Barry (Baz) Nixon is the founder of Blue Sky Grant Services, LLC, a consultancy dedicated to helping nonprofits secure the resources they need to thrive. After celebrating five years in the nonprofit sector, Barry has built a reputation for delivering results that empower organizations to focus on their missions instead of worrying about financial limitations. His expertise in grant writing and management has already generated more than $12 million in awarded funding through over 360 successful proposals, enabling nonprofits nationwide to sustain and expand programs that directly impact veterans, at-risk populations, youth, and even animals.
Barry’s path to becoming a nonprofit leader is as inspiring as it is unique. After retiring from the U.S. Air Force following 21 years of service as a logistics and contracting officer, he transitioned into the nonprofit world with the same discipline, adaptability, and commitment that defined his military career. During his time in uniform, Barry coordinated multimillion-dollar logistics operations during the War on Terror and played a vital role in humanitarian missions, including airdropping food and supplies during the Afghanistan conflict and delivering aid to survivors of the Sumatra earthquake. These experiences shaped his belief that service extends far beyond the battlefield.
Today, through Blue Sky Grant Services, Barry partners with several veteran-focused organizations whose missions reflect his own values. One provides mental health services through equine-assisted therapy, helping veterans cope with trauma in supportive and innovative ways. Another supports justice-involved veterans, offering reintegration programs that reduce recidivism and even intervene early to prevent active-duty service members from spiraling deeper into the justice system or committing suicide. A third leverages art as a therapeutic outlet, offering veterans new opportunities for healing, growth, and self-expression.
What sets Barry apart is not only his technical expertise but also his mission-driven approach. His contributions extend far beyond proposal writing—he equips nonprofits with strategies, compliance systems, and tools that allow them to focus on what they do best: serving their communities. His work reflects his personal commitment to helping those who are too often overlooked, ensuring they have pathways to autonomy, purpose, and resilience.
For Barry (Baz) Nixon, Blue Sky Grant Services is more than a consultancy—it is a continuation of his lifelong mission to serve. His journey is proof that the mission does not end with military retirement. By equipping nonprofits with the resources they need, Barry continues to uplift communities and serve those he knows best: veterans. His career stands as a testament to resilience, adaptability, and a deep commitment to service beyond the uniform.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My typical day begins early with a protein smoothy and quiet planning. I take about 30 minutes to review my priorities before I check emails or take calls. Once I’ve outlined my day, I focus on research, prospecting, proposal development, and meeting deadlines for my nonprofit clients. I set aside time for virtual consultations, where I learn about my customer’s needs, helping organizations refine their goals or strengthen their funding strategies. Staying productive comes from maintaining structure and accountability. I plan my schedule in time blocks, minimize distractions. I end the day by reviewing what went well and what can be improved tomorrow, and focusing on gratitude.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Bringing ideas to life starts with asking questions and really listening. I work closely with nonprofit leaders to understand their goals, challenges, and vision for change. I listen to their purpose and objectives. From there, I translate those ideas into structured, fundable projects. That often involves crafting grant proposals, identifying measurable outcomes, and developing a solid implementation plan. I combine creativity with strategy, making sure every idea aligns with the organization’s mission and funders’ priorities. Collaboration is essential, so I involve the nonprofit in the review to refine each concept until it feels realistic and actionable. When everyone feels ownership of an idea, it has the power to move from concept to lasting impact.
What’s one trend that excites you?
One trend that excites me is the growing focus on the person-centered approach of both the nonprofits and grant makers.. I see more organizations adopting that focused approach, combining therapy, community engagement, and skill-building. For examples, programs using horses for emotional healing or art as a means of recovery are redefining how we think about wellness and reintegration. It excites me because it recognizes that healing isn’t linear or one-dimensional. This shift encourages nonprofits to address emotional and mental well-being alongside practical needs like housing or employment. It’s a more compassionate and sustainable way to help people rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
I keep a detailed calendar and use it daily. Every morning, I write down my objectives, priorities, and personal reminders to stay balanced. I find that physically writing things down helps me commit to them. I also set realistic time limits for tasks so I don’t get stuck perfecting details that can be refined later. Productivity for me isn’t about working nonstop; it’s about working with focus. I make sure to step away for short walks or quiet reflection during the day. Those breaks keep my mind clear and my problem-solving sharp when I return to work.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I’d tell my younger self to embrace patience with myself and persistence for what my heart tells me is important. In my early career, I wanted to see results immediately. Over time, I learned that progress comes from consistent effort, not instant wins. I’d also remind myself that every challenge is preparing you for something bigger. The setbacks I faced in the Air Force and later in business taught me resilience and adaptability. I’d also encourage my younger self to value relationships as much as achievements. Building trust and supporting others will always create more meaningful success than any single award or milestone ever could. I also have learned not to take losses personally. There are many factors that grantmakers look at to make a decision. My writing is focused on touching people’s hearts. I review to my message is heartfelt.
Tell us something you believe that almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe that there is no one right way to do things. While struture can inspire creativity, I belive being open to multiple ways to accomplish tasks opens us up to greater creativity and possibilities. It also generates opportunities that otherwise would be hidden.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
I take quiet time each day to reflect. It might only be fifteen minutes, but that stillness helps me process everything that’s happened and prepare for what’s ahead. Mindfullness allows me to stay aligned with my goals and values, especially when work gets busy. I encourage others to do the same. You don’t need a big ritual—just a few quiet moments to think about what went right, what didn’t, and what you’re grateful for. Over time, analytical meditation sharpens your focus, strengthens your discipline, and keeps you connected to your purpose.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When I feel overwhelmed, I step away from my desk and change my environment. Sometimes I go outside, take a short walk, or simply breathe in fresh air. I’ve learned that productivity drops when you push through fatigue. Pausing helps me regain clarity. I also remind myself of the bigger mission behind my work—helping nonprofits make a real difference in people’s lives. Reconnecting with purpose always grounds me. If I’m feeling scattered, I write down everything on my mind. Once it’s on paper, it feels manageable, and I can approach my work again with focus and calm.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
My most effective strategy has been building authentic relationships. I approach every client partnership as a collaboration rather than a transaction. I take the time to understand their needs, their mission, and their long-term goals. That personal investment creates trust, which leads to long-lasting professional relationships. Many of my clients come through referrals, which speaks to the importance of reputation and reliability. I also make sure to stay transparent in all communication. When people know they can count on you to deliver and to be honest, it builds credibility that naturally grows your business.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early in my consulting career, I misjudged a proposal by assuming passion alone would win funding. The proposal lacked alignment with the funder’s specific objectives, and it was rejected. That experience taught me an important lesson: passion must be matched with precision. Since then, I’ve made it a point to study funders thoroughly, understand their priorities, and ensure every proposal directly reflects their mission. I overcame that failure by turning it into a system improvement—refining how I research, write, and review each submission. That setback shaped the disciplined approach I now bring to every client project.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
I think there’s a great opportunity for a mentorship platform connecting retired military professionals with nonprofit organizations. Veterans have leadership and organizational skills that nonprofits desperately need. A platform that facilitates mentorship and volunteer consulting could bridge that gap. It would allow experienced professionals to give back in meaningful ways while strengthening nonprofit capacity. That model could easily expand beyond veterans to other skilled professionals who want to make a difference after retirement. It’s a simple but powerful idea: pairing expertise with purpose to create community-driven impact.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I rely on project management software to track every step of the grant process. It allows me to assign deadlines, upload documents, and communicate with clients efficiently. Having everything in one place saves time and eliminates confusion. I can see which tasks need attention immediately, and clients can monitor progress without constant check-ins. It also helps me maintain transparency, which strengthens trust. The software has essentially become my digital assistant, keeping me organized and accountable across multiple projects. For anyone managing complex workloads, having a structured system like this is a game changer.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
One book that has stayed with me is Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek. It’s a reminder that leadership isn’t about authority; it’s about service and responsibility. That message resonates deeply with my background in the Air Force and my work with nonprofits. The book reinforces the idea that when leaders put their teams first, organizations thrive. I’ve applied that mindset in every collaboration I take on. The value lies in its simplicity—lead with empathy, protect your people, and the mission will succeed. It’s a philosophy that has shaped how I approach leadership and client partnerships.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently watched FI with Brad Pit, and it reminded me of the power of resilience and unity. Brad Pitt’s character was an aged-out racecar driver, but when working as a team and looking out for his other teammate, then the team was successful., It also shows the strength that comes from camaraderie. It resonated with me because it mirrors the teamwork and dedication I experienced in the Air Force. It also reflects the spirit I see in nonprofit work—people coming together to help others through difficult times. Stories like that remind me why serving others, whether in uniform or through my consultancy, remains one of the most meaningful callings.
Key learnings
- Authentic relationships are the foundation of long-term success.
- Reflection and patience strengthen productivity and clarity.
- Failure becomes valuable when used to refine systems.
- Leadership grounded in empathy and a servant mindset drives trust and impact.
- Having an open mind creates opportunities and creativity.
Understanding your “why” sustains long-term impact.