AMPT Spotlight: Propel Consulting

AMPT: Advancing Nonprofits works with highly experienced nonprofit consultants to help fulfill our mission of providing capacity-building support to Black- and Latinx-led nonprofits on Chicago’s West and South sides. To learn more about the consultants AMPT has connected with, visit our Consultant Portal.

As first-generation Latina who studied education in college, Melanie has worked in the education field for almost 15 years and is currently working on obtaining her doctorate in education (Ed.D.). After having a family of her own and years of experience, Melanie started her consulting business to give back and serve nonprofits that were serving her community. She was introduced to AMPT because of her experience in grant writing, and she thought it would be a great way to continue to make an impact on nonprofits led by people of color.

“My favorite part is meeting the people who run the nonprofits in the consultant sessions that AMPT has set up. I love hearing the passion behind their voice and how much they love what they do and how much they want to grow to impact their community,” Melanie says.

AMPT works to get to know the nonprofit organizations, understand their needs and make sure the right consultants are chosen to help. For Melanie, who mainly works in grant sourcing, grant writing and program development, a successful session includes going through databases and coming up with a strategic plan with the nonprofit to start the grant application process. Her goal is to have nonprofits walk away from each 90-minute coaching session with two to three tactics to apply to the work they’re doing in the community. 

Melanie loves working with nonprofits to help with the process and logistics of securing funds. In the midst of a pandemic, many nonprofits are unsure of their next steps or where to find the resources they need. For many organizations on Chicago’s South and West sides, AMPT is the solution. “I would encourage Black- and Brown-led nonprofits to connect with AMPT and take advantage of those resources. AMPT is doing so much to uplift these community organizations,” she says. 

To learn more about Melanie Flores and Propel Consulting, visit propelconsultllc.com