MERIDIAN GRANT CONSULTING
ABOUT
Many nonprofits struggle to effectively identify and win grant funding. Part of the trouble is that grants are often very competitive. Other reasons include insufficient project planning, going after the wrong grants, and not providing the information requested by a funder.
A professional grant consultant can improve your grant-seeking efforts in many ways:
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Assessment of grant readiness through project and organization assessment;
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Identification of grants for which the organization qualifies to apply;
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Funder stewardship before and during application preparation (if permitted by the funder) to ensure alignment with funder's mission, values, and funding goals;
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Skilled demonstration of urgent funding need through clear statement of nonprofit goals, provocative storytelling and supporting data;
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Compilation of the best possible application package through exemplary project management and organization/funder communication.
With more than twenty years of law practice, founder Allison Callahan brings unique skills and vision to the grant-seeking process. As a highly experienced trial and appellate attorney, she is skilled in clear, concise writing, marshaling complex facts and concepts to craft persuasive arguments, compelling storytelling, building relationships, and effective project management. She strives to support nonprofits through grant seeking so they can focus on their missions.
SERVICES
CONSULTATION
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Establish purpose for which non-profit seeks funding, extent of planning to-date
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Initial assessment of project strengths and weaknessses
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Discussion of Pre-Application Research and Application Processes
PRE-APPLICATION: RESEARCH AND FUNDING STRATEGY​
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Grant readiness assessment
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Funding objective clarification
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Prospect Research: Strategic database review to distill grants most likely to be successful and meet the non-profits needs
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Funding Strategy:
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Formal two to three-page memorandum recommending the top grant prospects to consider pursuing in the coming 12-18 months;
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Created through grant research and analysis, and funder outreach;
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Includes supporting analysis of each grant;
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Includes strategic recommendations regarding timing of applications, match, and other factors.
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LETTERS OF INQUIRY
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Required by many funders before they invite a nonprofit to submit a grant application
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Contains information about the nonprofit and their need
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Used as a means of confirming alignment with the funders mission and values
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Provides an excellent opportunity for the funder to get to know the nonprofit and start building a relationship before submitting a grant application
GRANT APPLICATIONS​​
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Further budget development
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Assess community need and means to demonstrate it
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Confirm grant eligibility
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Investigate fiscal sponsorship, match, organizational partnership options as appropriate
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Establish application preparation calendar with interim deadlines and meetings to ensure optimum team coordination and timely submission
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Establish/grow funder relationship
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Compile required supporting documents including letters of support, board resolution(s), etc.
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Identify other internal and external circumstances and/or projects that will support application
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Prepare clear, persuasive grant narrative
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Ensure timely submission
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Engage funder after denial to determine cause and increase likelihood of future success
( Not an exhaustive list of services. )
CONTACT US
Not sure where to start? Let us
help you on the road to better grant funding!
Click on the envelope to request a free consultation.
