What people are saying.

  • Working with Kathleen on PacificSport Columbia Basin’s BC gaming grant exceeded expectations. We submitted a comprehensive and compelling grant confident in its potential to prioritize our funding. Kathleen's creative touch and grant-writing expertise made the words resonate with emotion. Throughout the process, her patience and coaching kept me on track, ensuring every detail in the grant package was optimally addressed. Her meticulous attention to detail ensured a consistent narrative around our core themes, reflecting her ability to balance the big picture with precise details—a clear distinction between professionals and amateurs in this space. Impressed with our collaboration, we've recommended Kathleen to other organizations and eagerly anticipate future projects together.

    James Brotherhood, Executive Director, PacificSport Columbia Basin

  • “KAST collaborated with Kathleen in 2023 on grants, sponsorships, and program leadership. Kathleen secured a $400,000 government grant, showcasing her deep understanding of the non-profit landscape in the Kootenays and strong research skills. Her meticulous work streamlined grant writing, helping us launch impactful programs. We look forward to future collaborations with Kathleen."

    Melanie Fontaine, Executive Director, Kootenay Association of Science & Technology

  • “Kathleen is a valuable member of our board and she knows a lot about Non-Profits. Through her networks and connections we have realized new sources of funding and sponsorship. Working with Kathleen is fun, she is inspiring and a great team player."

    Dawn Rhynold, President, Trail Little League

  • "Thank you so much to Kathleen for her wealth of knowledge in pointing me in the right direction for grants and avenues to explore to establish my new business. Her warm, caring personality and brainstorming ideas have left me inspired with possibilities. I highly recommend connecting with her, and look forward to working with her again in my grant proposal journey.”

    Tracy Slobodian, Owner & Artist, SoulEssence Keepsakes

  • “I’ve worked with Kathleen since 2016, what sets her apart is an ability to listen to complex ideas and perspectives and then articulate them into actionable language that funders want to back. She’s not just a grant writer, she is a visionary and sees potential in her clients. Kathleen never hesitates to role up her sleeves and do the work to help her clients get to the next level.”

    Kamren Farr, Business Faculty, Selkirk College

  • "We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Kathleen Ayre from Kootney Connex for her invaluable expertise, compassionate guidance, and unwavering dedication throughout the grant writing process. Her commitment to supporting small businesses has been truly inspiring, and her profound impact resonates in the clarity and strength of our application. With her remarkable assistance, we are better equipped to navigate the grant landscape and advance our mission of sustainability and innovation. Thank you, Kathleen, for being an indispensable partner on our journey to make a positive impact and contribute to a more sustainable future."

    Kristen O’Keefe and Diane Rudge, Co-Founders, The Den Refillery

  • The Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise Society (KORE) has a mission to create economic diversification in the Kootenay region of British Columbia through creating a cluster and network of brands within the outdoor recreation industry. Kathleen and Kootenay Connex supported KORE with writing a recent grant application to the Province of BC’s REDIP program. In a very short time frame, Kathleen immersed herself in KORE’s mission and values, and was able to craft the strategy, words and numbers. KORE is engaging Kootenay Connex in another upcoming grant application and Kathleen will continue to be KORE’s primary grant writer for all future funding intakes.

    Kevin Pennock, Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise