Jessica Stack
Haystack Essentials Collective
Jessica Stack is the founder of Haystack Essentials Collective, Inc., a grant writing consultancy supporting nonprofits and community-focused organizations. Established during the COVID-19 pandemic, Jessica created her firm to remain involved in the education sector while managing her household and children. A former elementary school teacher and executive assistant, she transitioned into grant writing as a way to stay connected to community service. Since its inception, Haystack Essentials Collective has successfully secured over $7 million in funding for organizations across the U.S., from Hawaii to states like Florida and New York. While Jessica doesn’t have full-time employees, she regularly collaborates with contractors, particularly new writers, helping them build their own practices. Her firm primarily serves small to mid-sized nonprofits with missions focused on youth, education, arts, and the environment, offering comprehensive grant strategy and writing services.
Before connecting with YWCA Oʻahu, Jessica faced challenges that many business owners transitioning from a nonprofit or education background encounter. Used to functioning as an employee, Jessica lacked confidence in running her own consultancy and needed guidance in building a solid business foundation. She also faced difficulties in scaling her operations, managing the business side of her work, and transitioning from a sole proprietorship to an S corporation.
After engaging with YWCA Oʻahu and participating in the YWahine in Business Accelerator, Jessica experienced transformative growth. With the support and mentorship of team members Marla, Valerie, and Mariko, Jessica’s firm saw a substantial increase in revenue, surpassing six figures and reaching over $120,000. This success allowed her to hire her first virtual assistant and expand her team of contract writers, significantly increasing the firm’s capacity to serve more clients. Transitioning to an S corporation further optimized her business operations and financial management.
Through YWCA Oʻahu’s guidance, Jessica refined her business strategy and embraced a growth mindset, becoming a more confident leader. Her firm’s success, combined with its commitment to community-driven work, has led to increased recognition, including affiliations with organizations such as Camp Mokuleia and the Hawaii State Department of Education. Jessica now serves clients nationwide while staying true to her mission of helping small and mid-sized nonprofits secure funding to support youth and education-focused initiatives.
Reflecting on her experience with YWCA Oʻahu, Jessica shared, “The Accelerator program was really a great eye-opener for me because it taught us not only the nuts and bolts of running a healthy organization, but also all the inner work that goes into entrepreneurship and owning a business. It was hugely beneficial, and Val is just so great at connecting people and supporting us along the way.”
With Jessica’s leadership, Haystack Essentials Collective has secured contracts with a diverse range of clients, including local organizations like Work Now Hawaii, which supports employment opportunities for people with disabilities, and Spill the Tea Cafe, a nonprofit focused on youth and family inclusivity. Additionally, Jessica has collaborated with larger entities such as the Hawaii State Department of Education, strengthening her firm’s reputation and impact in the community.
Jessica’s dedication extends beyond her role as a grant writer; she’s a passionate advocate for community-oriented causes. Her background as a teacher and nonprofit professional gives her a unique, empathetic perspective on the challenges her clients face. She focuses on sustainability and growth, helping organizations expand their missions and make a greater impact. Looking ahead, Jessica plans to launch a membership program to provide nonprofits with access to resources, training, and support to help them become more grant-ready. This program aims to democratize access to grant writing expertise, ensuring even the smallest nonprofits have the tools they need to succeed.
Jessica’s journey from educator to successful entrepreneur reflects her resilience and adaptability. Her commitment to mentoring new grant writers and serving nonprofits in the education, arts, and youth sectors showcases her dedication to building a stronger, more resourceful community.