Frequently

Asked       

Questions 

About Our Services

  • At The Funding and Strategy Collaborative LLC, we bring a unique blend of strategic insight and practical experience to grant writing. Our team has a proven track record of securing funding across diverse sectors, and we take a collaborative approach that ensures your organization's mission and vision shine through in every proposal. We don't just write grants; we build lasting partnerships that help your organization thrive.

  • Being “Grant Ready” means your nonprofit's ability to find, win, and effectively manage grant awards. This includes having a clear mission and vision, strong organizational leadership, sound financial management, defined programs with measurable outcomes, and the capacity to implement proposed projects and report on results. We can help assess your grant readiness and develop strategies to address any gaps.

  • We work with nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, government agencies, and social enterprises that are committed to creating positive change in their communities. Our clients range from grassroots organizations to established institutions across various sectors including education, healthcare, arts, social services, environmental conservation, and community development.

  • On average, you can expect to win 1 in every 5 grants that we apply for. This is contingent on several factors above and beyond quality of writing including: your impact data, your ability to manage funds in the past and present, the strength of your programs, and your infrastructure - such as bookkeeping, marketing, program staff, case notes software, et cetera.

  • Consultants may seem expensive at first glance, but it's important to consider the value proposition. We bring specialized expertise, efficiency, and focus that can dramatically increase your success rate. Unlike employees, we don't require benefits, ongoing training, or management oversight. We handle our own taxes, equipment, and professional development. When you factor in the time saved for your staff, the expertise provided, and the potential funding secured, professional grant services often represent an excellent return on investment.

  • Our fee structure varies based on the scope and complexity of each project. We offer several options:

    • Hourly rates for specific tasks or consultations

    • Project-based fees for complete grant proposals

    • Monthly retainer arrangements for ongoing services

    We provide transparent quotes after an initial consultation where we assess your needs. We're committed to making our services accessible and offer sliding scale rates for smaller organizations with limited budgets.

  • While we can't guarantee that every grant application will be funded (no ethical grant writer can), we do guarantee the quality of our work. If you're not satisfied with our deliverables, we'll revise them until they meet your expectations. We also guarantee our commitment to deadlines and professional communication throughout our partnership.

  • The Funding and Strategy Collaborative LLC was established in 2023, but our team members bring over 20 years of combined experience in nonprofit management, grant writing, and strategic planning. This depth of experience informs our approach and contributes to our high success rate.

  • Our collaborative approach sets us apart. We don't simply write grants for you; we work alongside you to develop compelling narratives that authentically represent your organization's work. We believe in building your internal capacity while delivering immediate results. Additionally, we integrate strategic planning and grant seeking, ensuring that funding pursuits align with your organization's larger vision and goals.

  • Yes, we work with organizations at all stages of development, from startups to well-established institutions. We tailor our approach to match your organization's specific needs and capacity. For smaller organizations, we often focus on building grant readiness alongside pursuing initial funding opportunities. For larger organizations, we can provide specialized expertise for complex federal grants or multi-year funding strategies.

  • Absolutely. We have extensive experience with both government (federal, state, and local) and foundation grants. Government grants often require technical expertise and strict adherence to complex guidelines, while foundation grants typically focus more on relationship building and alignment with funder priorities. Our team is skilled in navigating both types of funders and can recommend the best approach based on your organization's needs and readiness.

  • We primarily serve clients in the United States, with a concentration in Colorado. However, thanks to virtual collaboration tools, we work effectively with organizations nationwide. For international grants or organizations based outside the U.S., we can discuss your specific needs to determine if we're the right fit.

  • Yes, we offer a comprehensive 6-Week Grant Research & Strategy Intensive to develop your organization's funding roadmap. This service includes:

    Weeks 1-2 (Setup & Foundation)

    • Discovery call and comprehensive needs assessment

    • Kickoff strategy meeting

    • Extensive research in grant databases (Instrumentl, Grant Station, GuideStar/Candid)

    • Initial identification of 100+ potential funding matches

    Weeks 3-4 (Research & Development)

    • Intensive grant research (15+ hours)

    • Development of Overview/101 Document

    • Initial Grant Funding Strategy creation

    • Refinement of opportunities to 12-20 premium matches with 15%+ success rates

    • Digital organizational system setup in Google Drive

    Weeks 5-6 (Finalization & Delivery)

    • Complete Grant Funding Strategy Plan for the next 12-16 months

    • Power Prospectus Marketing Document for funder cultivation

    • Final Organization Overview 101 Document

    • Final strategy session

    • Templates, guides, and best practices resources

    This service is designed to give you a clear roadmap for grant funding success with targeted opportunities that match your organization's mission and capabilities.

  • We have particular expertise in serving:

    Housing & Shelter Organizations:

    • Affordable housing development

    • Senior living facilities

    • Permanent supportive housing

    • Emergency shelters

    • Housing navigation services

    • Eviction prevention programs

    • Case management services

    Youth & Education Nonprofits:

    • K-12 programs

    • Higher education initiatives

    • Youth development organizations

    Veteran-Serving Organizations:

    • All types of 501(c)(3)s supporting military members or veterans

    Our CEO brings specialized experience in each of these areas, allowing us to craft particularly compelling grant proposals that resonate with funders in these sectors.

  • Yes! Twice a year, we select one nonprofit through our F&S Collab Grant Awards to receive professional support for a single, high-priority grant application at no cost.

    Eligible organizations should:

    • Be 501(c)(3) nonprofits (preferably based in Colorado, Illinois, Arizona, Texas, or Nevada)

    • Focus on affordable housing, veteran services, at-risk youth, economic development, and/or community development

    • Have annual revenues under $1 million

    • Be less than 5 years old

    Application deadlines are March 31st and September 31st annually. This program reflects our commitment to supporting emerging nonprofits that might not otherwise have access to professional grant writing services.

Grant Writing

  • A Letter of Inquiry (LOI) is a brief document (typically 2-3 pages) that introduces your organization and project to a potential funder. It serves as a first step in the grant application process for many foundations. The LOI summarizes your organization's mission, the need or problem you address, your proposed solution, your capacity to implement it, and the specific funding request. A well-crafted LOI can open the door to an invitation for a full proposal.

  • The timeline varies significantly depending on the funder:

    • Foundation grants: 3-6 months from submission to decision

    • Government grants: 4-9 months from submission to award notification

    • Corporate grants: 1-3 months from submission to decision

    After notification, it may take an additional 1-2 months to receive the actual funds. We help you develop realistic timelines for each opportunity and strategize around your organization's funding needs.

    • The main types of grantmakers include:

      • Private foundations (established by individuals, families, or corporations)

      • Community foundations (serving specific geographic areas)

      • Corporate foundations and giving programs

      • Government agencies (federal, state, and local)

      • Public charities with grantmaking programs

      • Donor-advised funds

      Each type has distinct priorities, application processes, and expectations. We help you navigate these differences and develop tailored approaches for each funder type.

  • Being "grant ready" means your organization has the necessary infrastructure and capacity to successfully apply for, implement, and report on grant-funded projects. This includes having a clear mission and programs, strong organizational leadership, sound financial management, defined outcomes and evaluation methods, and the operational capacity to fulfill grant requirements. We assess your grant readiness and help you address any gaps before pursuing funding.

  • In the grant writing process, we work closely with your leadership team, program staff, and finance department to gather the necessary information and insights. Externally, we engage with funders through research, relationship building, and communication about your proposals. We can also collaborate with other consultants or partners involved in your projects to ensure a cohesive approach.

  • While our services require an investment, consider the alternative: hiring a full-time grant writer (salary plus benefits) or assigning grant writing to staff who may lack specialized expertise. Our focused expertise increases your success rate, and we handle all aspects of the grant development process efficiently. We bring knowledge of diverse funding landscapes and best practices that would take years to develop internally. Additionally, we can scale our services based on your current needs, providing flexibility that an employee cannot.

  • We'll need comprehensive information about your organization, programs, budget, impact, and specific project plans. This typically includes:

    • Organizational documents (mission, vision, history, strategic plan)

    • Program descriptions and outcomes data

    • Financial information (budgets, audits, Form 990s)

    • Leadership information (board and key staff bios)

    • Project-specific details (goals, activities, timelines, budgets)

    We provide a detailed checklist and work with you to gather information efficiently, respecting your time constraints.

  • We use a multi-faceted approach to research that includes:

    • Specialized grant databases and search tools (Instrumentl, Grant Station, GuideStar/Candid)

    • Analysis of funders' giving histories and priorities

    • Review of similar organizations' funding sources

    • Monitoring of new funding announcements

    • Leveraging our network of funder relationships

    We evaluate each opportunity against your organization's mission, programs, and capacity to ensure strong alignment before recommending pursuit.

  • After submission, we:

    • Track the proposal through the funder's review process

    • Respond to any funder questions or requests for additional information

    • Prepare you for site visits or interviews if required

    • Help you plan for implementation if the grant is awarded

    • Discuss learning opportunities and next steps if the grant is declined

    • Update your grant calendar and funding strategy based on outcomes

    We remain engaged throughout the entire process, not just the writing phase.

  • Yes, we can assist with grant reporting, which is crucial for maintaining funder relationships and positioning you for future funding. Our reporting services include:

    • Creating reporting calendars and reminders

    • Developing templates for tracking required data

    • Drafting narrative reports that highlight successes and learnings

    • Preparing financial reports in collaboration with your finance team

    • Ensuring compliance with all funder requirements

  • Our project fees include multiple rounds of revisions to ensure the final product meets your expectations. We typically include:

    • Initial draft review

    • Second draft refinement

    • Final polishing before submission

    For complex projects, we may include additional revision rounds. Our goal is your complete satisfaction with the final submission, not limiting revisions to a specific number.

  • Common documents we'll request include:

    • 501(c)(3) determination letter

    • Organizational budget and audited financial statements

    • Board of directors list

    • Strategic plan

    • Program descriptions and outcome data

    • Staff bios for key personnel

    • Previous grant proposals (successful and unsuccessful)

    • Annual reports

    • Project-specific plans and budgets

    We'll provide a customized document checklist based on your specific situation and the grants you're pursuing.

  • Grant rejections are a normal part of the funding process. When a proposal is declined, we:

    • Request feedback from the funder when possible

    • Analyze the proposal against successful applications

    • Identify areas for improvement

    • Determine whether resubmission is appropriate

    • Develop a strengthened proposal if resubmission is advised

    • Identify alternative funding sources for the project

    We view rejections as learning opportunities and use them to strengthen future applications.

Strategic Planning

  • Strategic planning is a systematic process that aligns your organization's resources with its mission and vision. At The Funding and Strategy Collaborative LLC, we offer both near-term and long-term strategic planning approaches tailored to your organization's specific needs and maturity level.

    Near-Term Strategic Planning transforms your organization's effectiveness with planning designed for immediate impact through operational alignment, one-year frameworks, or issue-based interventions.

    Long-Term Strategic Planning develops strategic foresight through structured planning frameworks that support lasting success, from basic foundation-building to comprehensive forecasting and scenario-based approaches.

    Every strategic planning process we facilitate creates a roadmap that guides decision-making, resource allocation, and evaluation of progress toward your goals.

  • Our strategic planning services deliver specific benefits depending on your chosen approach:

    Near-Term Benefits:

    • Create immediate alignment between daily operations and strategic objectives

    • Achieve meaningful results quickly while building momentum

    • Address pressing challenges with targeted solutions

    • Optimize operational efficiency with clear metrics and timelines

    • Demonstrate tangible progress to stakeholders within months

    Long-Term Benefits:

    • Develop comprehensive strategic forecasting for sustained growth

    • Build organizational resilience through scenario planning

    • Integrate complex stakeholder needs into cohesive frameworks

    • Establish solid foundations that grow with your organization

    • Prepare confidently for multiple possible futures

    All approaches enhance your ability to secure funding, align stakeholders, make strategic decisions, and demonstrate organizational effectiveness.

  • The timeline varies based on the approach that best fits your needs:

    Near-Term Planning:

    • Operational Strategic Planning: 4-8 weeks

    • Short-Term Strategic Planning (1 Year): 4-6 weeks

    • Issue-Based Strategic Planning: 3-5 weeks for targeted interventions

    Long-Term Planning:

    • Basic Strategic Planning: 6-10 weeks

    • Comprehensive Long-Term Planning: 3-6 months

    • Scenario-Based Strategic Planning: 2-4 months

    We offer flexible engagement models, from intensive retreats to extended processes that accommodate busy schedules and diverse stakeholder involvement.

  • The appropriate participants depend on your chosen planning approach:

    For Near-Term Planning:

    • Operational Planning: Executive leadership, department heads, and key operational staff

    • Short-Term Planning: Executive team, board representatives, and program managers

    • Issue-Based Planning: Subject matter experts, affected stakeholders, and decision-makers

    For Long-Term Planning:

    • Basic Planning: Board leadership, executive director, and core staff

    • Comprehensive Planning: Full board, complete leadership team, staff representatives, and external stakeholders

    • Scenario-Based Planning: Cross-functional teams, board strategists, and external environment experts

    We help you design an inclusive process tailored to your specific planning needs while ensuring efficiency and meaningful engagement.

  • Update frequency depends on the type of strategic plan you implement:

    Near-Term Plans:

    • Operational Strategic Plans: Review quarterly, refresh annually

    • Short-Term (1 Year) Plans: Monthly check-ins, quarterly adjustments

    • Issue-Based Plans: Ongoing monitoring, formal review when milestones are reached

    Long-Term Plans:

    • Basic Strategic Plans: Annual review, refresh every 2-3 years

    • Comprehensive Long-Term Plans: Bi-annual review, new plan every 3-5 years

    • Scenario-Based Plans: Quarterly trigger monitoring, annual scenario reassessment

    All plans benefit from regular monitoring and adaptive management to respond to changing circumstances.

  • Strategic Plans define where your organization is going and why, outlining your mission, vision, strategic priorities, and goals. We offer varying timeframes and focuses:

    • Near-term strategic plans address immediate operational alignment, one-year goals, or specific issues

    • Long-term strategic plans establish comprehensive direction across multiple years

    Business Plans detail how specific initiatives will be implemented, with concrete operational tactics, financial projections, and market analyses. They typically focus on:

    • Program or venture launch specifics

    • Financial sustainability models

    • Implementation mechanics

    Your strategic plan provides the framework within which specific business plans operate. Depending on your needs, we can help you develop both types of plans in sequence or simultaneously.

  • Yes, we provide expert facilitation tailored to different strategic planning approaches:

    For Near-Term Planning:

    • Operational alignment workshops and department integration sessions

    • Accelerated one-year planning retreats

    • Issue mapping and solution development workshops

    For Long-Term Planning:

    • Foundation-building retreats for new organizations

    • Multi-stakeholder engagement processes for comprehensive planning

    • Scenario development and testing workshops

    Our facilitators create environments where all voices are heard, challenging conversations happen productively, and diverse perspectives strengthen outcomes. We use a variety of interactive methods matched to your specific planning approach.

  • Success measurement is tailored to your chosen strategic planning approach:

    For Near-Term Plans:

    • Operational Plans: Process efficiency metrics, alignment indicators, and task completion rates

    • Short-Term Plans: Quarterly milestone achievement and momentum indicators

    • Issue-Based Plans: Problem resolution metrics and implementation tracking

    For Long-Term Plans:

    • Basic Plans: Annual goal progress and foundational capacity improvements

    • Comprehensive Plans: Multi-year outcome indicators and strategic position improvements

    • Scenario-Based Plans: Adaptability metrics and environmental response effectiveness

    For all plans, we help you develop clear KPIs, implementation timelines, regular review processes, and stakeholder feedback mechanisms tailored to your specific planning approach.

  • Absolutely. Different strategic planning approaches enhance your grant prospects in specific ways:

    Near-Term Strategic Plans demonstrate:

    • Operational excellence and efficient resource use

    • Ability to achieve rapid results with focused efforts

    • Targeted solutions to pressing challenges

    • Clear accountability and implementation capacity

    Long-Term Strategic Plans showcase:

    • Organizational stability and sustainability

    • Thoughtful consideration of future environments

    • Comprehensive stakeholder engagement

    • Mature organizational systems and processes

    Many funders explicitly ask about strategic plans in their applications. Having the right type of strategic plan significantly strengthens your funding proposals by providing ready-made language about your goals and demonstrating organizational focus.

  • For first-time strategic planners, we recommend specific approaches based on your organization's maturity:

    For newer organizations: Start with our Basic Strategic Planning approach, which focuses on essential SWOT analysis and immediate priorities aligned with current resources. This creates a manageable roadmap that grows with your organization.

    For more established organizations without previous planning: Consider our Short-Term Strategic Planning (1 Year) to achieve quick wins while building planning capacity, or Operational Strategic Planning to align existing activities with strategic objectives.

    For any first-time planning process, we provide:

    • Education about planning concepts and benefits

    • Organizational readiness assessment

    • Capacity-building components

    • Implementation supports to ensure success

    First-time planning is transformative for organizations at any stage, setting the foundation for more strategic growth and impact.

  • We offer a spectrum of strategic planning approaches with varying levels of detail to match your organization's specific needs:

    Near-Term Strategic Planning options:

    • Operational Strategic Planning: Highly detailed regarding systems alignment, workflows, and metrics to bridge vision and execution

    • Short-Term Strategic Planning (1 Year): Focused detail on immediate priorities with clear action steps for rapid implementation

    • Issue-Based Strategic Planning: Concentrated detail on specific challenge areas with targeted intervention strategies

    Long-Term Strategic Planning options:

    • Basic Strategic Planning: Essential framework with fundamental priorities and straightforward implementation plans

    • Long-Term Strategic Planning: Comprehensive detail integrating complex stakeholder needs and multi-year implementation roadmaps

    • Scenario-Based Strategic Planning: Adaptable frameworks with detailed contingency plans for various potential futures

    The right level of detail provides clear direction while maintaining appropriate flexibility. We'll help you select and design the approach that best fits your organization's current circumstances and aspirations.