Our Story

Our founder, Mustafa Hasnain’s journey to create Grant Assistant was fueled by a deep-seated desire to level the playing field in the world of grant solicitation. As an immigrant to the United States, he experienced firsthand the complexities and challenges of the proposal writing process, a world that seemed inaccessible to those who weren't well-versed in its intricate lexicon. Brilliant ideas and projects fell by the wayside simply because their proponents lacked the necessary proposal-writing skills.

Determined to solve this problem, he envisioned a toolkit that would democratize the proposal creation process, ensuring that the merit of one's ideas would determine their success. Joining forces with Sean C. Carroll, ex-COO of USAID, with his deep experience and belief in the tool's potential underscored its capacity for global impact, fostering localization efforts for international organizations. Dr. Gilberto Lopez, a first-generation American who rose from rural farm life to a Harvard doctorate, saw Grant Assistant as a means to empower innovators. Bringing a strategic edge, Syed Murtaza, Hans Miller, and Rob Russell, with their experience in startups, finance, and government contracting, emphasize the platform's potential as a sustainable, scalable business and a strategic asset in the proposal production process.