The Story Behind Milkwood
Milkwood Consulting Co. was created from a combination of professional experience, a passion for helping community organisations and a desire for a better balance between work and family.
After spending more than 10 years working in grants and funding, I wanted to use my experience to help organisations access opportunities, develop their projects and navigate the often complicated funding process.
As a mum of three, I also wanted the flexibility to be more actively involved in my children's lives while continuing to build a career doing something I enjoy.
What started as a grant writing business has grown into something much broader. Today, Milkwood provides funding strategies, project planning, grant management, reporting, tender support and organisational governance services.
In the first 18 months of business, I've helped secure over $4.5 million in grant funding for clients, supporting everything from small community projects to major infrastructure and organisational initiatives.
For me, Milkwood is about providing practical support, building strong relationships and helping organisations achieve things they might not have the time or resources to tackle on their own.
Meet Melanie
Before establishing Milkwood Consulting Co., I worked within the Northern Territory Government, gaining extensive experience across the grant funding process, including application assessments, funding recommendations, agreements, compliance, reporting and acquittals.
I also held acting management responsibilities, giving me valuable experience in grant administration, governance and decision-making processes.
Outside my professional career, I've served on several community and sporting club committees and have been involved in starting and running businesses. These experiences have given me a practical understanding of the challenges organisations face, particularly those relying on volunteers and small teams.
Today, I bring that knowledge together to provide personalised support to sporting clubs, Aboriginal organisations, not-for-profits, community groups and businesses.
I pride myself on being approachable, providing honest advice and helping clients understand not just what funding opportunities are available, but what they need to do to be ready for them.
Our Mission
To make funding, project planning and organisational support more accessible, practical and manageable for the organisations working to make a difference.
At Milkwood Consulting Co., we're committed to taking the pressure out of grant applications, reporting and governance, providing honest advice and personalised support so our clients can focus on their communities, projects and goals.
Our Vision
To see sporting clubs, community organisations, Aboriginal organisations, not-for-profits and businesses across the Northern Territory and beyond have the confidence, resources and support they need to grow and succeed.
Through strong relationships, practical advice and ongoing support, Milkwood Consulting Co. aims to help build more capable, sustainable and successful organisations.
Let's Work Together
Whether you're looking for funding, planning a new project, reviewing your organisation's governance or simply need some guidance on where to start, I'd love to hear from you.
Let's have a chat about what you're working towards and how Milkwood Consulting Co. can help.