Laura Chynoweth

A native of Arkansas currently residing in Utah, Laura Chynoweth’s professional experience consists of almost 20 years in the editorial world and twelve years in nonprofit development. Channeling her deep industry insights and passion for effective grant writing practices, Laura launched her company, Granted Fundraising Consultants, in 2014. Her previous roles at esteemed organizations like Girl Scouts of Utah, Utah Film Center, and Sundance Institute have equipped her with a unique insider perspective that she now leverages to help nonprofits thrive. Laura’s commitment to excellence in fundraising is underscored by her Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) certification, earned in 2019; her Grant Professional Certification (GPC) credential, earned in early 2024; and her service as a member of the boards for directors of Association of Fundraising Professionals Utah Chapter and Grant Professionals Association Utah Chapter. Beyond her consultancy work, Laura contributes to the broader nonprofit landscape as a regular grant reviewer for the National Endowment for the Arts, the Utah Division of Arts and Museums, and the Utah State Library Division.

A lover of language in all its forms, Laura received her B.A. in Writing from University of Central Arkansas and her M.A. in Linguistics, with a special focus on documenting endangered languages of the Pacific, from University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. While pursuing her graduate degree, she visited Maui to participate in a PacWhale Eco-Adventure whalewatching cruise on which she first learned about Pacific Whale Foundation.

Also during her time on Oʻahu, Laura’s love for the ocean grew, and she became a certified advanced open water diver. She shares Pacific Whale Foundation’s vision of a world in which whales and other marine life are valued and conserved, and she is thrilled to be able to contribute the skillset she has acquired as a professional nonprofit fundraiser, communications expert, and business owner to contribute to the Foundation’s community and environmental impact and to give back to the ocean that has given her so much.