Question 1

What are grants?

Accepted Answer

Grants are financial awards given to nonprofit organizations, small businesses, and individuals to further their programming and/or operations. Unlike loans, they do not need to be repaid, making them highly sought after and competitive.

Question 2

Am I eligible to apply for grants?

Accepted Answer

Many types of grants are available so the criteria can be confusing. Generally speaking, your organization should have:
Tax documentation (IRS tax-exempt status letter, recent 990, and current W-9)
Financial information (detailed organizational budget for the upcoming, previous, and current fiscal years, and any audits)
Please note: while we can adjust your budget to fit a funder's priorities, we cannot create client budgets. We’re happy to help where we can!
Basic narrative (history, year established, mission statement and notes on your vision and values, accomplishments and impact from the last few years, diversity statement, and statistics/demographics of board members.)
Board of directors (list of board members including affiliations, organizational chart, by-laws/conflict of interest policy/non-discrimination policy, and current strategic leadership plan.)

Question 3

When can I apply for grants?

Accepted Answer

While grants are always available, the most ideal grants for your organization may be open only during a specific time each year. Before working with us, our team will conduct initial research to ensure availability and determine your best grant timeline.

Question 4

Can you apply for and receive multiple grants at the same time?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as long as your organization matches the funder’s eligibility criteria. 
In some rare cases, you may be ineligible for certain funding if the funder is “re-granting” funding they received from a large foundation or the federal government. 99% of the time, though, you can (and should!) target and send multiple applications yearly.

Question 5

How long does it take to write a grant?

Accepted Answer

It takes our team anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to finish a singular proposal. We’re always upfront about the timeline, but organizing the materials often takes longer than the grant-writing process!

Question 6

How long does it take to receive funding?

Accepted Answer

Once an application is submitted, we’re unfortunately at the mercy of the funder. When we compile our research, we include the information we have regarding the timeline and work to keep you updated along the way. If we had to estimate, we’d say the “waiting” process takes 1-6 months from the application submission date to the day the funds are deposited into your account.

Question 7

If I win a grant, will you take a percentage of the funds?

Accepted Answer

No. We do not work on commission due to ethical constraints from governing boards in grant writing and fundraising; the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), the Grant Professionals Association, and the American Grant Writers’ Association all consider this practice unethical. The AFP will revoke the membership of any grant writer who works on commission.

If cost is a concern, please note that we always prefer to match our services to your budget rather than have you scrambling to make something work. When in doubt, reach out!

Question 8

How are your fees structured?

Accepted Answer

While each client is different, our services are priced as a package to simplify quotes for organizations looking to hire us. We do not charge hourly or by the word because we want to make it easier for our clients to plan and budget for grant-writing services. We hate surprise invoices and know you do, too!

Question 9

Will you help me with the following steps once I receive a grant?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We offer the following for all of our clients, even after our contract period ends:
Grant reporting for any grant funding received and any needed consulting to help utilize and track funds during the grant period.
Project coordination as it pertains to the grant final report.
Assisting with funder cultivation to ensure you and the funder maintain a long-term relationship.

Question 10

What happens if we don’t win a grant? Can you guarantee funding?

Accepted Answer

We’re dedicated to our clients & their positive outcomes. If your first round of funding is unsuccessful, we will happily continue to revise and resubmit grants at no additional cost until you receive at least enough funding to cover what you’ve paid us*. We do this because we believe in our client's mission, and nothing makes us happier than seeing our clients reach their goals and serve their communities. 
* This guarantee is for Gold Package clients only at this time.

Question 11

How do we get started?

Accepted Answer

Book a consultation call with our Client Advisor, Rachel Nicholson! Once you’ve had your call, we’ll send over a customized proposal; once approved, we’ll send a contract & invoice, and once that’s taken care of, we’ll get started immediately!

Frequently Asked Questions