Unlock Your Next Level with Dr. D
Empowering Communities. Building Capacity. Delivering Results.
MEET DR. DEANA
Your Next Level Strategist and Grant Readiness Coach
Accelerate your shifts from ideas to income with Dr. Deana, your Next Level Strategist and Grant Readiness Coach. Specializing in strategic planning and entrepreneurial resources, she has transformed countless individuals, entrepreneurs, and organizations, with a proven track record of securing more than $18.2M in grants for clients. Fast track your business launch with her CEO Accelerator Program which is key for new entrepreneurs seeking to meticulously plan, proof, and position their dream businesses for optimal success in securing grants and contracts in 6 weeks or less.
“Dr. Deana is the epitome of a leader, a visionary, and a staple within the community. Her passion for people is what drives her, and it shows in each part of her life journey.”

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Funded While Black: The NEW Rules For Grant Success Post-DEI
RECENT PRESS RELEASE:
National grant strategist Dr. Deana Ervin launches Funded While Black: The New Rules For Grant Success Post-DEI amidst mass DEI cut and funding eliminations. This new book and strategy, businesses, nonprofits, ministries and community organizations navigate post DEI funding crisis,
Dr. Deana Ervin, Renowned, grant strategist, and author of Funded While Black: The New Rules For Grant Success Post-DEI has launched a groundbreaking new resource designed to help black led nonprofits, churches, businesses and community organizations secure vital funding in the wake of mass DEI related cuts. With more than 148,000 DEI roles eliminated in the last 11 weeks alone.
Dr. Ervin’s book offers critical tools and strategies to navigate the rapidly shifting funding landscape that impacts procurement, grant, and employment opportunities. Dr Ervin’s book has already been warmly received by national leaders adding significant momentum to the movement to ensure funding continues to reach communities of color during this crucial time. As a leader in the grant writing and strategic planning space, Dr. Ervin has helped secure over $24 million in funding for clients nationwide.
Funded While Black is a bold call to action for Black businesses and organizations to pivot, adapt, and secure the resources they need to continue making an impact in their communities. The book also addresses the 1,700 everyday words that have now become taboo in the current climate, providing practical advice on how to navigate these changes successfully.
Dr. Ervin‘s innovative approach, emphasizes the importance of understanding what funders want in the post-DEI era, how to reframe proposals, and how to adapt messaging and strategies to maintain funding streams. She is offering her expertise through speaking engagements, trainings, and one-on-one consultations for businesses, nonprofits, churches, and other service providers looking to scale and thrive.
“I’m proud to be part of a national movement where Black and Brown businesses are coming together to support one another —especially in these times of upheaval”said Dr. Ervin. It’s more critical than ever that we continue to push for funding that serves our communities Funded While Black provides a roadmap to not just survive but thrive in this challenging environment by expanding funding sources beyond federal chaos.