The idea for Washington Grant Associates, LLC (WGA) was not born in a board room, but as a response to real needs going unmet by available funding. In 2024, after years of securing millions in public and private grant funding for large institutions and regional initiatives, our founder, Dr. Michel realized a critical gap: too many small towns, nonprofits, and community organizations were being left behind, not for lack of vision, but for lack of access.
To bridge the gap between vision, need, and funding, WGA was formed to serve as a partner who could be trusted to champion funding needs and realize results for its clients. In leveraging a unique combination of expertise in government relations and private networking, WGA is able to accompany quality grantsmanship with the strategic diplomacy it takes to win impactful funding awards.
At Washington Grant Associates, we help organizations and communities grow by finding the right funding and offering expert support every step of the way. Our goal is to create lasting, meaningful impact through smart, sustainable solutions. With a focus on quality, trust, and collaboration, we guide our clients through the grant process from research to writing to evaluation to deliver real results and long-term success.
To be a trusted partner in shaping stronger, more resilient communities by unlocking funding opportunities and driving innovative, lasting solutions that make a measurable difference.
Our philosophy is simple and one that is founded on integrity being present in everything we do. Known as the Four-Way Test, it serves as our compass for ethical conduct and responsible leadership.
Before taking action, we ask:
This ethical code shapes our culture, informs our strategy, and defines what it means to do the right thing even when it’s not the easy thing.
Brian R. Michel, Ph.D. is an accomplished strategist and public funding expert with extensive experience guiding organizations through complex grant development, government relations, and strategic initiatives. Over the course of his career, Dr. Michel has successfully secured and managed nearly $100 million in competitive grant funding across federal, state, and private sources. His expertise spans program design, institutional advancement, workforce development, and economic growth initiatives in both the public and nonprofit sectors.
As Assistant to the President for Governmental Relations and Strategic Initiatives at SUNY Niagara, Dr. Michel leads efforts that align institutional goals with regional and statewide priorities. He manages a diverse portfolio of grants and strategic partnerships, and regularly engages with local, state, and federal stakeholders to advance funding and policy opportunities.
With a strong record of collaboration, Dr. Michel has worked closely with municipalities to secure and administer state and federal funding for critical public works and infrastructure projects. He has helped local governments identify high-impact funding opportunities, craft competitive grant applications, and align project goals with broader community development and resilience strategies. These efforts have led to tangible improvements in transportation systems, water infrastructure, broadband expansion, and downtown revitalization throughout Western New York.
Throughout his career, Dr. Michel has played key roles in workforce development, small business advancement, and higher education access. His leadership has resulted in impactful initiatives such as a statewide cannabis education program, veteran entrepreneurial training supported by the Verizon Foundation, and a multiple National Science Foundation funded technology education projects.
In addition to his institutional role, Dr. Michel serves as Chairman of the Niagara County Student Housing Development Corporation and sits on multiple regional boards, including the Niagara County Economic Development Committee and the Circle the Wagons Foundation.
With a track record of strategic vision, cross-sector collaboration, and measurable results, Dr. Michel is a trusted partner for both public and private organizations seeking to expand their funding capacity and achieve lasting impact.
Dr. Michel holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Liberty University and both an MBA and BBA in Marketing from St. Bonaventure University. He is a Board Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and a long-standing member of the American Society of Safety Professionals.
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