Dawn Duncan, MSW, MSc is a singer, grant writer, Indigenous social justice activist, tarot reader, and dynamic speaker on the power of interconnectedness.

With dual master’s degrees from Harvard (Maternal and Child Health) and Boston University (Social Work), Dawn has helped nonprofits and small businesses raise over $40 million in grant funding. Through her company, The Grant Connection, she guides clients through the often-intimidating grant process—helping them not only secure funding but also understand the deeper power of collaboration and connection.

Her favorite mantra, “Seek to understand before seeking to be understood,” has shaped her work and empowered hundreds of clients to build impactful public–private partnerships.
Dawn’s approach is deeply rooted in her Cherokee and Powhatan heritage and the wisdom passed down from her Native grandfather. She weaves Indigenous values, especially the idea of holistic interconnectivity, into every aspect of her work—from grant strategy to social justice advocacy to spiritual guidance. For over 20 years, she has served on the board of the Massachusetts Center for Native American Awareness and helped found the Intertribal Council of Tolba Menahan (Turtle Island).

Whether she's singing, speaking, or strategizing with clients, Dawn lives her truth: everything is connected—and when we embrace that, everything becomes possible