Damon Guinn, Empa
About Damon Guinn, Empa
Damon Guinn serves as the Grants Manager at Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, where he manages $5 million in private grants annually. With a background in communications and public administration, he has held various roles in nonprofit organizations and has significantly increased grant awards since 2022.
Work at Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity
Damon Guinn serves as the Grants Manager at Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity since 2021. In this role, he manages private grants totaling $5 million annually, which are aimed at promoting affordable homeownership and advancing racial equity in housing. Under his management, the organization has seen a significant increase in total grant awards, achieving a 216% increase since 2022. This growth has contributed to the overall financial stability and expansion of the organization's mission.
Education and Expertise
Damon Guinn holds an Executive Master of Public Administration (E.M.P.A.) from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Bloch School of Management, where he studied from 2014 to 2016. He also earned a Bachelor's degree in English Language and Literature from Southern Nazarene University, completing his studies from 1991 to 1995. His educational background supports his expertise in grants management and strategic communications.
Background
Damon Guinn has a diverse professional background that includes roles in grants management, communications, and writing. He has worked in various capacities, including as a Research Program Coordinator at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and as a Grants Specialist at Cornerstones of Care. His experience spans over two decades, with significant positions at Children International, where he held multiple roles, including Senior Staff Writer and Editorial Manager.
Previous Work Experience
Before his current role, Damon Guinn held several positions that contributed to his expertise in grants and communications. He worked as the Director of Communications at Hmong American Partnership and as a Grants and Communications Strategist at Cornerstones of Care. His extensive experience in the nonprofit sector has equipped him with the skills necessary for effective grant writing and reporting, utilizing tools like Raiser’s Edge and Salesforce.
Achievements in Grant Management
Damon Guinn has played a key role in securing competitive national awards from notable organizations such as Fannie Mae, the U.S. Department of Treasury CDFI Fund, and U.S. Bank. His strategic approach to grant management has led to significant financial growth for the organizations he has worked with, particularly in his current position at Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity.