Meet the Founder

Dell Johnson

Founder & Principal Strategist

NextStep Grant Solutions

Helping nonprofits, municipalities, and mission-driven organizations secure funding and build systems that support long-term impact.

Building Sustainable Funding Systems

Dell Johnson is the Founder of NextStep Grant Solutions, where he helps nonprofits, municipalities, and mission-driven organizations secure funding and build systems that support long-term impact.

With hands-on experience leading nonprofit programs, managing public and private grants, and operating community-based initiatives, Dell understands both sides of the funding equation — what funders require and what organizations realistically need to succeed.

His work spans grant strategy, compliance, program development, and operational systems, with a focus on helping organizations move from reactive grant chasing to sustainable, repeatable funding models. Through NextStep, Dell also integrates practical AI solutions that reduce administrative burden, improve reporting accuracy, and allow teams to focus more on service delivery.

Dell is known for a grounded, ethical approach to grants — prioritizing transparency, readiness, and alignment over quick wins — and for designing systems that support organizations long after a grant is awarded.

Experience & Focus Areas

How I Can Help

Nonprofit & Community Program Leadership

Strategic guidance for program development and community impact initiatives.

Federal, State, Local & Private Grant Support

Comprehensive support across all funding sources and grant types.

Grant Readiness, Writing & Post-Award Compliance

End-to-end grant lifecycle management from application to reporting.

AI-Powered Workflow & Reporting Systems

Modern technology solutions that reduce administrative burden.

Program Development & Operational Strategy

Building sustainable systems that support organizational growth.

Guiding Principles

What I Stand For

Integrity over shortcuts
Ethical, transparent approaches that build lasting trust with funders.
Systems over stress
Repeatable processes that reduce chaos and improve outcomes.
Sustainability over one-time funding
Building capacity for long-term organizational health.
Technology that supports people
AI and automation that empowers teams, not replaces them.

Ready to Build a Sustainable Funding Strategy?

Let’s discuss how NextStep Grant Solutions can help your organization secure funding and build systems for long-term success.

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