Natalie Applegate is the Director of Development at Shift Work Forward, where she leads the organization’s fundraising strategy, operations, and systems. She brings experience managing grants, programs, and teams focused on youth apprenticeships, postsecondary access, and workforce opportunities across multiple regions.
Natalie joined Shift Work Forward as the development manager in 2023. In her current role as director, she provides strategic leadership and execution for a diversified fundraising program that advances the organization’s mission, priority initiatives, and long-term sustainability. She partners closely with the executive team to steward funder relationships, grow revenue through grants and fee-for-service opportunities, and lead the development of high-quality proposals, concept notes, and reports. Natalie also oversees prospect research and data analysis to inform fundraising strategy and organizational planning.
Before joining Shift Work Forward, Natalie led youth apprenticeship programs at Ascend Indiana and managed postsecondary education and workforce programs and grants at Educate Texas. She previously served as a program manager for an AmeriCorps education program in San Jose, California, and as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Nicaragua.
Education
- Master of Public Affairs (Nonprofit Management) — Indiana University
- Bachelor of Arts, Journalism — Ohio University