Hi, my name is Maacah (pronounced MOCK-ah), and I'm a grant-maker whose original international arts grant (The Garden Grant) is supported by The Ford Foundation, and which inspired The Verdant Fund by Space One Eleven. On the front end, The Garden Grant funds cool shit, because I believe in joy as rebellion, and that whimsy is vital. On the back end, we model good behavior for bigger funders by funding folks without requiring them to be 501c3s, and encouraging more funders to write bigger checks with fewer restrictions.
To clarify: I am not a grant-writer. I do not write grants. I write checks. And I consult with funders, leaders, and decision-makers who want to fund equitably and efficiently, because I like reminding people that you don't have to do things the way they've always been done. You can, in fact, choose to things differently. Challenge the rules. Rewrite the playbook. So, reach out to me if you know the meanings of acronyms and concepts like "DAF," "impact-investing," and "trust-based philanthropy," or if you have a family office.
Additionally, I am an industry-agnostic strategist and Jill of All Trades.
My specialty? Being able to see the forest and the trees! I leverage my 360 problem-solving ability to give you clarity, and get you where you need to go.
I'm your bridge from concept to execution--whether I'm originating an accessible grant-making program; or, rebranding a 20 y.o. mortgage company; or, consulting with a small business owner who is a solo practitioner; or, defining your identity; or, executive producing a dinner party series in Barcelona.
No idea or client is too big or too small--I just like doing cool shit.
I also host salons where I facilitate critical cultural conversations over tea; and, I throw dinner parties that platform women chefs + blow-out parties that feature, celebrate, and pay diverse creatives. As an aside, I create social media content for big brands and small businesses; and, I've styled food in print and video for publications like Food & Wine and Essence Magazines. I love saying yes to random things like that national campaign for an LA-based apparel brand I was in one time, so tap me in for random fun ideas.
Shout out to that one semester I spent on the paper in high school, a literal lifetime ago: having to teach myself how to use InDesign came in handy years later, when I published the print fashion magazine that became the foundation of the nontraditional creative career I've built for myself. Cheers, to being a nonlinear success!
After reading all of that, it might not surprise you to discover that you can also find me blogging about my life with ADHD on Instagram.
p.s. I'm flattered by the number of mentorship requests I receive. If your young person is under the age of 21, seeking me out for mentorship, inspiration, and/or guidance, please direct them to the Mentor Request form on my contact page.
For people over the age of 21 looking for the same, please complete the Consultation Inquiry.
