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.

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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+ Grants and brings a strong background in leadership, business development, and community impact. A graduate of Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Science in Multidisciplinary Studies, Jamy has successfully planned and led multiple fundraisers that generated significant financial support for mission-driven programs.

Her professional experience includes roles in marketing, business development, and regional management, where she developed expertise in strategic planning, communication, and operations. These skills now guide her work helping organizations build effective, sustainable funding strategies.

With more than a decade as an educator, Jamy understands firsthand the challenges schools and nonprofits face when resources are limited. That experience inspired her to co-found A+ Grants alongside Christine Ballentine, creating a company dedicated to helping organizations secure the funding they need to grow and serve their communities.

Outside of work, Jamy values family above all and draws daily inspiration from those she loves.

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Meet Jamy

Christine Ballentine
Co-Owner | A+ Grants

Christine Ballentine is co-founder and lead grant writer of A Plus Grants, partnering with nonprofits, schools, and community-based organizations to secure funding that drives sustainable, long-term impact. With 12 years in education and three years serving a military-focused nonprofit, she brings deep expertise in program development, compliance, and outcome-driven initiatives.

Christine holds a bachelor’s degree and is currently pursuing a master’s degree, strengthening her skills in research, data analysis, and strategic planning. She specializes in translating organizational missions into clear, compelling grant narratives that align with funder priorities and demonstrate measurable results.

Rooted in collaboration and relationships, Christine co-founded A Plus Grants alongside Jamy Shriver after years of working together in education and discovering a shared commitment to mission-driven work. Through A Plus Grants, Christine is dedicated to helping organizations expand their reach, strengthen their programs, and achieve sustainable funding success.

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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

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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.