For Nonprofits
At ark nonprofit consulting, we specialize in empowering nonprofits to secure strategic funding through expert grant development services. With a deep commitment to fostering positive social change, we collaborate closely with organizations to navigate the complexities of grant funding and maximize their impact on the communities they serve.
Grant Research
ark nonprofit consulting will do a deep dive into Client’s history and program offerings, current fund development strategy and processes, and team dynamics to gain a thorough understanding of the current environment.
This will include meetings with key staff members across departments and review of organizational documents such as strategic plans, IRS Form 990s, funding history, etc.
Client will complete a grant information form within two (2) weeks of contract execution which will provide standard information and documents typically requested in grant applications. A preview of that form can be viewed here.
Utilizing databases such as Foundation Directory Online and Instrumentl, ark nonprofit consulting will identify prospective funders in alignment with Client’s overall fundraising strategy and organizational goals.
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List of 20-40 viable funders complete with funder’s priorities, average grant size, contact
information where available, application processes, and applicable deadlines
Funder profiles from Foundation Directory Online or Instrumentl for all prospects included on final list
Grant calendar for 12 months based on research results
Timeline: 4-6 weeks
Grant Writing
Our Grant Writing Services help your organization secure vital funding with confidence and ease. By reviewing past grants and marketing materials, we ensure each proposal highlights your unique mission and strengths.
Using a strategic grant calendar, we deliver well-crafted letters of intent or applications monthly, complete with detailed budgets and required attachments, saving you time and reducing stress. We manage grant portal accounts and securely store login details to keep your resources accessible. Collaborating closely with your team, we gather compelling data, stories, and metrics that make your proposals stand out, while handling all submissions promptly to meet deadlines and maximize success.
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Review of previously written grants and/or organizational marketing materials where available
Using the grant calendar as a guide, production of #X letters of intent and/or grant applications per month, including preparation of budgets and required attachments
Creation of grant portal accounts where necessary and storage of login credentials
Coordinate with staff to gather accurate data, narratives, budgets, and evaluation outcomes/metrics
Submission of letters of intent and/or grant applications either electronically or by mail
Note: Client will be responsible for fees associated with grants started regardless of submission if they are abandoned by the Client. The number of grants outlined in this contract is indicative of the number of grants worked on in a month not the number submitted.
Timeline: Ongoing beginning after the completion of grant research for a period of 12 months
Grant Management
We manage all aspects of your grants, from maintaining ongoing communication with funders to tracking deliverables, timelines, and budgets to ensure smooth project execution.
Our team handles required reports and leads regular updates to keep funders informed and engaged. We work closely with your program and finance staff to monitor progress and ensure funds are used appropriately, offering training and support to maintain compliance. By analyzing performance data, we help identify areas for improvement and provide actionable recommendations to strengthen your grant initiatives.
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Outreach, relationship-building, and ongoing communication with funders; represent organization with funders, community partners, and stakeholders
Drafting and sending acknowledgement letters for awarded grants
Manage all awarded grants including tracking deliverables, timelines, and financials
Completion and submission of interim and final reports for awarded grants
Lead impact updates and touchpoints with funders
Define goals, coordinate internal teams, and measure outcomes
Coordination with program managers to evaluate and monitor objectives/metrics outlined in grant proposals, ensure that programs are being executed as outlined in proposals
Coordination with finance staff to monitor grant fund usage in accordance with award agreements
Provide support and training to ensure grant compliance and team alignment
Use reporting tools to track performance, identify funding gaps, and recommend improvements
Ongoing research to stay abreast of potential new grant opportunities
Timeline: Ongoing beginning after the completion of grant research for a period of 12 months
Grant Systems Development
ark nonprofit consulting, in coordination with Client’s staff, will develop standard operating procedures (SOPs), grant tracking systems, and a plan for transfer of grants management process to Client’s staff.
If desired, ark nonprofit consulting will assist the Client in researching grants management systems for future implementation.
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Develop a comprehensive grants management manual to include internal roles and responsibilities, prospect research processes, grant calendar and tracking systems templates, compliance and record-keeping standards, approval workflows, and communication protocols with funders
Collaborate with leadership to designate one or more staff members responsible for grants management moving forward
Train identified staff members via live walkthroughs of tools and processes (i.e., prospecting, calendar development), shadowing current proposals or reports in progress, and mock grant opportunity vetting and writing sessions
Create and populate a grants calendar for 12-18 months following the completion of the contract which includes deadlines, renewal dates, stewardship tasks, and reporting requirements; train staff to update and maintain it regularly
Organize all grant documents in a shared drive with clear file-naming conventions and folder structures; contents to include funders’ guidelines, past proposals, budgets, reports, correspondence, institutional boilerplate content
Create a contact log with notes on each funder relationship (preferences, communication, history, key dates); conduct warm introductions via email or meetings and co-lead calls with funders where appropriate
Build a system for internal evaluation of the grants program; metrics to include proposals submitted, success rate, funds secured, etc.; outline process for annual grant program review
List of training resources and recommendations for ongoing professional development
Conduct final offboarding meeting to review all tools, resources, and documentation; confirm roles and next steps; feedback from staff on what they need to feel confident moving forward; consultant feedback on strengths and areas to watch
Up to two (2) months of post-engagement support via email
Timeline: 2-3 months and up to 2 month post-engagement support
Grant Review
Our Grant Review Services help organizations refine and strengthen their grant applications before submission to boost their chances of success.
Once you’ve drafted your proposal, we perform a thorough review, providing clear and actionable feedback to improve clarity, coherence, and alignment with funder priorities. We focus on enhancing your narrative flow, framing project goals effectively, emphasizing measurable outcomes, and demonstrating impact and feasibility.
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You’ll receive specific suggestions for improving your proposal, making it more competitive and ensuring it meets the funder’s expectations. Our feedback is designed to empower your team to submit the most polished and compelling application possible, increasing your chances of securing funding.
Grant Readiness Assessment
Our Grant Readiness Assessment Services help nonprofits and mission-driven organizations evaluate and enhance their capacity to successfully secure and manage grant funding.
Clients start by completing a comprehensive capacity-building benchmark assessment that offers a clear snapshot of their organization’s strengths and areas for growth. This process helps identify gaps and opportunities, enabling tailored strategies to build stronger systems, processes, and skills that increase readiness for grant opportunities and long-term sustainability.
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Target Audience:
Small and emerging nonprofits (budgets of under $500,000) that are new to grant seeking or have had limited success with grants and want to become competitive in the philanthropic funding landscape.
Service Goals:
Evaluate the organization’s current capacity to pursue and manage grants.
Identify key gaps in infrastructure, documentation, and strategic alignment.
Provide a clear, actionable roadmap to prepare for future grant opportunities.
Benefits to Clients:
Saves time and money by avoiding premature or uncompetitive grant applications
Builds confidence and internal alignment for pursuing funding
Positions the organization for long-term development and fundraising success
Service Components:
1. Organizational Assessment
One-hour discovery call with key leadership (Executive Director, Board Chair, and/or Development staff)
Topics include mission alignment, strategic priorities, financial health, staffing, fundraising history, and existing documentation
Review of current fundraising and development efforts
2. Document Review
Analysis of core documents such as:
IRS Determination Letter
Bylaws
Most recent 990 and/or financial statements
Strategic Plan (if available)
Annual Budget
Program descriptions and outcomes data
Marketing/Communication Materials
3. Readiness Checklist & Scoring
Client will complete a capacity building benchmark assessment (1-2 hours to complete)
4. Gap Analysis and Recommendations
Identify missing or weak elements
Provide detailed recommendations to address deficiencies (i.e., how to develop a logic model, outcomes tracking system, board fundraising strategy, etc.)
5. Grant Readiness Action Plan
3-6 month roadmap with priorities for capacity building
Suggested timelines and responsible parties
Tools/templates and referrals as appropriate (i.e., to evaluators, finance consultants, or board trainers)
6. Follow-Up Consultation
30-minute call 2-3 months later to review progress and adjust priorities
Timeline: 4 weeks
Grant Readiness Consulting
Our Grant Readiness Consulting Services are designed to help nonprofits and mission-driven organizations enhance their capacity to secure and manage grant funding.
Through custom consulting sessions, we collaborate with your team to assess your current systems and build a strategic plan that positions you for success in the competitive world of grant funding.
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A personalized roadmap with prioritized action steps, strategies for improvement, and clear recommendations for enhancing your organization’s grant-readiness.
Timeline: Varies
experience the ark difference
Running a nonprofit is challenging. But that doesn’t mean you have to do it alone. We help community leaders and changemakers of mission-driven organizations achieve their vision and get results that empower communities coast to coast.
We’ll work as an extension of your team to empower you with the skills, tools, and resources to achieve your goals and drive your mission forward.
navigate grant opportunities with expert insight
Ready to take your nonprofit to the next level? Contact ark nonprofit consulting today to schedule a consultation. Let us help you unlock new funding opportunities and make a lasting impact in your community.
“It is not on you to complete the work; neither are you free to desist from it.”
Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers) 2:21