Part II: Grant Optimization After the feasibility study, the next step is creating a workplan to identify any gaps. We call this step Grant Optimization. You will recall that we utilized the who, what, where, why, when, how, and who cares framework to evaluate the organization and its programs or services during the feasibility study. Using these findings will help you determine the next best steps to create a grant optimization strategy. The Importance of Strategy A good strategy provides a clear roadmap, consisting of a set of guiding principles or rules, that defines the actions people in t ..read more

Goals are a must in order to start, develop, and complete any type of project. When writing grants, it’s no different! From the project design to researching the grantmaker to writing the actual narrative in a proposal, the details have to be clear. If properly defined, these goals will allow you to focus on what’s important while creating and/or adjusting new behaviors to accomplish your pre-determined goals. Think of your goal as a dream with a deadline. Then, ask yourself the following questions: How will I complete this goal? What will it take to meet the deadline? What tasks/steps need t ..read more

PART I: The Feasibility Study We’ve all experienced the triumphs and struggles that come with seeking grants. That’s why we’ve created a platform that’s more than just lessons; it’s a journey to transform your grant strategy and unlock new possibilities. Grantegy: Don’t Leave Your Grants To Chance is a transformative journey designed to help you reach your grant program’s full potential. With Grantegy’s unique blend of courses, coaching, and a supportive community, you’ll confidently learn how to create a step-by-step roadmap to strategically navigate the grant funding landscape.  Each a ..read more

Erate Steps – Part III: Application Review, Starting Services, & Reimbursement Welcome back to our Erate series, where we discuss the final steps in the Erate application process. After selecting a service provider and submitting the Form 471, it’s time for your application to be reviewed, start services, and reimbursements to be requested. Application Review We know that you have dotted all of the I’s and crossed all of the T’s, and triple-checked your Form 471 before submitting it. However, Erate (aka USAC) has reviewers that “check the information on your form for completeness and accu ..read more

Do Relationships Matter? The answer to this question is: Yes! As Grant Professionals, we know in our hearts that funder relationships matter. In the United States, there are more than 1.6 million registered non-profits. Because it’s so competitive to obtain funding, organizations have to stand out from the crowd. One way to do that is by building a relationship with potential funders.  Grantegy Process and Relationships Getting to know a funder helps you to understand their mission, goals, and vision for giving. Critical to long-term strategies is allowing a prospective grantmaker to un ..read more

Erate Steps – Part II: Selecting a Service Provider and Discounts Welcome back We continue our Erate series with Steps 3 & 4. After conducting the needs assessment and going through the competitive bidding process, it’s time to select a service provider and learn how to apply discounts. Selecting a Service Provider The Erate Form 471 is the place where the school finally gets to request services and equipment. As a reminder, the following steps must be completed before selecting the service provider (s) and submitting the Form 471. These include: Conduct a needs assessment File the form ..read more

Grant Consulting Services, LLC: A Year In Review   As 2023 draws to a close and we enjoy the Holiday season, we often find ourselves reflecting on the past year, what we’ve learned, and how to carry the treasure of those lessons into a new, hope-filled year. And for us in the nonprofit and grant-writing sector, we have certainly learned a lot!    The challenges, upheaval, and uncertainties of the last few years have taught us how to rediscover, re-evaluate, and re-align with the heart of our mission: why we do what we do, how we do it, and for whom we do it. As we sit in quiet ..read more

Erate Steps – Part I: Needs Assessment & Competitive Bidding With the outbreak of COVID-19 and the demands of digital learning, changes had to be put in place so we could communicate while in lockdown. The increase in demand due to our changing technology needs continues to be a fundamental necessity. Erate provides funding for internal infrastructure equipment like switches and access points that schools and libraries need to provide wireless Internet access. In our last blog, we reviewed the Erate basics. Now let’s dig in a little bit deeper as we start discussing the process – step by s ..read more

Pumpkin spice everything and jack-o-lanterns signal the beginning of a new Erate “Season” at Grant Consulting Services, LLC.  Are you wondering what Erate is? Take a close look at your mobile or landline phone bill. You will see a surcharge called the Federal Universal Service Charge (or Universal Connectivity Charge). These charges are commonly listed under taxes and surcharges on your bill. Many of us don’t notice this fine print or these small taxes and surcharges. Most of us don’t know what these surcharges are for, and even though no one likes to pay extra taxes, we pay them anyway ..read more

Your organization may have a vision and a passion for the work you are doing in your community. Still, without measurable outcomes, it’s impossible to assess how effective your organization and programs are. Is your nonprofit organization making a difference? If so, how? How is the community impacted by your program activities? These are answers funders look for when they read your grant application. The ability to demonstrate program success is crucial when applying for grant funding, so how do you make the assessment? Impact measurement is needed so that changes can be made when necessary. H ..read more