FAQ's

I think I might need a consultant.  How do I get started?
I offer a free, no obligation, one-hour consultation for all potential new clients – in person if you are in the Los Angeles metro area, and via phone or Skype if you are not.  You must be a 501c3 organization, have a 501c3 fiscal sponsor, or be a public agency, such as a school, to be eligible for a free consultation.  During this meeting, we will discuss:

• Your organization’s mission, current activities, financial status, and fund raising plan
• Your organization’s grant readiness
• What services and consulting your organization needs
• Your budget for consulting

I will also provide you with more information about my background and qualifications, including my resume, client list, list of recent successful proposals, writing sample, and references, as well as a quote for the services and consulting that you require.

If we both decide after the consultation that I am a good fit with your organization, I will draft a contract detailing exactly what services and consultation I will provide, how much that will cost, what you can expect from me, and what I expect from you.

What kinds of organizations do you work for?
My specialty is helping small and start-up community-based nonprofits – particularly those working in communities of color and organizations serving youth. I also have experience with faith-based organizations. The majority of my clients are non-profits with annual budgets of $2 million or less, although I’m happy to work with bigger organizations.

How do you charge?
I work as an independent contractor.  Before you pay me anything, we will both sign a contract that clearly explains what you can expect from me, what I expect from you, cost, and all billing details.

For packages other than program evaluation, I require a 50% deposit up front, with the other 50% due upon completion of all services. For the program evaluation package, I require 1/3 of the cost upfront, 1/3 halfway through the project, and 1/3 upon completion.

For ongoing grant writing services, I generally contract for a certain number of hours per month or number of proposals submitted per month (with a 20 hour monthly minimum), and bill on the 15th and last day of the month.  After we have established a payment history, you can switch to monthly billing if you prefer.

 

I am committed to providing excellent work that is affordable for small and start-up organizations, so I will work with you to fit within your budget.

What if we can’t afford to pay you?  Will you write a grant pro-bono?
Sorry, but no. I only write grants pro-bono for organizations that I am already involved with as a volunteer. We all have bills to pay, and if I worked for free for everyone that asked me, I wouldn’t be able to pay mine. Also, my experience has been that if your organization can’t afford to pay a grant writer, you are probably not ready to effectively compete for grants.

Will you work on a commission or contingency basis?
No. Compensation that is contingent upon award of a grant goes against the code of ethics of both the National Association of Fundraising Professionals (http://www.afpnet.org) and the American Grant Writers Association (http://www.agwa.us).

Can you do a class or workshop for us or coach our staff?
Absolutely.  I love facilitating workshops, and am happy to work with you to develop training for your organization. I can also coach you or your staff on an individual basis. Check out the Workshops tab to get details on workshops that I offer.