How and Why We Work

Philosophy

We do this work because we believe that the organizations we consult to, and the projects we get funded, help make the world a better place. This belief is based on four ideas:

  • Grants aren’t just about money, they’re about improving the communities we live in.
  • Grants aren’t isolated events, they should grow out of your organization’s mission and strategic plan.
  • Grants should strengthen the organization as well as carry out a project or provide a service.
  • Grants are about community building — nurturing relationships between the organization, the funder, partner/collaborating organizations and the people being served.

How Grants Northwest Works

We get involved in program planning and design, not just writing. Our decades of work with dozens of nonprofit organizations allows us to add value to your grant idea.

  • We look at how the proposed project impacts your organization and the community. Where does this project fit in the “Big Picture”?
  • We often work with several people in an organization. We may work with top management, program staff, board members or clients — depending on the needs of the project.
  • We will involve you in developing the program. If the grant is funded it will be yours to run, and needs to be designed to fit your organization’s needs and operating style.
  • We may advise you on grant strategy. Sometimes we will say “This opportunity isn’t right for your organization at this time” and recommend not applying for the grant.
  • We may suggest collaboration or partners — bringing in other organizations, consultants, or program evaluators if we feel that they will strengthen the project.
  • We charge by the hour or by the project for grantwriting, and a flat daily rate for workshops.

What we do:

  • Grants Northwest only works with nonprofit organizations in Oregon and Southwest Washington where we can meet and work with you in person.
  • Grants Northwest mostly develops grants for major projects, which will make a significant difference to your organization and the people it serves.

What we don’t do (see FAQ’s for explanations on these.)

  • Grants for businesses.
  • Grants for individuals.
  • Research grants.
  • Grants for organizations outside the Pacific Northwest.
  • We rarely work with startups or small nonprofits (under $200,000 budget).

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