Northern Berkshire United Way

Grantwriting Services Menu 2003

Through its new grant writing program, NBUW has secured nearly $3 million for the Northern Berkshires since 2001. Most of this is from the Department of Education for after school programs in North Adams and Adams (21^st Century Learning Centers), but smaller grants have been secured for specific United Way agencies.

Below is a “menu” of services NBUW offers local not-for-profits, especially NBUW members, to secure grant funding from foundations, corporations, and government agencies. Occasionally NBUW staff are involved in this work, but more often it is carried out by a consultant retained by NBUW. As indicated below, some services are free to NBUW member agencies, while others have fees. In all cases where fees are involved, NBUW is willing to consider partnering with the agency to reduce or eliminate the fee. Partnering decisions are made by NBUW’s Community Needs & Special Grants Committee. General inquiries about the program should be directed to NBUW’s Executive Director, Bob Barton. Specific inquiries and requests for services (and possible partnership support) should go to our consultant, Dr. Jean Bacon of Community Works, cworks@adelphia.net or 802-447-1112.

Grant Writing Services :

(1) Pre-evaluation of Funding Feasibility

Prior to committing time and dollars to seeking funding for a program, it may be valuable to do an objective evaluation. Some programs that are popular, or seem to be needed locally may not be attractive to outside funders. This may argue against seeking grant funding, or it may call for refinements in the program prior to moving ahead. Feasibility pre-evaluations are free to member agencies as long as they take less than 3 hours of staff/consultant time {including writing a brief evaluation memo}. If more time is needed, this will be discussed as soon as the need is evident, and extra time will normally be charged at $60 per hour.

(2) Grant Opportunity Monitoring

We regularly search a variety of funding newsletters for grant opportunities that may be appropriate for United Way Agencies. Unless they decline the service, NBUW member Agencies will receive email notification whenever there is a grant opportunity that seems particularly appropriate. Members can also subscribe to the full monthly listing. No charge for this service to members; $50 per month for non-members.

(3) Funding Search

If an agency has a specific project for which funding is needed, we can do a customized search for government and foundation grants that are possible funders for that project. A fee will be charged for this service: $250 for the standard search; more for an especially deep look (priced on a case-by-case basis).

(4) Grant Coaching

Once an agency decides to pursue funding from a particular funder for a particular program or purpose, we can help the agency outline the proposal/letter of interest and the application package, give feedback on agency drafts, and provide guidance and critique through the whole process. With NBUW prior approval, the first 2 hours of coaching are free, otherwise the fee is $60 per hour.

(5) Grant Writing

We can also take on most of the responsibility of writing a proposal and assembling a grant package. We need agency ideas on program design, feedback on draft we write, and assistance in assembling all the materials for the package. This service requires prior NBUW approval, and there is usually a fee. Specifics to be set via dialogue between the consultant, the agency, and NBUW.

Strategic Services:

In the course of helping on grant applications, we may see more fundamental/strategic issues. NBUW may be able to help member agencies with planning to develop and launch specific programs or services or to develop or refine strategic plans and/or comprehensive long-term funding plans. This may be needed prior to, or as part of efforts to secure or sustain grant or other funding. In consultation with the agency, NBUW or one of its consultants can outline/propose services and likely costs to the agency. Billing for services will come to the agency from NBUW or directly from the consultant, depending on specifics of each assignment. For more information, contact Bob Barton at NBUW.

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