The Van Hyfte Grant Lab, a Vermilion County–based grant writing and funding strategy firm founded by Nicole Van Hyfte, is celebrating its six-month anniversary with impressive results and a special giveaway for clients and supporters.

Since opening its doors in May 2025, The Van Hyfte Grant Lab has partnered with more than 80 clients across eight states, written 88 grants, completed 30 Research Reports, and helped organizations secure more than $312,000 in funding.

To celebrate this milestone, the Lab has launched a $600 Grant Strategy Giveaway, designed to give one lucky winner a boost toward their 2026 funding goals. Participants can earn up to two entries by:

• Purchasing a Research Report, a tailored list of grant opportunities matched to an organization’s needs, or
  

• Making a donation to the Granting Hope Fund, which helps provide free or low-cost grant writing services to local nonprofits.
  

Both actions completed by December 31, 2025 will qualify for the drawing, with winners announced in early January 2026.

“Our first six months have been full of impact, collaboration, and growth,” said founder Nicole Van Hyfte. “The Granting Hope Fund is our way of paying it forward — ensuring every nonprofit, no matter their budget, has access to high-quality funding support. This giveaway is a celebration of that mission.”

To learn more, request a Research Report, or make a donation, visit www.thevhgrantlab.com.

Danville, IL – July 2025 — The Van Hyfte Grant Lab is excited to announce that applications are now open for the Backing Small Businesses Grant Program, a national opportunity powered by American Express and Main Street America. This initiative offers $10,000 grants to locally significant small businesses looking to promote sustainable growth, increase community impact, and enhance long-term resilience.

In total, 400 grants will be awarded in this round — and businesses that complete their $10,000 project by the end of the year may be eligible for an additional $30,000 Enhancement Grant in 2026.

Eligible businesses must:

• Be a brick-and-mortar, for-profit business
  

• Have been in operation since at least January 1, 2024
  

• Be located in a historic or older commercial district
  

• Employ 20 or fewer full-time employees
  

• Be in good standing in their state
  

• Be able to complete their proposed project by December 31, 2025
  

Nicole Van Hyfte, founder of The Van Hyfte Grant Lab, is offering FREE Discovery Calls to help qualifying businesses determine eligibility and craft competitive applications. “Grants like this are an incredible opportunity for small businesses to gain momentum,” said Van Hyfte. “I’m here to make the process less overwhelming and more strategic — so we don’t just apply, we compete.”

The Van Hyfte Grant Lab’s grant support includes:

• A one-time $100 application fee
  

• A 5% success fee only if the grant is awarded (minus the filing fee)
  

Applications close Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 11:59 PM CT.

📍 Businesses interested in learning more should book a Discovery Call at: 👉 www.thevhgrantlab.com/schedule-a-consultation

For media inquiries or interviews, contact: 📧 nicole@thevhgrantlab.com 📍 www.thevhgrantlab.com

Vermilion County, IL — May 12, 2025 — The Van Hyfte Grant Lab proudly announces its grand opening on Monday, May 12, 2025.

Founded by nonprofit leader and grant strategist Nicole Van Hyfte, The Van Hyfte Grant Lab provides expert grant writing, funding strategy, and capacity-building support to organizations ready to level up their impact. With over a decade of experience in philanthropy and nonprofit development, Van Hyfte brings a powerful combination of creativity, clarity, and results-driven strategy to every client partnership.

“We created The Grant Lab to empower changemakers with the tools, language, and support they need to win the funding they deserve,” said Van Hyfte. “This grand opening marks not just the launch of a business—but a movement toward more sustainable, equitable, and well-resourced missions.”

Book your free Discovery Call today at www.thevhgrantlab.com. 

About The Van Hyfte Grant Lab

The Van Hyfte Grant Lab is helping nonprofits unlock funding through expert grant strategy, storytelling, and capacity-building support. Built on the belief that great missions deserve great resources, the Lab supports organizations across sectors to write bold proposals, win big grants, and change the world.

Mission

To empower changemakers through strategic, equity-centered grant services that secure transformative funding and support long-term impact.