We’re passionate about helping you grow and make an impact
About A+ Plus
At A+ Grants, we believe funding should be a tool for transformation—not a barrier to growth. We partner with communities to secure grant funding that strengthens programs, expands capacity, and creates lasting impact.
Founded by grant strategists and former educators Christine Ballentine and Jamy Shriver, A Plus Grants was built on a shared commitment to service, strategy, and results. Our work is rooted in real-world experience—understanding how programs operate, how compliance matters, and how outcomes must be clearly defined and measured.
Our Approach
We take a relationship-driven, strategic approach to grant writing. That means we don’t just write proposals—we invest time in understanding each community’s mission, goals, and impact. From program development and alignment to data-driven narratives, we ensure every submission speaks directly to funder priorities while remaining authentic to the community’s vision.
Jamy Shriver
Co-Owner | A+ Grants
Jamy Shriver is co-owner of A Plus Grants and brings experience in leadership, business development, education, and community engagement. A graduate of Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Science in Multidisciplinary Studies, she has spent her career helping organizations build relationships, identify opportunities, and achieve meaningful results.
With more than a decade as an educator and a background in marketing, business development, and regional management, Jamy understands the challenges organizations face when resources are limited. She co-founded A Plus Grants alongside Christine Ballentine to help cities, schools, nonprofits, and community organizations pursue strategic funding opportunities and long-term success.
Jamy is passionate about strengthening communities through strategic investment, collaboration, and creative funding solutions. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and draws daily inspiration from the people and communities she serves.
Meet Jamy
Christine Ballentine
Co-Owner | A+ Grants
Christine Ballentine is co-owner of A Plus Grants and brings extensive experience in education, program development, research, and community impact. With 12 years in education and three years serving a military-focused nonprofit, she has developed expertise in compliance, data analysis, strategic planning, and outcome-driven initiatives.
Christine holds a bachelor's degree and is currently pursuing a master's degree, further strengthening her skills in research, evaluation, and organizational development. She is passionate about helping cities, schools, nonprofits, and community organizations identify funding opportunities and develop strategies that support long-term success.
Christine co-founded A Plus Grants alongside Jamy Shriver after years of working together in education and discovering a shared commitment to helping communities grow and thrive. Through her work, she is committed to helping organizations turn ideas into funded projects that create lasting community impact.
Meet Chris
Gail Lockwood
Senior Grant Writer | A+ Grants
Gail Lockwood, MSW, is a nonprofit professional with 8 years of nonprofit experience and more than 6 years specializing in grant development and fundraising strategy. Throughout her career, she has secured more than $3 million in grant funding while serving in both operational and fund development leadership roles.
Her experience spans municipal, healthcare, youth development, and higher education sectors, with expertise in securing support from corporate partners, private foundations, and local, state, and federal funding sources. Gail is skilled in persuasive proposal writing, partnership development, program design, budget development, and aligning funding requests with measurable community impact.
Known for her collaborative and relationship-driven approach, Gail brings strong emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and communication skills to every project. She values building authentic partnerships with organizations and helping nonprofits strengthen long-term sustainability through thoughtful funding strategies.
Outside of her professional work, Gail enjoys creating handmade soaps, bath scrubs, and balms, combining creativity with self-care and wellness. She is also an avid animal lover with a particular soft spot for cats, though she never turns down affection from a friendly dog. A dedicated coffee enthusiast, Gail jokingly refers to coffee as the “liquid nectar of the gods,” a fitting description for someone known for early mornings, big ideas, and a strong work ethic.
Meet Gail
Strategic Partner
of A+ Grants
Heather Callahan
Strategic Partner of A+ Grants
Heather Callahan, founder of Sufficient Grace Grants & Consulting, brings a diverse background in grant strategy, education, healthcare, nonprofit development, faith-based initiatives, and community-centered funding solutions to the A+ Grants collaborative network. A master’s-level educator, certified grant writer, and funding strategist, Heather helps organizations turn complex ideas into clear, fundable projects. Her experience spans nonprofit formation, grant readiness, capital stacking, rural and community development, healthcare access, public safety, education, human services, and faith-based programming. She also brings prior healthcare experience as a certified EMT/ER tech, phlebotomist, medical assistant, insurance billing representative, and internal medicine practice administrator.
Meet Heather
What Sets Us Apart
A+ Grants is committed to ongoing professional development and staying informed on evolving funding programs, compliance requirements, and grant strategies. Our team maintains relevant certifications and training across grant writing, emergency management, community development, and public sector funding.
FEMA Incident Command & National Incident Management System Training
FEMA Professional Development Series (PDS)
HUD Exchange: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Training
