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.