From First Conversation to Funded:How I Strategize With You
Most grant writers start with the application. I start with the research — because after 25 years as an industry analyst, I know that a compelling case isn't built at the keyboard. It's built long before anyone starts writing. Understanding the process from the very beginning helps us work together more effectively. Here's exactly how I guide organizations through every stage, from our first conversation to a polished, submitted application.
Step 1: Discovery Call — Getting to Know You
Every engagement begins with a conversation. In our first meeting, I take the time to understand your organization — your mission, your current priorities, your overall timeline, and a general sense of your budgetary needs. This isn't just a formality. The more I understand about who you are and where you're headed, the better I can advocate for you on paper. No two nonprofits are the same, and your grant application should reflect that.
Step 2: Funder Research — Finding the Right Match
If you don't already have a specific funder in mind, I'll conduct targeted research to identify funders whose priorities, funding cycles, and award sizes align with your goals. This step matters enormously — submitting to the wrong funder wastes time and energy. I look for genuine alignment, not just eligibility.
Step 3: Application Review — Knowing the Rules Before We Write
Before our second meeting, I carefully review the funder's guidelines and the full grant application. Every funder has different requirements — page limits, formatting rules, required attachments, specific questions. Getting familiar with these details early ensures that our strategic planning session is focused and efficient, and that nothing catches us off guard later.
Step 4: Strategic Planning — Building the Foundation
This is where we get down to the real work together. In our second meeting, your team and I dig deeper into your goals and refine them into something concrete and compelling. From there, we build SMART objectives — specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-based — that demonstrate to funders exactly what you plan to accomplish by when, and how you'll know when you've succeeded.
We'll also map out the activities required to meet those objectives, discuss how success will be evaluated, and develop a clear implementation plan. This step is the backbone of a strong application, and it's one I never rush.
Step 5: Budget Development — Making the Numbers Tell Your Story
A well-constructed budget isn't just a spreadsheet — it's a narrative in numbers. Once we've defined your activities and objectives, I'll work with your team to build a realistic budget that accurately reflects the resources needed to do the work. We'll also address any budget-related requirements specified by the funder.
Step 6: Grant Writing — Collaborative and Iterative
With the strategy and budget in place, I begin drafting the application. This is always a collaborative process. I'll have questions along the way — about your programs, your data, your impact stories — and I'll keep you in the loop throughout. I work offline and share all draft responses with you before anything is formally submitted. Your voice and your organization's truth should come through in every word.
Step 7: Submission — Crossing the Finish Line Together
Before submission, we conduct a final review of the complete application to make sure everything is accurate, complete, and aligned with the funder's requirements. Then I can handle the formal submission on your behalf, or walk you through it step by step if you prefer to submit directly.
After Submission
The relationship doesn't end when we hit submit. I'm available to assist with any follow-up questions from the funder, help prepare for site visits if required, and support you in responding to requests for additional information. And regardless of the outcome, I'll debrief with you so that every application makes the next one stronger.
Ready to get started? I'd love to learn more about your organization and how I can help you secure the funding you need. Reach out today at hollisgrants.com.
