3.) We have volunteers or staff that write some of our grants.  Can we hire you and still have our staff write grants?

Yes!  When you contract with One Starfish we become an extension of your staff at a fraction of the cost of hiring a salaried individual. We can write all of your grants for your organization, or work on just the more complicated ones: You decide the level of participation.  It is to the benefit of the non-profit organization to develop a long-lasting relationship with a grant writing team. This relationship building over time allows for the grant writing team to gain first-hand knowledge of the organization and its mission, thus resulting in higher grant award percentages.

4.) How much do you charge to write a grant proposal?

Our fees vary based upon the project type and scope.  We offer an initial free consultation and written quotes on all projects.

5.) Will you take a percentage of the grant if it is awarded rather than a flat fee?

No!  An arrangement where a grantwriter only gets paid a percentage if funding is received is considered unethical. Professional grantwriters require hourly or per project compensation, rather than deferred pay contingent on grants received.  The Code of Ethics of the American Association of Grant Professionals (AAGP) states "Members shall work for a salary or fee.  Members shall not accept, or pay a finder's fee, commission, or percentage compensation based on grants and shall take care to discourage their organizations from making such payments.  Compensation should not be written into grants unless allowed by the funder."  One Starfish is a proud member of the AAGP and as such maintains compliance with these ethical standards.

6.) How long does it take to write a proposal?

The length of time to research, write and submit a grant proposal is dependent on numerous factors.  These factors will be evaluated at the initial consultation and figured into the written initial quote.

7.) I need a grant to start or grow my for-profit business. Can you help?

Unfortunately grants to individuals are rare, and grants to start or grow a for-profit enterprise are even more hard to come by. There is no gigantic pool of unclaimed money like the late night infomercials claim. Your best resource for starting or growing a small business is your local Chamber of Commerce or Small Business Administration chapter. The SBA does have small business loan programs, but in all of our years of grant writing experience, we have yet to see any source that grants money to start a for-profit business without any repayment expectations.

Now, having said that, there are a few organizations/funders in the United States who hold competitions for the best small business idea, best business plan, innovative projects run by women and minorities, etc. Sometimes the prizes are cash, but more often they are services provided by the sponsoring companies (equipment to advance technology in the business for example). One Starfish does write applications for programs such as these. If you have a question about whether or not we can help with a specific project, just as k. You'll always get an honest answer from us, and the initial consultation is free.

8.)  I have someone who writes grants for my organization for free. 

      Why should I pay someone? 

Many, many people call themselves grant writers.  If you have someone who has volunteered to do this for your organization and you are actually GETTING the grants, then congratulations, and by all means keep that person happy!  However, all the free grant writing in the world is useless if you don't actually win the grants you are applying for.  Certified grant professionals have demonstrated their competence and ability to successfully write grants and help you manage them once you have them.  Grant writing involves much more than just filling out some forms.  It is a form of professional writing.  While no grant writer can guarantee that you will receive a particular grant, a certified professional grant writer with a proven history of getting grants improves your odds tremendously and will be well worth the cost.