Meet The CEO

Candice Cornish

With over 24 years in behavioral health, I’ve helped countless clients, whether securing million-dollar grants or refining resumes. I bring deep expertise in grant management across the full lifecycle, from application development to reporting and closeout. My master’s degree in social work shapes my collaborative, clear, and empathetic communication style, making it easier to navigate complex partnerships and projects.

I’ve secured funding to help organizations expand critical services like homeless shelters and mental health clinics, driving meaningful community impact. In addition, I specialize in business proposals, book editing, and LLC establishment. I’ve also guided organizations through licensing processes and facilitated growth through funding and strategic support.

Whether building supportive work environments or driving personal growth, my passion is helping people and businesses reach the next level. Ready for change? Let’s get started.

SUCCESSES

Over the last 8 years, I’ve secured and managed more than $15 million in grant funding to support nonprofits, government programs, and community initiatives across Maryland. My work spans the full lifecycle of grant funding, from prospecting and proposal writing to post-award compliance, reporting, and renewal strategies.

One of my proudest accomplishments was securing multi-year funding from the Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services (MOHS) to support the operations of two emergency shelters in Baltimore: one serving 145 women and the other supporting 125 men. The initial award of $990,000 grew to include $1.2 million for the women’s shelter and $897,000 for the men’s shelter in the second year. By year three, I helped increase funding to $1.7 million (women) and $1.3 million (men), totaling more than $6 million in support for shelter operations and essential services. I also served as the grant compliance lead, ensuring all reporting, deliverables, and fiscal oversight met or exceeded funder expectations.

In addition to government grants, I’ve written and won funding for a wide range of programs, including housing support, mental health, workforce development, education, and community infrastructure. Some of the grants I’ve successfully secured include:

Maryland Transit Authority – $1,288,505
Continuum of Care (CoC) – $1.5 million
Maryland ORF Funds – $600,000
FY26 Scope of Work – $350,000
Behavioral Health System Baltimore (BHSB) – $185,000
The Family League of Baltimore – $125,000
Maryland Life Sciences Corporation (MLSC) – $292,000
FY26 Housing Support Program (HSP) – $238,000
FY26 Local Development Council (LDC) – $114,000
Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) – $85,000
FY26 Grant-In-Aid – $70,000
Maryland Computer Lab – $65,000
FY26 HOME Program – $50,000
FY26 TBRA (Tenant-Based Rental Assistance) – $50,000

Through my company, Access Granted, LLC, I’ve also supported small nonprofits and emerging entrepreneurs in becoming grant-ready. Over the past five years, I’ve helped my clients secure more than $350,000 in private funding through foundations, corporate giving programs, and philanthropic organizations.

Whether writing multimillion-dollar government proposals or helping grassroots organizations access startup capital, I bring a strategic, client-centered approach rooted in results and sustainability. I don’t just help clients win grants, I help them build systems to keep the funding flowing.