Kelly Rouse has long been drawn to telling stories that mattered. For two decades, she has written screenplays, directed documentaries, and even served as a juror for the Sunscreen Film Festival.
But as Kelly contemplated her next career chapter, there was one question she kept asking: “How can I use my skills as a writer to make a difference in my community?”
Kelly’s curiosity led her down an unexpected path where she discovered new skills and a powerful relationship that would soon transform her from an entertainment industry pro to a nonprofit leader.
The Suggestion That Sparked a New Path
As Kelly pondered how to leverage her writing skills to support causes she cares about, a former mentor suggested she explore grant writing for a nonprofit. She immediately saw the fit. Grant writing would let her do what she does best — craft a story — while helping organizations bring their missions to life.
But where do you start when you don’t have connections in the nonprofit sector?
As Kelly talked with her network, a friend recommended the Nonprofit Leadership Center (NLC). She reached out to the team and learned about the Certificate in Grant Writing.
She was candid about her lack of experience: “I don’t have any background in this,” she shared. The team encouraged her to give it a try anyway.
Little did Kelly know that walking through the door to NLC’s training room would change everything.
Building New Skills & Confidence
Kelly began the Certificate in Grant Writing in October 2025. She walked into the classroom with some uncertainty, worried she might be the oldest in the room. What she found was the opposite of exclusion.
“Everybody was so great and encouraging,” she recalls. “Instead of being a barrier, my life experience and professional background were assets.”
Kelly’s instructor, Abby Mackness, taught her the fundamentals of grant writing while introducing a framework Kelly still refers to daily: balancing “the head and the heart.” The concept is a reminder to present important data while always capturing the humanity behind the numbers.
Making Meaningful Connections That Open Doors
With a positive first experience at NLC, Kelly decided to take another class.
She enrolled in a personal branding and networking course. It was here that Kelly met Jack Wilson, a member of the development team at Great Explorations Children’s Museum. After the class, she and Jack connected on LinkedIn. Shortly thereafter, Kelly saw that the museum was hiring.
Jack encouraged her to apply and put in a good word for her. That connection led to an interview, and ultimately, a job offer.
Nearly 60% of nonprofit professionals who attended NLC events in 2025 and reported a career advancement agree that their participation contributed to this accomplishment. Of those, 35% reported a pay increase, while 16% reported a job promotion.
A New Role With a “Why” Kelly Can Hear
Within just three months of taking her first class at the Nonprofit Leadership Center, Kelly launched her nonprofit career as a development and grant associate at Great Explorations Children’s Museum.
“Someone pinch me,” she exclaims, reflecting on how quickly everything came together. Today, Kelly can easily see and hear her “why” from her office:
“My role at the museum puts me close to the mission in a literal way. Just downstairs, I can hear kids laughing, families exploring, and learning happening all around me every day.”
Great Explorations is a children’s museum in Tampa Bay that champions hands-on learning experiences through a well-established creative curriculum. It’s also the nation’s first children’s museum to establish a licensed preschool, and it’s one of only six children’s museums in the country accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.
Though Kelly is still new in her role, she is not new to the museum. Her daughter attended the aftercare program at Great Explorations during elementary school.
Not only is Kelly working alongside her team to identify and review grant opportunities and contribute to critical fundraising efforts, she has also stepped into leadership for Great Connections, a free monthly program for neurodiverse and sensory-sensitive kids and families, a cause close to her heart as a parent of a neurodiverse child.
Community as a Catalyst
At the Nonprofit Leadership Center, the relationships and connections that current and aspiring nonprofit professionals build are just as powerful as the lessons and skills they learn.
A friend’s recommendation opened the door to a classroom where questions are welcome, and relationships with other nonprofit professionals turn into meaningful opportunities.
Today, Kelly gets to help fuel the “why” she hears from her office every day by telling stories that inspire support and action.
Take Your Next (or First) Step Today
If you’re ready to grow your skills and professional network to strengthen your community, the Nonprofit Leadership Center offers about 100 professional development events, certificate programs, and learning experiences throughout the year, proven to increase knowledge, confidence, and career advancement. See all upcoming events and take your first step (or your next step) today.
Support More Nonprofit Professionals Like Kelly
Career pivots like Kelly’s happen when people have access to skills, encouragement, and community. As our neighbors’ needs continue to grow, nonprofit organizations must have prepared professionals who can secure resources, build relationships, and translate mission into impact.
Your gift to the Nonprofit Leadership Center helps make that possible. Contributions expand access to training and support, so more nonprofit professionals can strengthen their skills, grow their confidence, and lead the work our community depends on.
