FIND THE PERFECT GRANT

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How long have you been writing grants?

I started writing grants in the summer of 2018, working with an independent charter school in Utah.

What are your primary areas of expertise?

I have worked with charter schools for over 20 years, as a founding parent, teacher, director, and board member. I have written over 50 foundation grants for charter schools. I have also developed charter school applications, training materials, and several major/federal grants. I have participated in the Peer Review process for CSP Grants (US Dept of Ed, 2018 & 2019) and CCSP Grants (Colorado Dept of Ed, 2020 & 2021), where I learned how CSP grants are evaluated and scored, and I had the privilege of reading many grant proposals.

What is your understanding of charter schools or school funding?

I have worked in charter schools since 2000, when I was a founding parent at a charter school in Colorado. I joined the staff as a teacher, and then moved on to teach at several other charter schools. I completed a Master's degree in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Charter School Leadership in 2009, and then I served as a Charter School Director for eight years. I am very familiar with charter school finances and best practices for grants management.

What experience do you have working with grants for schools?

As a charter school director, I was responsible for implementing and managing the Colorado Charter School Program (CCSP) Grant. I have helped to evaluate Charter School Program (CSP) grants for federal and state entity grants.

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In the past 6 months, I have written approximately 50 foundation grants for charter schools.

What is your process like?

You tell me your goals and priorities. You share basic documents with me, such as your IRS 501(c)(3) letter, recent budget, and charter or strategic plan goals. Together, we identify grants that are appropriate to your goals. With your approval, I begin to draft the grant proposal(s). I'll communicate often early in the process so that we can be sure the work is meeting your expectations. I'll ask for your input on grant goals and expected outcomes, and request any additional information required for the grant. You will have a chance to review the final draft before it is submitted. If I am writing multiple grants for your school, I will track submissions and expected notification dates.

What would you expect from me or my staff?

You'll need to provide documents and information as needed. When a draft is submitted, I'll ask you to read it attentively and provide feedback so I can be sure to meet your expectations. If you have any questions throughout the process, please let me know.

What is your availability?

My schedule is flexible but I do have ongoing commitments to work around. I can usually produce a foundation grant within two weeks. Major grants or federal grants require advance notice and may take six weeks to complete.

How do you charge?

Typical project costs are:

• $150: Initial Grants Search

• $200: per Letter of Inquiry submitted

• $500-$1000: per Foundation Grant Application submitted, based on proposal complexity

• $1000-$3000: Major Grant Application, based on proposal complexity

• $5,000: CSP Grant or similar State/Federal Grant Proposal

Major and Federal grant applications may be invoiced with 50% due on approval of the grant and the balance due on final submission of application.

For ongoing grant writing, the Client will be invoiced on the 30th of each month for work completed that month. Invoices are due within 30 days of receipt.

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