Mark Paris

Grants Manager

Mark began his professional career while still in college, working in municipal government as a lifeguard, in nonprofit management as a Marketing Director and Grant Writer with the American Red Cross, and in higher education as a research project manager, professional development trainer, and grant writer at Miami Dade College.

As a freelance grant writing consultant, Mark has served nonprofit organizations large and small in 44 U.S. states and 37 nations. Over 43 years, he has generated $4.64 billion in funding for 2,514 new and expanded programs. In addition to grant writing, he assists clients with non-grant fundraising planning and organizational development, including assessment and evaluation, operations, outreach, planning, policies and procedures, and the recruiting and training of board members and staff. He also brings insights gained from 36 years reviewing grants for foundations and governmental agencies.

Mark enjoys grant writing because, while he cannot personally do all the things the world needs to become a better place, he can help secure the funding that allows others to do so.

A lifelong Floridian, Mark was born and raised in Miami and currently lives on the coast of Florida’s panhandle. He holds bachelor’s degrees in English Literature, History, and Political Science. Mark is a two-time cancer survivor (1998/2001 – Stage IV Osteosarcoma; 2018/2021 – Stage III Gastroesophageal Junction Adenocarcinoma).

He has been happily married since 2000 to Elizabeth, a professor of government, history, and political science.

Attraction to PIPCLT
Mark’s interest in PIPCLT stems from the experiences of family and friends who are advocates for community ownership, business owners and entrepreneurs, and community leaders. Through these relationships, he understands the challenges of launching and sustaining businesses—particularly access to cost-effective and viable commercial space.