Prerequisites for Hiring a Professional Grant Writer:
When a business hires a Grant Writing Consultant to prepare a letter, proposal, or application for a grant award, there is a considerable amount of “EFFORT” that will be required on the part of the business. A person within your organization should be designated as the point of contact person to work with the Grant Consultant. Typical responsibilities of the business that should be accomplished in a timely manner may include the following:
- Ensure cooperation and participation with the Grant Consultant
- Provide the 501 c 3 Determination Letter (most competitive to win grants.)
- Ensure current registration with SAM (annual registration required)
- Provide DUNS Number
- Provide Business Plan, with Vision and Mission Statement
- Establish Business Brand: Phone, Email, Website, and Social Media Platforms
- Provide an Annual Organization Budget Estimate
- Provide a Project or Program Budget Estimate (plus line item details for the Budget Narrative)
- Provide a Summary of the project to be funded (services, target population, service area, project staffing plan, etc.)
- Provide information on current programs, projects, and services offered to the community
- Provide resumes and bios of Key Personnel (Board Members & Senior Management)
- Provide construction site plans and bidding processes for contractors
- Provide Information for any forms required by the funding agency
- Review documents and proposal prepared by the Grant Consultant
- Review the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), required forms, and instructions
- Ensure the AOR/CFO has all the necessary documentation to submit a proposal or application to the funder
Does every business qualify for a grant?
Businesses and government agencies are eligible to apply for a grant. Consideration should be given not just to eligibility, but also whether or not the business or agency is competitive.
- Nonprofit Organizations with a Non-exempt and Charitable status from the IRS are more competitive to win government, foundation, and corporate grants.
- For-profit Businesses (corporation, partnership, sole proprietor, limited liability company) are more competitive to win government contracts but may qualify for grants as well.