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FAQ
How much do you charge?
That depends on what you need done and the value SCS
can bring to your organization. SCS primarily works
on a project fee or retainer basis. We prefer not
to work on an hourly basis since the time spent working
on a project does not determine its quality or value.
Furthermore, by setting a fixed fee in advance, there are
no worries about unexpectedly high bills or feeling like
our conversations are "on the clock." In keeping with
the ethical standards of the profession, we never work for
a percentage-based commission.
Are you a "grantwriter"?
Yes, we write proposals to be submitted to grant making
agencies. But we (and many other consultants) do not
like that term. Why? Well, it makes it seem as if grant seeking
is primarily a writing task. Very often, writing is the easy
part of grant development. The term "grantwriter" is
kind of like calling the guy who sticks the flag on the surface
of the moon the "flag sticker." A good grant consultant can
improve your programs and strengthen your organization.
We are a start-up organization and
can't afford a grantwriter. Can we pay you after we
receive some grants?
The short answer is, "No." Most grantors will
not allow you to pay for the cost of applying to them for
funding, and, since many factors out of our control determine
whether or not a grant is made, we cannot operate this way.
Our two main suggestions for start-ups are: 1) Don't focus
on grants. Build your Board of Directors and base
of community support that will keep you going for years
and years. 2) If you insist on pursuing grants, do
it yourself. There is no mystery. We recommend beginning with The Grantsmanship Center's $4 booklet "Program Planning & Proposal Writing" available at www.tgci.com.
What kind of grants do you write?
SCS has experience with many types of organizations
and funders (including numerous government agencies). Please
contact us
if you would like more information on the organizations
we have served and the funders we have worked with.
Ask A Question: SCS is happy to answer any questions
you may have about us, about grants in general, about nonprofit
organizations, anything! Write to us at info@silbertconsulting.com.
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