With Hedges since 2012
Melanie Priest leads Grant Services at Hedges, bringing more than 25 years of experience working alongside nonprofit organizations and funders throughout Central Indiana and beyond. Since joining Hedges in 2012, she has guided organizations of all sizes in securing competitive funding, aligning programs with funder priorities, and strengthening the clarity and impact of their case for support.
Melanie holds a Master of Public Affairs with a concentration in nonprofit management and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Indiana University. Her background in nonprofit leadership and development—including roles with the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis, Indiana Medicaid, Dayspring Center, and School on Wheels—gives her a comprehensive understanding of both programmatic operations and the funding landscape that sustains them.
She is known for her deep knowledge of philanthropic trends, her ability to distill information into clear direction, and her disciplined approach to managing demanding timelines. Colleagues and clients rely on her to step into evolving situations, understand context immediately, and move work forward with precision and calm. Whether developing a multi-year funding strategy or leading a last-minute proposal effort, Melanie keeps the “why” at the center, ensuring that funding pursuits are aligned with mission and long-term goals.
As a leader, she balances high standards with empathy, building strong grant teams while mentoring colleagues to grow in confidence and expertise.
Outside of work, Melanie is an adjunct instructor at Indiana University Indianapolis and University of Southern Indiana teaching Introduction to Non-Profit Organizations and Grant Proposal Writing. I She also enjoys biking, hiking, yoga, travel, learning tennis, and time with her family.
CliftonStrengths: Adaptability, Arranger, Maximizer, Positivity, Woo