Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much do you charge?
Cost is an important question, but even more importantly, what is your likely return on investing in us? Our fee for a public grant proposal is typically 1%-3% of what our clients will receive from a successful application. Fees for corporate and private foundation proposals may be higher initially in percentage terms, but should fall to similar levels as multiple proposals yield success.
We provide a wide range of proposal writing and related services. The proposals we write range from simple private foundation proposals of less than five pages to complex proposals to Federal agencies of two hundred pages or more. We also offer consulting services, such as proposal writing coaching and training, and opportunity research.
We always offer estimates in advance, and you will always know exactly what our fees will be before we start work. Call or e-mail today to make an appointment to discuss your specific needs.
2. How are you different from other grant writers?
- We are senior professionals with decades of experience.
- We have worked all over the country in both rural and urban settings.
- We have experience in many mission and topic areas. In particular, we have a depth of expertise in health care and economic development.
- We have extensive experience as proposal writers, and David has been a grant maker.
- Chris is completing his Ph.D. in organizational development, and David has two Master's degrees, one in management and the other in writing.
- We know how government agencies and private foundations think and operate.
- We have a successful track record securing $40M in private and public funds.
- We have consulting and work experience far broader than grant writing. This enables us to help clients think strategically, and to assist in program development that leads to funding.
3. How do I get started working with you?
To begin working with us, please e-mail or call to schedule an appointment, face-to-face or over the telephone or Web. We have locations in the Midwest and New England, and regularly work virtually and in-person with organizations and individuals all over the country.
During our initial interview, we will discuss your needs and ways in which we can assist you and your organization to successfully apply for grants. At the end of this meeting, if you are interested in learning more and we think we can be of assistance, we will submit a written proposal for your consideration that will detail costs and scope of work.
4. What kinds of organizations do you work with?
We work with non-profits, local and regional government agencies, businesses and philanthropies. We are happy to work with all local and regional government agencies and philanthropies. Typically, we can be most effective for businesses that are already operational, and established non-profits. By this we mean non-profits that are incorporated, have received tax-exempt status from the IRS, and have been operating successfully for at least two years.
Our experience includes successful proposals in health care, education, social services, technology, the arts, and other areas.
5. If I hire you, what are my chances of receiving funding?
The chances are good to excellent. We focus our work on clients that we think we can help. Based on our experience, if we think you are competitive for a public grant or contract (Federal or State), we estimate your chances of getting funding at 80% or greater if you follow our advice and process. The odds for success for each individual private and corporate foundation proposal are much lower because the competition is more intense. However, an established entity operating efficiently that is in good standing with previous funders can expect to see excellent results from the submission of multiple high-quality proposals.
6. How much money can we expect might come in from a typical grant?
There is no "typical grant." Private and corporate foundation awards can range from $1,000 to $100,000 or more. Public grants and contracts can range from $10,000 to $5,000,000 or more. We'll be happy to explain the variables in more detail when we
speak with you.
7. Do I have other options for grant writing?
You have many options and you are not dependent on us, or for that matter, any other grant writing consultant. One good place to learn more about grants and grant writing is the Foundation Center (www.foundationcenter.org).
8. Do you write proposals for individuals?
No. We are happy to work with non-profits, local and regional government agencies, businesses, and philanthropies.
9. How many clients do you work with and do you do the work yourself?
We have a long list of current and former clients. Just click on the CLIENTS page to see the list. We generally do all work ourselves, and sometimes bring in other highly experienced grant writers and other experts for certain projects. If written by others, David or Chris reviews all proposals. We only bring in other collaborators with the full knowledge and consent of our clients.
10. What do I need to do to get started?
Please call David at (312) 489-2424 or e-mail him at David@davidstevenrappoport.com. We will work with you to promptly schedule an initial appointment to see if we can be useful to you and your organization.