Our Team
Our team is comprised of seasoned professionals with extensive experience in grant research, writing, consulting, and budgeting. We bring a wealth of knowledge and a strategic approach to grant strategies, ensuring our clients not only find suitable opportunities but also stand out with exceptional proposals that highlight their unique stories and impact. With a focus on long-term partnerships, we offer ongoing support that adapts to your organization’s evolving needs, ensuring your grant efforts are always on target.
Rick Neiman served as a board member and Chairman of the Development Committee for Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), where he led grant strategy, fundraising, and overall development efforts. In this role, he helped secure funding by aligning mission, storytelling, grant research and strategy, and donor engagement, experience that directly shapes the approach of Grant Pipeline Partners.
In addition to his fund raising experience, Rick is a growth-focused marketing and strategy leader with over 20 years of experience helping organizations expand revenue, strengthen positioning, and build scalable, results-driven programs.
He has led growth initiatives across both mid-market and Fortune 500 organizations, developing customer-centric strategies that drive acquisition, improve conversion, and create measurable pipeline growth.
He brings a unique ability to connect growth strategy with funding strategy, helping organizations build strong pipelines and win competitive grants.
Rick holds an MBA from Cleveland State University and a BSBA in Management Information Systems from Bowling Green State University.
Joe Lewarski brings executive-level leadership, clinical authority, and real-world funding experience that sets Grant Pipeline Partners apart.
As Senior Vice President of Clinical Affairs at Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare, Joe leads global clinical strategy, regulatory engagement, and innovation across a $300M+ business unit. His career spans executive roles in healthcare operations, product development, and business strategy, giving him a rare ability to align programs with how funders evaluate impact, outcomes, and scalability.
Joe has been directly involved in federally supported research initiatives and grant-related projects, and through his work on nonprofit and industry boards, has been instrumental in securing funding and advancing mission-driven programs.
His expertise strengthens our ability to develop highly credible, data-driven proposals, particularly in healthcare and complex funding environments where clinical validation and regulatory alignment matter.
A Fellow of the American Association for Respiratory Care, Joe holds a Master of Health Administration from Ohio University and has completed executive leadership training at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. He also earned a BS in Business Administration from Myers College.
Gary Merker brings deep expertise in mergers & acquisitions, financial strategy, and growth planning toGrant Pipeline Partners providing a critical financial lens that strengthens how organizations pursue and secure funding.
Gary’s background directly enhances the grant development process, particularly in building clear, defensible budgets, financial projections, and sustainability narratives that funders expect.
He has led and advised on M&A and business development initiatives across multiple industries, including pharmaceuticals, nutrition, and alternative energy. At Innophos, a publicly traded company, Gary focused on business valuation and financial modeling for mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures.
At Grant Pipeline Partners, Gary provides strategic guidance on funding alignment, financial positioning, and growth strategy, ensuring proposals are not only compelling, but financially credible and investment ready.
He holds a BSBA in Marketing from Lake Erie College and an MBA in Finance from DePaul University’s Driehaus College of Business.
Grant Pipeline Partners
At Grant Pipeline Partners, our mission is to empower organizations to navigate the often challenging landscape of grant funding opportunities. With a focus on sustainable grant pipelines, we work hand-in-hand with our clients to identify aligned funding sources, develop compelling proposals, and create an effective grant strategy tailored to their unique needs.
Our commitment goes beyond just writing grants; we aim to be a true partner in your journey. Whether you’re an established organization or a startup, our team utilizes in-depth research, strategic consulting, and ongoing support to enable you to thrive. We understand that each proposal is not just a request for funds, but a story waiting to be told, a story of hope, community, and vision.
Our expertise is fortified by practical insights and a dedicated focus on results, giving you the competitive edge needed to secure funding. At the heart of our process is a desire to see your mission fulfilled, making a real difference in the community. Together, we can turn your aspirations into tangible impact.