At The Grant Writing Firm, our grant writing and post-award management process is designed to provide clarity, compliance, and strategic alignment at every stage of the funding lifecycle. We work with nonprofits, schools, public agencies, and select mission-driven organizations nationwide to identify competitive funding opportunities, develop compliant grant proposals, and support responsible grant management after award.
Our process is structured, transparent, and collaborative—so organizations understand what to expect, how decisions are made, and what is required for success
Our Grant Writing & Post-Award Management Process
A clear, step-by-step approach designed for compliance, strategy, and result
Our Process at a Glance
➔ Initial Consultation & Funding Readiness Review
➔ Strategic Grant Research & Opportunity Selection
➔ Proposal Development & Compliance Review
➔ Submission & Funder Communication Support
➔ Post-Award Management & Sustainability Planning
➔ Step 1: Initial Consultation & Funding Readiness Review
Our process begins with an initial consultation to understand your organization’s mission, programs, funding goals, and internal capacity. During this stage, we assess basic eligibility, funding readiness, and alignment with potential grant opportunities.
This step helps ensure that time and resources are focused on opportunities where your organization is positioned to be competitive.
➔ Step 2: Strategic Grant Research & Opportunity Selection
Once readiness is confirmed, we identify grant opportunities aligned with your organization’s eligibility, priorities, and capacity. Research may include federal, state, and foundation funding opportunities depending on scope and goals.
We prioritize grants that align with your mission, demonstrate strong competitiveness, and fit within realistic timelines—rather than pursuing every available opportunity.
➔ Step 3: Proposal Development & Compliance Review
For selected opportunities, we develop a customized, funder-aligned grant proposal based on program goals, funder priorities, and application requirements. This includes narrative development, required attachments, and alignment with compliance standards.
All proposals are reviewed for clarity, responsiveness, and adherence to funder guidelines. Clients review and approve all materials prior to submission.
➔ Step 4: Submission & Funder Communication Support
When permitted by the funder, we assist with application submission through the appropriate portal. We also support preparation of responses to clarification requests, administrative follow-ups, or submission-related communications as needed.
Clients remain the official applicant and grant holder at all times.
➔ Step 5: Post-Award Management & Sustainability Planning
When funding is awarded, we offer post-award management support to assist organizations in understanding award requirements, organizing compliance documentation, and preparing required reports in alignment with funder guidance and applicable federal regulations.
Post-award management services are advisory and support-based in nature. Clients retain full responsibility for financial management, internal controls, and program implementation.
Post-award management support may be included in grant budgets where allowable and may include:
Review of award terms, conditions, and reporting requirements
Guidance on compliance documentation and record-keeping practices
Support organizing budget information and expenditure documentation for reporting purposes
Assistance drafting or preparing progress and performance report components
Support preparing funder communications related to reporting, extensions, or administrative modifications
Guidance in documenting program activities, outputs, and outcomes
Sustainability and continuation planning for future funding opportunities
What We Need From Our Clients
Our process is collaborative. To ensure strong, compliant applications, clients are expected to:
→Designate a primary point of contact
→Respond to information requests in a timely manner
→Provide organizational and program documentation
→Participate in scheduled check-ins when needed
Organizations that are responsive and engaged tend to see the strongest outcomes
What Our Process Does Not Include
To maintain ethical and compliant practices, our process does not include:
Guaranteed funding outcomes
Generic proposals submitted to multiple funders
Contingency-based grant writing fees
Submissions without client review and approval
All funding decisions are made solely by independent funders.
“We felt overwhelmed and underprepared. The Grant Writing Firm changed that within one call.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the grant writing process take?
1
Timelines vary by funder and project scope, but most proposals require several weeks of preparation to ensure quality and compliance.
Do you only work with nonprofits?
2
We primarily work with nonprofits, schools, and public agencies, and selectively with mission-aligned organizations depending on funder eligibility requirements.
Can grant writing fees be paid from grant funds?
3
Federal regulations do not allow grant funds to be used for pre-award grant writing services. Post-award management costs may be allowable depending on the funder.
Will you submit the application on our behalf?
4
When permitted by the funder, yes. Clients remain the official applicant and must approve all submissions.
“When organizations invest in professional grant writing, they’re not just paying for words on a page—they’re investing in capacity, credibility, and future sustainability.”
— Dr. Rielly Keyser, Founder, CEO