Meet the Team Behind Grantsimple
About Grantsimple
Why we do what we do
Grantsimple was founded by Kristen Visser because she realized that the same-old approach to fundraising just wasn’t doing the trick anymore. Kristen wanted to give partners the chance to tackle one of the most frustrating parts of the nonprofit world: how a grant application can feel like a shot in the dark.
By uncovering patterns and insights, we help nonprofits spend their time wisely and focus on what they do best—making an impact in their communities. We don’t just do it because we can. We do it because we love how it feels to help make a difference for the people who are out there changing lives.
Put simply, we knew there had to be another way. This is it.
Meet the team
Meet the team
Kristen Visser
Kristen Visser
Founder & CEO
I’m Kristen Visser, Founder and CEO of Grantsimple. I’ve spent over a decade working in the nonprofit sector, and what’s always stood out to me is how powerful communities can be when they come together. That’s what drew me to this work in the first place, and it’s what keeps me passionate about helping nonprofits succeed.
I’ve always been a DIY kind of person. If there’s a problem, I’ll figure out a way to fix it. If something can be done better, faster, or more effectively, I’m all in on finding that solution. It’s this mindset that helped shape Grantsimple into what it is today—a company that’s not afraid to challenge the status quo and dig deep to make grant writing smarter and more strategic.
Nathan Visser
Nathan Visser
Co-Founder & Head of Product
After recognizing a major gap in support for Canadian charities navigating the grant process, I wanted to help fill that gap.
My background is in sales and entrepreneurship, and I’ve always been drawn to solving messy problems and building systems that make life easier for real people. At Grantsimple, I focus on strategy, finance, and developing tools that take the complexity out of the grant process – for our team and the organizations we serve.
I’m most at home when solving complex problems and thinking five steps ahead. After hours, you might find me on the golf course, asking “what if?” – or deep in an untitled spreadsheet.
Lily Pontieri
Lily Pontieri
Director of Grant Services
I have a passion for storytelling with a purpose, which has allowed me to drive lasting change in a variety of sectors. With nearly 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, I have built my career around creating high-quality, tailored proposals and securing funding for impactful initiatives. In addition to my professional work, I serve on advisory boards and boards of directors, where I help guide organizations in their missions to support diverse communities.
I love expressing myself through creative art and a collection of hobbies, from painting and crafting to exploring new DIY projects. I’m also an avid reader, and whether I’m immersed in a good book or a hands-on project, these activities bring me a lot of joy and keep me grounded.
Sol Modero
Sol Modero
Grant Services Lead
With a background in political science and gender studies, I’ve supported nonprofits across Latin and North America to grow their impact through strategic fundraising, grant writing, and partnerships. I’m especially passionate about advancing equity, education, and economic opportunity through well-crafted proposals and mission-aligned collaboration. Outside of work, I love to travel, watch films, read for hours, and explore new music—always with my cat close by. What I love most about Grantsimple is being part of a team that supports nonprofits in reaching their goals and bringing their missions to life.
Dara Poizner
Dara Poizner
Grant Strategist
As a fund development specialist with a background in both literature and strategic communications, I’m passionate about the ways in which storytelling can inspire change. Over four years in the nonprofit sector, I’ve gained experience working for charitable organizations as well as funders, and I’m excited to bring this perspective to my work with Grantsimple.
I love books, TV and movies, food, and having long conversations about all of the above. You will often find me at a dance class or at my local cinema watching a new (or possibly a very old) film.
Syranda
raffoul
Vichelle Yumuya
Grant Strategist
I work at the intersection of strategy and narrative, helping organizations clarify their goals, break the journey into practical steps, and shape their work into authentic, funder-ready plans and applications. Curiosity is my guiding star. After studying Psychology, I followed my interest in people (especially those with the passion and vision that make communities strong) into impactful work that makes use of both my creative and analytical strengths. Over a 10-year career, I’ve moved between marketing, operations, and funding strategy in a variety of settings. It’s taught me how to adapt, learn what matters, and communicate to bridge gaps. I want to get to the heart of your project. I listen for the values that drive it, the impact it’s aiming for, and the details that make it credible; then I weave it into a compelling story that makes reviewers and donors lean in.
Outside of work, I’m well-travelled and always learning. I’m happiest when I’m creating, whether that’s cooking, writing, or the multitude of art projects I have on the go. I also plan and manage events, because I enjoy designing purposeful experiences that encourage connection and community.
Vichelle Yumuya
Vichelle Yumuya
Grant Specialist
Working in the nonprofit sector isn’t just a career for me—it’s my ikigai, my true purpose. From a young age, I’ve been deeply passionate about creating tangible change in the world, which naturally led me to support causes that align with my core values. My mission has always been to leverage my knowledge and experience to help organizations grow, thrive, and make a lasting impact in their communities.
Outside of my professional life, I have a profound love for animals. I currently care for seven cats and make it a priority to feed stray cats in my neighborhood. This passion for animal welfare reflects my broader commitment to compassion and my desire to make the world a better place for everyone.
I believe in the power of grants not just as sources of funding, but as transformative tools that enable organizations to amplify their vision and drive real-world change. That’s why I’m so excited to be joining the team at Grantsimple. This work is both challenging and rewarding, and I know it’s exactly where I’m meant to be to make a meaningful difference.
Paz Osella
Paz Osella
Grant Specialist
Over the past 8 years, I’ve worked across the nonprofit, public, and international sectors to support initiatives advancing gender justice, LGBTIQNB+ rights, migration, and youth leadership. These experiences have reaffirmed my belief that the most meaningful change happens when communities lead. Whether I’m writing a grant proposal or crafting a fundraising campaign, I approach each project with the same goal: to empower those already creating impact from the ground-up. For me, true impact is rooted in the power of the collective -a value that guides both my work and my everyday life. In my free time, you’ll find me in the park with my dog and drinking mate with friends. I also enjoy studying Chinese, it keeps me curious and connected to different ways of seeing the world.
