, as well as negotiating with major funding bodies,
trusts and foundations to secure grants for special projects.
As a member of the Fundraising Institute Australia, Lyn has served on the FIA Queensland Executive,
been a presenter at fundraising seminars and skill development workshops and is a mentor through FIA's
Mentoring Program. Lyn also works with local organisations to support local communities and currently
serves on the Management Committee of the Deception Bay Neighbourhood Centre in a voluntary capacity.
ALISON ELLIS - GRANTS RESEARCH AND PROJECT MATCHING SPECIALIST, GRANTSEEKING SOLUTIONS
Alison Ellis is a highly skilled and respected practitioner with over 10 years professional
fundraising and public relations experience. She has a proven track record in major fundraising
campaigns, most notably with the Royal Children's Hospital Foundation Queensland, spanning annual fund
programs including direct mail and telemarketing, special events, trust and foundation submissions,
and cause related marketing.
Several of the projects Alison was responsible for received state and national FIA Awards for
Excellence in Fundraising. Most recently, Alison was solely responsible for building the public
profile and developing a fundraising strategy for Menzies School of Health Research Darwin, before
relocating back to Brisbane with her family. Alison has a Bachelor of Business Public Relations,
and has been a member of the FIA since 1994.
TREVOR WALSH - GOVERNMENT GRANT WRITING SPECIALIST & NFP CONSULTANT, GRANTSEEKING SOLUTIONS
Trevor Walsh worked for over 30 years in government in areas of social welfare administration and
senior management. His experience and knowledge led him to move into the non-profit sector where he
worked for 10 years in a number of advisory and then senior management roles of a major social welfare
organisation with a focus on community programs and services to the aged.
Over many years Trevor has demonstrated his ability to attract appropriate funding to establish,
enhance and maintain services and programs that are inclusive, innovative and effective in supporting
those members of the community who are often the most disadvantaged.
MEGAN WALKER - GOVERNMENT GRANT WRITING SPECIALIST & NFP CONSULTANT, GRANTSEEKING SOLUTIONS
Megan Walker is the Director of Market Savvy. She has over 15 years senior marketing and
communication experience in commercial and non-profit organisations. Megan is degree qualified in
Business Communications (corporate writing) and has a Masters of Business (Marketing).
Market Savvy directs and implements marketing, communication, and community partnership activities
for a range of commercial and non-profit organisations. Market Savvy actively and efficiently increases
awareness of clients' products, services, and offerings to increase sales and support from target
audiences.
Megan is passionate about enabling and supporting non-profit organisations to achieve positive
outcomes for the communities in which they serve. She is actively involved in the Fundraising Institute
of Australia (Brisbane Chapter) and volunteers for a range of community groups throughout Queensland.
Megan has a wealth of experience researching and writing competitive and philanthropic grants and
welcomes the opportunity to partner and support Grantseeking Solutions.
