Grant Writing

As every development officer knows, your ability to get funded depends directly on the quality and effectiveness of your grant seeking strategy. Within that process, an exceptional Grant Proposal is the strongest statement you can send to foundations and donors that you are committed to the success of your fundable program or project.

In this complex and highly competitive world of grant seekers, Capital Writer$ can function as a "virtual" grants department that can dramatically increase the probability of funding success for your organization.

Are you one of the many individuals with fund raising responsibilities who are finding it increasingly difficult to seek out foundation grants and other sources of major gifts without giving serious thought to hiring a full-time professional? Before you do, here's a common scenario you might want to consider:

Once you factor in the time and cost of placing an ad, going through the interview process, selecting the right individual, paying another salary and benefits, purchasing another computer and software programs, research directories and database materials and adding to your overhead expense for additional supplies and secretarial support, your cost can quickly soar to $75,000 to $100,000 a year and you are still not guaranteed funding success.

"We write successful grants that win financing"

THE GRANT PROCESS

In addition to saving you money, Capital Writer$ offers much more than only the customary grant proposal writing service. With our extensive experience in developing successful grant seeking strategies, comprehensive research capabilities, effective resource development, compelling grant proposal writing services and vital post-grant follow-up procedures, we will work side by side with you each step of the way in the grant development process. It all starts with...

1. Fundability Checklist
   Capital Writer$ begins with a visit to your location or with an on-line questionnaire to determine you current or future funding probability and grant-eligible needs. The on-line questionnaire is a pre-qualifier that can be completed and returned at your own convenience, but may or may not necessitate an on-site visit to your location. We will augment the client needs assessment with a review of your existing promotional materials, mission statement, strategic plans, annual report, previously submitted grant applications and other pertinent materials.
2. Organizational Needs Assessment
   While client organizations typically have many financial needs, grant makers have specific requirements regarding the kinds of "needs" they support. The team at Capital Writer$ will help to identify and define those specific client needs that are likely to generate grant support. This process can be performed in a variety of ways including "round table" discussions with clients, distribution and analysis of proposal development worksheets, and by general review of the clients' operating budgets. This process typically generates an extensive list of grant-eligible needs that clients are asked to prioritize in order of overall importance to the organization.
3. Comprehensive Funding Search
   Based on the information collected from the on-site or on-line needs assessment process, we undertake an exhaustive search of our extensive database of grant makers to match your specific needs with the giving interests of more than 60,000 private and corporate foundations, hundreds of federal and state programs and other frequently overlooked funding sources. Each funding entity has its own particular funding interest, geographic area of support, size and range of grants awarded, and types of organizations supported. This requires multiple computerized searches of its extensive database using sophisticated selection criteria. When linked with an effective resource development plan, our far-reaching database will enable us to more successfully market your program to the all the most appropriate and responsive funding institutions.
4. Proposal Preparation and Submittal
   Once we have identified funding prospects most likely to respond to your program needs, the Capital Writer$ team will propose a program tailored to meet the unique requirements of each individual grant maker. Contrary to the standard “one proposal fits all” strategy of grant writing, we individually craft each proposal to meet the strategic requirements of each grant maker we have identified for submission. Understanding the reality that a non-targeted approach to grant proposal writing predictably leads to rejection, our grant proposal strategy is designed to dramatically increase the probability of success. We skillfully prepare each grant proposal with the appropriate content. The final draft is carefully proofed for accuracy and format. Applications are sent via email or express mailed to clients for final reviews, signatures, and mailing out to the funding sources.
5. Proposal Tracking
   Capital Writer$ tracks each proposal from project conception through submission. This information is maintained in our funding source database for retrieval and incorporation into regularly scheduled progress reports provided to the client. In addition, Capital Writer$ provides each client with measurable outcomes or products, which include awarded grants, new identified funding sources, professional written proposals and improved relationships with established funding agencies.
6. Post Grant Follow-Up
   Another step that is generally ignored by other grant consultants is the post grant follow-up. With Capital Writer$, once you have been awarded a grant we will continue working with you by preparing reports to the grant maker advising them of your progress with the project they funded. We clearly understand that this is crucial to building long-term relationships with grant makers and often leads to future funding support. To help you achieve and maintain funding success, we will maintain regular contact to stay current on your changing needs.

To receive a free assessment on your non profit organization and the potential of funding opportunities please click here to fill out our Fundability Checklist.