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Jesse's Expertise

Strategic Leadership in Non-Profit Growth and Government Relations

Jesse Clarke (she/her) is the founder and CEO of JN Clarke Consulting, where she helps mission-driven organizations scale their impact through strategic planning, program design, fundraising, and government relations.

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With over two decades of senior leadership experience across Canada’s non-profit and international development sectors, Jesse has raised over $100 million in government and foundation funding, built high-performing teams, and led transformational initiatives with organizations including Right To Play, Save the Children Canada, and Pathways to Education.

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Jesse is known for her clear, actionable strategies and her ability to demystify complex systems—especially when it comes to securing public funding and navigating government partnerships.

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What Jesse Brings

  • Strategic Program Design: Jesse brings deep content expertise in gender equality, international human rights, and systemic change. She’s led the development of multi-million-dollar programs and designed high-impact training on grant writing, advocacy, and government engagement.

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  • Fundraising & Grant Writing: She has personally raised over $100M for organizations across Canada and globally. Whether working with federal departments or philanthropic foundations, she helps clients turn bold ideas into fundable strategies.

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  • Training & Facilitation: Jesse is a sought-after speaker and facilitator, leading workshops and webinars for hundreds of organizations. Her training is known for being practical, interactive, and grounded in real-world experience.

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  • Government Relations: From crafting funding strategies to mentoring nonprofit leaders, Jesse brings a rare blend of political savvy and deep sector knowledge. She’s worked on both sides—inside Global Affairs Canada and as a leading voice in the nonprofit advocacy space.

  • UNICEF Canada

  • Rainbow Railroad

  • World Vision

  • MEDA

  • Dignity Network

  • Campfire Circle

  • Islamic Relief Canada

  • Children Believe

  • Save the Children

  • PWRDF

  • War Child

  • Canadian Foodgrains Bank
    ...and many more.

Partners in Purpose

Jesse in Action

   Workshops & Webinars:

      Jesse leads trainings on government grant success,                 funding strategy, and nonprofit advocacy.

      Highlights include her "Fall Federal Funding Bootcamp,"         Spur Change's “Building Equity” series, and “Survive &             Thrive in 2025.”

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    Podcast Appearances:
      – The Small Nonprofit Podcast – Government Relations           Foundations

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      – #Fempire – Revolutionizing Nonprofit Partnerships               with Government


      – CharityVillage Connects – Navigating Political                           Uncertainty

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     Publications:
     – CharityVillage: “Government Grant Writing: Should You        Apply?”​

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     – Canadian Journal of Development Studies: “Sexual                Rights and Christian Conservatism”


     – Strategic reports for UNICEF Canada, World Vision, and         the Dignity Network

Values-Driven, Results-Focused

Jesse’s work is grounded in feminist, anti-racist, and anti-colonial values. As a queer leader and long-time advocate for LGBTQI+ rights, she brings lived experience, deep empathy, and a commitment to equity in every engagement.

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She’s fluent in French, a confident public speaker, and a trusted advisor to senior leaders across Canada’s social impact sector.

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