Grant Writing FAQs
Q: My organization has never written grants before, and I’m feeling overwhelmed. Can you help me?
A: You’re in the right place! I’m here to help you navigate asking for money, even if you’ve never written a grant before. We can have a free, no obligation 30 minute Zoom meeting or phone call to see if I’m the right consultant for your organization.
Q: I only need help with a certain part of a grant. Can I still work with you?
A: Yes. I provide full-service grant writing and development, as well as review and editing services. I can help you build budgets, develop logic models, form an evaluation plan, and plan programs. There are no minimums to meet and no long-term contracts to sign, unless you’d like to work together on retainer.
Q: Can you teach me how to write grants?
A: If you’re an organization, yes, I can teach you and your staff to write your own grants if that’s a goal you have! Some of my clients want to learn how to write their own grants. Some would prefer that I write so they can focus elsewhere. It’s up to you! If you’re an individual or student looking to learn how to write grants, please check out your local library, university courses, local chapter of GPA or AFP, or online tutorials. I do accept speaking engagements for fundraising conferences, university classes, panel discussions, etc. Email me at info@sarahwritesgrants.com to ask about a presentation.
Q: How much do you charge? Why don’t you list your prices on your website?
A: Investment in grant writing services can vary greatly depending on your organization’s needs and project scope. I offer project-based pricing as well as monthly retainers and special pricing for very small organizations. Booking a discovery call is the best way for me to provide an accurate quote for your project.
Q: I can’t pay you until I get a grant. Do you accept commission-based work?
A: No. I adhere to the standards set by the Grant Professionals Association which prohibits accepting commissions. Just like a lawyer, graphic designer, or other professional service consultant, you will need to pay for work performed at the time of service. I offer a limited number of reduced rate contracts during the year for organizations with budgets of less than $500,000.
Other FAQs
Q: I’m looking to start a nonprofit organization. Can you help?
A: Congratulations! While some exist, grants are not widely available for startups. I encourage you to search for existing organizations with similar missions and seek opportunities to collaborate. I recommend connecting with your local library, community foundation, United Way, or other nonprofit resource center in your area to find out more about starting an organization. I recommend consulting with a lawyer to best understand your options and the requirements in your state.
Q: Do I need to have 501c3 status to work with you?
A: Most likely. I work with nonprofit organizations, schools, universities, and other tax-exempt entities. Most funders will require this status. In some cases, you could have a fiscal sponsor who accepts responsibility for donations on your organization’s behalf. Some other organization structures may be possible, such as membership organizations. Consult with your lawyer and accountant about obtaining 501c3 status.
Q: Can you help me find grants for my small business?
A: I do not work with for-profit businesses. My area of expertise is in raising money for tax-exempt, mission-based organizations. I recommend visiting the Small Business Administration website to learn more about funding options for businesses.
Q: Can you help me find grants or scholarships or advise me on setting up a GoFundMe, Kickstarter, Facebook Fundraiser, etc.?
A: If you are an approved 501c3 organization, I can provide consulting around raising money online. I do not provide services for students, individuals, or families looking to receive grants or scholarships for specific purposes such as tuition, home renovation, medical expenses, etc. I cannot coach you on setting up a platform like GoFundMe that is designed for individuals to raise money. I do not raise money for political candidates or partisan organizations.
Q: Can you introduce me to “Large Foundation Where You Live”?
A: Nope. But I’ve written successfully funded proposals to them. You can hire me to write yours!
Q: I’m a Patriots fan. You’re from Indianapolis. Is that going to be an issue?
A: Sarah Writes Grants welcomes all organizations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, immigration status, or any other category where humans should be treated like humans. Even Patriots fans. We recognize and celebrate what makes your served population special and take great care to be inclusive and anti-racist. We’d especially like to work with you if you feel this way, too, and are doing the work to make sure everyone who needs you has equitable access to your services. We might wear Colts gear during our meetings, though.