Rochelle Gunn

About

I work with non-profit, for-purpose and, where appropriate, private sector organisations applying for high-value government grants.

My work goes beyond persuasive writing and focuses on strengthening the logic of grant applications so they stand up to formal assessment.

Experience

Before working independently, I spent over a decade in the university sector managing and supporting complex grant programs, including large-scale research funding in engineering and clean energy.

This work involved:

  • operating within strict funding and compliance frameworks
  •  supporting projects subject to audit and review
  • ensuring applications and reporting could withstand scrutiny

My work now

Since 2024, I have supported successful grant applications totalling over $16 million in government funding, and managed grants worth more than $10 million.

I work with organisations that:

  • are eligible to apply for competitive state or federal grants

  • are accountable to boards, funders or public scrutiny

  • need their applications to be clear, coherent and assessment-ready

This includes private sector organisations where the funding program allows for commercial or industry participation.

I work on a limited number of applications at any one time.

How I approach grant work

I approach grant work through the lens of assessment, not just writing.

My approach is focused on:

  • understanding how the application will be assessed

  • clarifying the core funding case

  • aligning each section tightly to the assessment criteria

  • removing detail that weakens or distracts from the overall submission

Every application I work on is written and reviewed with the assessor’s perspective in mind.

What this means for clients

Clients tend to work with me when:

  • the funding opportunity is significant

  • the application involves complex guidelines or assessment criteria 

  • the outcome needs to stand up to scrutiny

This approach is best suited to higher-value grants where how the application is assessed materially influences the funding decision.

Next steps

If you are preparing a high-value government grant application and feel aligned with how I work, please get in touch.

A brief overview of the grant program, expected funding amount and submission timeframe will help determine next steps.

CONTACT ME