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Sarah Kerr

Assistant Director of Grants
Helping Up Mission

Sarah Kerr is a seasoned fundraising professional with over 20 years of experience in nonprofit donor engagement, giving strategy, and institutional fundraising. Currently the Assistant Director of Grants at Helping Up Mission in Baltimore, MD, she manages a grants program of over 50 grants, securing more than $1.4 million annually. Her leadership has resulted in securing the largest operating grant in the organization’s history, along with over $3 million from state agencies, including a cross-cultural grant for the Hispanic/Latinx community. She has been involved in a $63 million capital campaign and securing operational grants for new residential programs for women and children. She serves as the Vice President of the Middle TN GPA and held the position of Secretary at the MD GPA chapter in the past.

Sarah's career has spanned key roles, such as Grants Acquisition Manager at American Leprosy Missions, where she managed grant portfolios, secured federal grants, and initiated multi-year funding relationships. She has a proven track record of designing systems that streamline research, outreach, project management, and reporting to enhance funding opportunities and foster sustainable relationships. Her ability to work with multiple internal stakeholders – Programs, Finance, Development, and Operations – to marry projects with funding solutions is a defining strength, and she excels in connecting funding partners with the communities her organizations serve.

She also spent eight years with World Relief, including directing church partnerships and volunteer programs. As a volunteer at Central Presbyterian, she co-hosted the Baltimore hybrid Justice Conference in partnership with World Relief speaking and facilitating sessions.

Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts in Intercultural Studies from Houghton University. She is deeply committed to fostering networks of support that lead to mutual transformation. In her spare time, she learns about neurodivergence, enjoys hikes and the great outdoors with her husband and young son, and loves connecting with passionate people, preferably over a nutritious meal.

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