How to Write a Grant Proposal That Gets Funded
Step-by-step guide to crafting competitive grant proposals, from initial research through final submission and follow-up strategies.
Grant Writing Services That Secure Funding
Professional grant writers with 85% success rate. We've secured over $150 million in funding for nonprofits, research institutions, and businesses nationwide.
Why Professional Grant Writing Services Make the Difference
Grant funding has become increasingly competitive, with success rates for major federal grants often below 15%. The difference between funded and rejected proposals frequently comes down to writing quality, strategic positioning, and deep understanding of funder priorities. Our grant writing services bridge this gap, transforming your vision into compelling proposals that resonate with program officers and review panels.
Since 2015, our grant writing team has secured over $150 million in funding across diverse sectors, from cutting-edge medical research to community development initiatives. We understand that grant writing is both an art and a science—requiring creative storytelling combined with rigorous methodology and meticulous attention to detail.
85%
Average success rate
$150M+
Total funding secured
450+
Successful grants
15
Years of experience
Comprehensive Grant Writing Services
Our grant writing services extend far beyond simple proposal preparation. We provide end-to-end support that maximizes your funding opportunities and builds long-term organizational capacity for sustainable grant success.
Strategic Grant Planning
We begin every engagement with comprehensive funding landscape analysis, identifying optimal opportunities aligned with your mission and capacity. Our strategic approach ensures you're targeting the right funders with the strongest possible positioning.
Expert Grant Writers
Our team includes former program officers, PhD researchers, and certified grant professionals with deep sector expertise. Each writer brings insider knowledge of funder priorities and reviewer expectations.
Compliance and Quality Assurance
Every proposal undergoes rigorous review for compliance, clarity, and persuasiveness. Our quality assurance process ensures your submission meets all requirements while maximizing competitive advantage.
The iWrite Grant Writing Process
Our proven methodology transforms your ideas into fundable proposals through systematic development and refinement:
- Discovery and Opportunity Analysis - We conduct comprehensive interviews with key stakeholders to understand your goals, capacity, and constraints. Parallel research identifies optimal funding opportunities with detailed funder analysis.
- Strategic Positioning and Narrative Development - Working closely with your team, we develop compelling problem statements and solution frameworks that align with funder priorities while showcasing your unique strengths and competitive advantages.
- Technical Writing and Content Creation - Our expert grant writers craft persuasive narratives supported by robust methodology, realistic budgets, and compelling evaluation plans. Every section is optimized for maximum impact and reviewer engagement.
- Review and Refinement - Multiple review cycles ensure accuracy, completeness, and competitive positioning. We incorporate feedback from technical experts, program staff, and external reviewers to strengthen every aspect of your proposal.
- Final Preparation and Submission Support - We handle all formatting, compliance checking, and submission logistics, ensuring your proposal arrives on time and meets all requirements. Post-submission support includes reviewer feedback analysis and resubmission planning.
Grant Types and Funding Sources We Navigate
Our grant writing services span the full spectrum of funding opportunities, from federal research grants to private foundation awards. Each funding source requires specialized knowledge and tailored approaches.
Federal Grant Programs
Navigate complex federal funding landscapes with expert guidance. Our team has extensive experience with major agencies including NIH, NSF, DOE, DOD, and USDA, understanding their unique requirements and evaluation criteria.
Specialized Federal Expertise:
- NIH Research Grants: R01, R21, SBIR/STTR, training grants, and career development awards
- NSF Programs: Basic research, education initiatives, and interdisciplinary collaborations
- Department of Energy: Clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and national laboratory partnerships
- USDA Programs: Agricultural research, rural development, and food security initiatives
- Department of Defense: Basic research, applied science, and technology transfer programs
State and Local Government Grants
State and local funding opportunities often provide more accessible pathways to support, with programs designed to address regional priorities and community needs.
Common State and Local Programs:
- Economic Development Grants: Business expansion, workforce development, and infrastructure improvements
- Education Funding: K-12 programs, higher education initiatives, and professional development
- Health and Human Services: Community health, social services, and healthcare access programs
- Environmental Programs: Conservation, sustainability initiatives, and green infrastructure
- Arts and Culture: Creative programs, historic preservation, and community engagement
Private Foundation Grants
Private foundations offer diverse funding opportunities with varying priorities, application processes, and relationship requirements. Success requires understanding each foundation's unique culture and giving philosophy.
Foundation Types We Navigate:
- Large National Foundations: Gates, Ford, Robert Wood Johnson, and other major funders with complex application processes
- Corporate Foundations: Company-sponsored giving programs aligned with business objectives and community presence
- Family Foundations: Smaller, relationship-driven funders with specific interests and geographic focus areas
- Community Foundations: Regional funders focused on local impact and community development priorities
- Specialty Foundations: Disease-specific, demographic-focused, or issue-based funders with narrow but deep expertise
Corporate Giving Programs
Corporate philanthropy has evolved beyond simple charitable giving to strategic partnerships that create mutual value. Our grant writing services help organizations position proposals for maximum corporate appeal.
Corporate Partnership Strategies:
- Employee Engagement Programs: Volunteering, skills-based partnerships, and workplace giving initiatives
- Marketing Partnerships: Cause marketing, sponsorship opportunities, and brand alignment strategies
- Innovation Challenges: Problem-solving competitions, accelerator programs, and technology partnerships
- Supply Chain Integration: Vendor diversity programs, sustainable sourcing initiatives, and community development
- Thought Leadership: Research partnerships, conference sponsorships, and industry advancement initiatives
Sector-Specific Grant Expertise
Beyond funding source knowledge, our grant writing services include deep sector expertise that enhances proposal competitiveness:
Healthcare and Medical Research
Clinical trials, translational research, health services delivery, and medical device development. Our medical writers understand regulatory requirements and evidence standards.
Education and Workforce Development
K-12 programming, higher education initiatives, adult learning, and workforce training. We understand education policy trends and outcome measurement requirements.
Environmental and Sustainability
Conservation programs, renewable energy, environmental justice, and climate change adaptation. Our environmental expertise spans policy, technology, and community engagement.
Technology and Innovation
R&D programs, commercialization support, technology transfer, and SBIR/STTR applications. We understand the innovation ecosystem and commercialization pathways.
What Makes Our Grant Proposals Successful
Successful grant writing requires more than following guidelines—it demands strategic thinking, compelling storytelling, and meticulous attention to detail. Our grant writing services incorporate proven success factors that consistently deliver results.
Strategic Positioning and Competitive Analysis
Every successful grant proposal begins with clear understanding of the competitive landscape and strategic positioning that differentiates your organization and approach.
Our Strategic Approach Includes:
- Funder Priority Alignment: Deep analysis of program guidelines, recent awards, and funder communications to ensure perfect alignment between your proposal and their priorities.
- Competitive Differentiation: Research into similar organizations and projects to identify unique positioning and competitive advantages that set your proposal apart.
- Stakeholder Mapping: Comprehensive analysis of key players, potential partners, and influencers who can strengthen your proposal and implementation success.
- Risk Assessment: Proactive identification and mitigation of potential concerns or weaknesses that could undermine proposal competitiveness.
Compelling Narrative Development
The most successful grant proposals tell compelling stories that emotionally engage reviewers while providing logical, evidence-based arguments for funding.
Problem Definition and Urgency
We craft problem statements that create emotional investment while demonstrating clear understanding of root causes, affected populations, and consequences of inaction.
Solution Innovation and Evidence
Our proposals present innovative approaches supported by preliminary data, pilot results, and theoretical frameworks that build confidence in success likelihood.
Impact Articulation
Clear, measurable outcomes with realistic timelines and compelling long-term implications that justify investment and create excitement about potential.
Organizational Credibility
Strategic presentation of organizational strengths, track record, and capacity that builds confidence in successful implementation and stewardship.
Technical Excellence and Methodology
Beyond compelling narratives, successful grants require robust methodology, realistic planning, and attention to technical detail that demonstrates competence and preparedness.
- Research Design and Methodology: Scientifically sound approaches with appropriate controls, sample sizes, and analytical methods that meet disciplinary standards.
- Project Management and Timelines: Realistic work plans with clear milestones, deliverables, and contingency planning that demonstrate project management competence.
- Budget Development and Justification: Detailed, accurate budgets with clear cost justifications that maximize value while meeting all compliance requirements.
- Evaluation and Assessment Plans: Comprehensive evaluation frameworks with appropriate metrics, data collection methods, and analysis plans that demonstrate commitment to accountability.
- Sustainability Planning: Clear strategies for continuing impact beyond the grant period, including funding diversification and institutionalization plans.
Quality Assurance and Review Process
Our comprehensive review process ensures every proposal meets the highest standards of quality, compliance, and competitiveness before submission.
Technical Review
Subject matter experts review methodology, technical accuracy, and feasibility to ensure scientific rigor and practical implementability.
Compliance Audit
Detailed compliance checking against all guidelines, requirements, and formatting specifications to eliminate disqualification risks.
Competitive Analysis
External review by experienced grant reviewers who evaluate competitiveness and provide recommendations for strengthening weak areas.
Final Quality Check
Comprehensive final review for clarity, consistency, and impact to ensure maximum reviewer engagement and evaluation scores.
Specialized Support for Nonprofit Organizations
Nonprofit organizations face unique challenges in grant writing, from capacity constraints to board governance requirements. Our grant writing services are specifically designed to address these challenges while maximizing funding success.
Capacity Building and Organizational Development
Beyond individual grant proposals, we help nonprofits build sustainable fundraising capacity and improve organizational readiness for major funding opportunities.
Grant Readiness Assessment
Comprehensive evaluation of organizational systems, governance, financial management, and program delivery capacity to identify strengths and improvement areas.
Assessment Components:
- Board governance and oversight effectiveness
- Financial management and reporting systems
- Program evaluation and outcome measurement
- Staff capacity and professional development needs
- Technology infrastructure and data management
Strategic Planning Integration
Alignment of grant strategy with organizational mission, vision, and strategic priorities to ensure sustainable growth and mission advancement.
Planning Elements:
- Mission alignment and program prioritization
- Multi-year funding strategy development
- Diversification planning and risk management
- Board engagement and fundraising integration
- Impact measurement and reporting systems
Staff Development and Training
Building internal grant writing capacity through training programs, mentoring, and system development that reduces dependence on external support.
Training Programs:
- Grant writing workshops and certification programs
- Prospect research and opportunity identification
- Budget development and financial management
- Relationship building and stewardship strategies
- Grant management and compliance training
Foundation Relationship Building
Successful foundation fundraising extends beyond proposal writing to relationship cultivation and stewardship. Our services include strategic relationship development support.
Foundation Research and Mapping
Comprehensive research identifies foundation prospects aligned with your mission, including giving history, board connections, and application processes.
Cultivation Strategy Development
Strategic planning for foundation engagement, including introductory meetings, site visits, and ongoing communication that builds trust and interest.
Stewardship and Reporting
Professional grant reporting and stewardship materials that maintain funder engagement and position organizations for continued support.
Collaborative and Consortium Grants
Many major funding opportunities require collaborative approaches. Our grant writing services include expertise in multi-organization partnerships and consortium development.
Partnership Development
Identification and cultivation of strategic partnerships that strengthen proposal competitiveness while advancing organizational mission.
Consortium Management
Coordination of multi-partner proposals including role definition, budget allocation, and governance structure development.
Agreement Development
Creation of partnership agreements, MOUs, and other legal documents that formalize collaborative relationships and define responsibilities.
Investment and Project Timeline
Our grant writing services are priced to reflect the expertise and extensive effort required to create competitive proposals that secure funding. Every project includes comprehensive research, strategic planning, and professional writing.
Professional Grant Proposal
$8,000
3-6 Week Delivery
Comprehensive Service Includes:
- Strategic discovery and opportunity analysis
- Funder research and competitive positioning
- Expert grant writer assignment
- Complete proposal development (all sections)
- Budget development and justification
- Multiple review and revision cycles
- Compliance checking and formatting
- Submission support and logistics
- Post-submission feedback analysis
ROI Analysis:
With our 85% success rate and average grant size of $125,000, your investment typically generates:
- $106,250 expected funding value
- 1,328% ROI on successful applications
- $90,313 risk-adjusted expected value
- Long-term funding relationships worth multiples of initial grants
Additional Services:
- Rush Processing (1-2 weeks): +$3,000
- Grant Strategy Development: +$2,500
- Foundation Research Report: +$1,500
- Budget Consultation: +$800
- Grant Management Setup: +$1,200
- Appeal and Resubmission: +$2,000
Typical Project Timeline
1
Discovery and Research (5-7 days)
Stakeholder interviews, opportunity analysis, competitive research, and strategic positioning
2
Proposal Development (10-15 days)
Narrative writing, budget development, methodology design, and supporting documentation
3
Review and Refinement (5-7 days)
Client review, expert feedback incorporation, compliance checking, and final polish
4
Submission and Support (2-3 days)
Final formatting, submission logistics, confirmation, and post-submission guidance
Frequently Asked Questions
What is your actual success rate for grant applications?
Our overall success rate is 85%, compared to the industry average of 10-15% for federal grants and 25-30% for foundation grants. This high success rate reflects our strategic approach, expert writing, and rigorous quality assurance process. We track success rates by funding source and project type to continuously improve our services.
How do you match writers to specific grant opportunities?
We maintain a team of specialized grant writers with expertise in different sectors and funding sources. Each project is assigned based on the writer's subject matter expertise, funder experience, and track record with similar grants. For complex projects, we often use writer teams with complementary expertise.
Can you help with grant management after funding is secured?
Yes, we offer grant management services including reporting, compliance monitoring, and stewardship communications. Many clients continue working with us for the life of their grants to ensure successful implementation and positioning for renewal or continuation funding.
What information do you need from us to get started?
We need basic organizational information, project descriptions, target funding sources, and access to key personnel for interviews. Our discovery process is designed to efficiently gather all necessary information while minimizing time demands on your team. We provide detailed preparation materials to streamline this process.
How do you handle confidential or proprietary information?
We maintain strict confidentiality protocols and sign NDAs as needed. Our team has extensive experience with proprietary research, competitive information, and sensitive organizational data. All project materials are securely stored and access is limited to essential personnel.
What happens if our grant application is not successful?
We provide detailed reviewer feedback analysis and recommendations for improvement. Many unsuccessful applications can be strengthened and resubmitted. We offer discounted rates for resubmissions and have successfully secured funding on second or third attempts for many clients.
Do you work with first-time grant applicants?
Absolutely. We have extensive experience helping organizations secure their first major grants. Our process includes grant readiness assessment and organizational development recommendations to ensure you're well-positioned for success. We also provide training and capacity building to support long-term grant success.
How far in advance should we start the grant writing process?
Ideally, 6-8 weeks before the deadline for complex federal grants, 4-6 weeks for foundation grants. However, we regularly handle rush projects when necessary. Earlier engagement allows for better strategic planning and competitive positioning, but we can adapt our process to meet tight deadlines when needed.
Ready to Secure Your Funding?
Let our expert grant writers transform your vision into a compelling proposal that funders can't ignore.