How It Works

We handle the research, writing, and strategy - you stay focused on your day-to-day mission without getting caught in the weed. Here's what working with us looks like.

Your Path from Idea to Funded

Schedule A Call

5 Steps:

As you know, every nonprofit is different, so we tailor each engagement to fit your goals, capacity, and timeline. But after years of working with organizations of all sizes, we have found that the most successful outcomes follow this proven process.

Step 1. Introduction / Discovery Call

A free 30-minute conversation to learn about your organization, programs, and funding needs. No pressure - just clarity. We listen first. By the end of this call, you'll know whether grant funding is a realistic fit and what the next steps look like.

Not every organization is ready for grants - and that's okay. Grant funding may not be the right move yet if:

  • You don't have 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsor yet. Most funders require tax-exempt status before they'll accept an application. Do not waste time on grants until you have this and then some.

  • Your programs aren't clearly defined yet. Funders want to invest in specific, measurable projects or programs with outcomes - not general ideas that are still taking shape. Grants are competitive and should be treated with care as such.

  • You don't have basic financials in order. If you can't produce a budget, a financial statement, or a recent Form 990, most funders will pass automatically. We recommend you get a bookkeeping software like QBO or Wave to produce financial reports easily.

  • You need money next week. Grant timelines run months, sometimes a full year from application to award. Patience and persistence is key. If the need is urgent, grants are probably not the solution.

Step 2. Funding Strategy

We research funders specifically aligned with your mission, geography, and more using databases like Instrumentl and GrantStation, as well as competitor research. Then, we build a 6- or 12-month grant calendar tailored to your funding goals.

Step 3. Digital Organization Audit & Systems Setup

We review your existing documents for compliance, audit your marketing and internal storytelling, and build you a system that can last well beyond our engagement. Before we write proposals, we make sure your foundation is solid (which saves you time, money, & headache). Here's what this includes:

  • Needs Assessment

  • Document Audit

  • Google Drive Build-Out

  • Organization 101 Document

  • Password Manager Setup

Step 4. Grant Writing & Submissions

We handle the drafting, revising, and submitting - you bring the program knowledge and the passion behind your work. Together, we turn that into a proposal that funders actually want to fund. And every submission gets reviewed three times before it goes out, so you can feel good putting your name on it.

One thing we've learned: the best proposals come from real collaboration. That means short weekly check-in calls to stay aligned on details, budgets, and priorities - and so you always know exactly where things stand. No surprises, no last-minute scrambles.

Step 5. Post-Award Support

We help with reporting, compliance, and funder relationship-building so you keep the funding flowing. Winning the grant is step one. We help you stay in good standing with funders through timely reports, budget tracking, and ongoing communication.