FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Thanks for visiting Clear Grant Consulting for your grant writing needs. 

We understand you may have concerns and questions; Keep reading for answers!

CLEAR GRANT CONSULTING

 We are dedicated to helping non-profit organizations secure the funding they need through grant writing and consulting services. Our team has over 30 successful years of experience in non-profit, data and statistics, research and grant writing in various industries including governmental, non-profit, higher education and for-profit. 

Our team of consultants has helped our clients win over $2 million in grant funding including federal grants within the last 2 years. 

We specialize in assisting start-up nonprofits with winning grants that they thought they couldn't get and help established and major organizations to receive funding and achieve their goals.

We assist non-profits, for-profits, organizations, churches, foundations, pro-athletes, socialites, and daycares. 

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE

Grant Writing

Federal Grant Writing

Budget Development

Strategic Business Planning

Major Gift Donation Strategies for Foundations

Philanthropy and Community Engagement consulting and implementation

We understand you may have concerns and questions. If you're wondering about any of these common questions, Keep reading!

  • Should I start a business or a non-profit?

  • How does the grant writing process work?

  • Can I pay your company with the grant funds?

  • What happens if we do not win a grant?

  • Do I really need to hire a grant writer? If your organization is grant ready, and can afford to hire a grant writer 

  • What should I do if I can't afford grant writing services?

Should I Start a Business or a Non-Profit?

Choosing between starting a business or a non-profit depends on your goals and mission. If your primary aim is to address a social issue or provide a public benefit without the intention of generating profit, a non-profit may be the right choice. However, if your goal is to create a profitable venture while potentially addressing social issues, starting a business might be more appropriate. Consider your long-term vision, funding sources, and desired impact to make the best decision.

Identify Potential Grants

Research and identify grants that align with your organization’s mission and projects.

Prepare Proposals

Develop a compelling narrative, including your organization's background, the need for the project, objectives, methods, and evaluation plans.

Budget Preparation

Create a detailed budget outlining how the grant funds will be used.

Submission

Follow the grantor’s submission guidelines meticulously and submit your proposal before the deadline.

Follow Up

After submission, follow up with the grantor if necessary and be prepared to provide additional information or clarification.

Reporting

If awarded, comply with all reporting requirements to demonstrate how the funds were used and the impact achieved.

Can I Pay Your Company with the Grant Funds?

No, it is illegal and unethical to pay a grant writer with the grant funds. Grant money is not guaranteed, and compensating a grant writer with potential future funds creates several issues:

Delayed Payment

Some grants take months to be awarded, and no grant writer would want to wait that long to be paid.

Payment Uncertainty

Grant funds are not assured, and it would be unfair to expect someone to work without guaranteed compensation.

Budget Restrictions

Grant funders do not allow grant writing fees to be included in the budget. Therefore, paying a grant writer with grant funds is not a viable option.

What Happens if We Do Not Win a Grant?

If your organization does not win a grant, it is essential to view the experience as a learning opportunity. Analyze the feedback provided by the grantor, if any, and identify areas for improvement. Keep refining your proposals and continue seeking other funding opportunities. Persistence and continuous improvement are key to eventual success in grant writing. Here at Clear Grant Consulting we have policies and procedures in place in the event you are not awarded a grant we write. 

Do I Really Need to Hire a Grant Writer?

If your organization is grant-ready and can afford to hire a grant writer, it can be a valuable investment. A professional grant writer has the expertise to craft compelling proposals, increasing your chances of securing funding. However, if you are just starting or have limited funds, you may consider alternative strategies.

What Should I Do if I Can't Afford Grant Writing Services?

If you cannot afford professional grant writing services, consider the following alternatives:

Purchase our Grant Master Plan and Grant List Service

Purchase our Grant Master Plan and Grant List Service

Take courses to improve your grant writing skills or purchase our grant writing e-guide and that includes links to free grant writing courses. You can also purchase our non-profit start-up implementation plan. 

Paid Interns

Seek interns who can help with grant writing tasks.

Other Funding Strategies

Explore fundraising, sponsorships, and other methods to raise funds for your organization. We offer 60 minute strategy sessions!

Choosing the right approach and leveraging available resources can help you achieve your funding goals even with limited resources. 

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