History
At Advancement Resource Services, we are dedicated to empowering communities, nonprofits, and businesses through strategic funding solutions, expert grant writing, and creative financial planning. Our mission is to unlock the potential in organizations that drive social change, support underserved communities, and create sustainable growth. With deep expertise in securing state and federal grants, establishing nonprofits, and building recovery communities, we are passionate about making meaningful, long-lasting impacts.
Our firm specializes in working with smaller communities and organizations that often lack the resources for full-time grant writers or financial experts. We help you navigate the complexities of funding opportunities, from crafting competitive proposals to developing strategic partnerships that maximize your success. Our commitment goes beyond simply finding funding—we provide tailored support through every stage, from initial planning to post-award compliance, ensuring that your projects achieve sustainable outcomes.
We take pride in offering innovative solutions that blend public, private, and philanthropic funding sources. By combining a passion for community development with a deep understanding of financial strategy, Advancement Resource Services delivers results that matter. Whether we’re helping a nonprofit establish itself, guiding a community through complex grant processes, or developing housing for substance use recovery programs, our focus remains on driving growth and fostering renewal across the United States.
Get in touch
Have questions or ready to explore how we can support your organization’s growth? Whether you need expert grant writing, strategic funding solutions, or guidance on building recovery communities, we’re here to help. Contact us today to discuss how we can partner to bring your vision to life and make a lasting impact. Let’s get started!
Founder
PRINCIPAL
Matt Karnell
Matt Karnell is the Owner and Principal of Advancement Resource Services, LLC, where he has spent over nine years providing developmental resource strategies and securing capital funding for for-profit and nonprofit organizations throughout the DMV (District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia). Matt’s expertise spans government grants, corporate foundation funding, private philanthropy, and major gifts, allowing organizations to meet their financial goals while advancing their mission. He offers tailored support in board development, governance, staff training, and strategic planning, ensuring sustainable growth for his clients.
Matt’s work in the recovery sector is especially noteworthy, having established a sober living facility in Youngstown, Ohio, and spearheading the development of recovery-focused communities in Pennsylvania. His commitment to helping those impacted by substance use disorders extends beyond traditional funding, focusing on creating spaces where long-term recovery and community reintegration are possible.
Before founding Advancement Resource Services, Matt served as Director of the Commonwealth Financing Authority Programs Division within Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), where he oversaw $1.2 billion in stimulus funds aimed at driving economic growth throughout the state. Additionally, his role as Manager at Grasso Holdings LLC in Philadelphia allowed him to shape strategic real estate investments that contributed to the city’s economic development.
As a member of Lambda Alpha International, an Honorary Society for the Advancement of Land Economics, Matt has consistently demonstrated his passion for community development and financial innovation. With over two decades of experience, Matt Karnell remains committed to creating impactful solutions that foster growth, recovery, and long-term success for both communities and organizations.