KC innovator builds AI tool, helps organizations secure millions

"I want as many people as possible to have the things that they need," said Barbara Wright, president of Certified Dream Builder Inc.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:07pm

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of an AI-powered grant writing system, with various circuit boards, microchips, and other technological components emitting vibrant neon cyan and magenta lights, conceptually representing the innovative technology empowering nonprofits to secure vital funding.An AI-powered grant writing system illuminates the path to funding for nonprofits seeking to expand their impact.Kansas City Today

A Kansas City woman with an extensive grant-writing background has created a new AI-powered app called Grant Builder Pro Max to help nonprofits more easily secure funding. Barbara Wright, president of Certified Dream Builder Inc., developed the app after years of teaching grant writing and seeing the challenges organizations face in the process.

Why it matters

The app comes at a critical time, as some nonprofits have lost funding during the pandemic and are seeking new revenue sources. Wright's goal is to empower as many organizations as possible to achieve their missions and serve their communities.

The details

Wright has experience writing grants for the Housing Authority and Kansas City Public Schools, and has taught at JCCC and UMKC. She started developing systems to expedite the grant process using technology like PDFs and Excel, eventually realizing she was building an AI-powered tool. The first version of the app launched about two years ago, but Wright and her team went back to the drawing board to build a new AI-powered version that has been available for the past two months. The app, which is free to use, includes a questionnaire and readiness profile that provides suggestions on how nonprofits can improve their grant-writing capabilities.

  • The first version of the app launched about two years ago.
  • The new AI-powered version has been available for the past two months.

The players

Barbara Wright

President of Certified Dream Builder Inc. and creator of the Grant Builder Pro Max app.

Evelyn Deterville

Executive director of Extra Mile Club Str8 Up, a nonprofit that has used Wright's app.

Daniel Haupt

Director of Destiny Community Development Center, a nonprofit that has used Wright's app.

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What they’re saying

“I want as many people as possible to have the things that they need. Take your dreams and your ideas and turn them into reality. I say my slogan is, 'I help manifest millions for missions who are providing miracles to many.'”

— Barbara Wright, President, Certified Dream Builder Inc.

“I can take my software and empower families in the Florida area and do what I need to do to serve them in a quicker motion.”

— Evelyn Deterville, Executive Director, Extra Mile Club Str8 Up

“I'm really appreciative of it, and as I said, Dr. Barbara is touching and serving as a catalyst for social entrepreneurs all over the country, and her app has given us a powerful tool to make that happen.”

— Daniel Haupt, Director, Destiny Community Development Center

What’s next

Wright is currently helping entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders from Kansas, Colorado and Florida expand their reach and secure funding through her app and virtual classes.

The takeaway

Wright's AI-powered grant writing app is empowering nonprofits across the country to more easily access funding and achieve their missions, demonstrating how innovative technology can be a game-changer for mission-driven organizations.