Tulsa Grant Writer Helps Nonprofit Recover From Pandemic Losses

A Tulsa nonprofit hit hard by the pandemic is getting back on its feet with the help of a local grant writer.

"I was afraid, I was like oh my gosh, we really were counting on this so that we can further what we do for the community," said Melissa Barron, founder of Rock Your Party.

Rock Your Party is a nonprofit that hosts birthday parties for low-income families or kids who have incarcerated parents. They were planning a Rock Your Prom event for teenage girls, but it got canceled because of COVID-19.

"I know there were a lot of girls anticipating this event," said Barron.

Jillian Marie, who owns 360 Style, was going to provide free hairstyling for the event.

"Yes! And I love, I love what Melissa is doing with that business I think it's so awesome," said Marie.

Tim Butler is a local grant writer and founder of Freelance Soul Professional Services. He helped secure about $30,000 in soft commitments for Rock Your Prom, but that money was lost when it got canceled.

Butler's support of the nonprofit didn't stop just because the event wasn't happening. He said he’s still working with Barron to secure new funding so she can help local kids.

"They're so professional, they do such good work in the community, and they make such a difference just throughout the Tulsa area," Butler said.

Butler specializes in writing grants for minority-owned businesses that he said so often are under-represented.

"Historically, black and brown people in this country have not been given the same level of access or equality when it comes down to financial services when it comes down to accessing loans for their businesses," said Butler.

He's currently working with Rock Your Party to get them SBA funding through the Paycheck Protection Program.

"He started letting us know about all the opportunities that were out there that we were never even aware of," Barron said.

Barron said she's always looking for donations or volunteers, but she also said it's important right now to help whatever nonprofit you feel passionate about.

For more information, visit the Rock Your Party website here or Freelance Soul Professional Services site here.