Our Approach:
Think.Ink.FUND.

Stage 1: THINK (Strategy and Alignment)

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​Starting with our four-point E.P.I.C. Assessment, Think and Ink Grant Consulting® will help you "think" through grant-seeking strategies and execute deliverables.

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During stage 1, our firm:

 

• Assesses the current state of your organization across four areas of our E.P.I.C. Assessment: Expertise, Programming, Innovative Strategy, and Capacity

• Identifies funding gaps and opportunities and provides recommendations for improvement 

• Design and update programming using logic model-based practices

• Identifies well-aligned funders based on your mission, strategic goals, and funder priorities (federal, corporate, foundation) in your 2026 Grant Research Report

• Creates the Think. Ink. Fund. Framework® 2026 Grant Seeking Strategy, your annual strategic plan to transform your grant-seeking strategy

• Manages the entire process with monthly updates within your Project Management Timeline and Milestones Report

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Aligned services:

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Grant Consulting: We help you think through effective grant writing strategies.

Grant Research: We find federal, state, local, and private funding opportunities.

 

Potential deliverables:

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• Think. Ink. Fund. Framework® 2026 Grant Seeking Strategy

• Project Management Timeline and Milestones Report

• FY Grant Research Report

• Logic Model

• Fundraising Strategic Plan

• Theory of Change

• Community Needs Assessment

• Other deliverables as discussed

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Stage 2: INK (Grant Writing and Positioning)

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Next, we help your organization "ink" funding-worthy proposals that get results. Our work continues as we not only provide strategic advice but also execute the recommended strategies outlined in stage 1.

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During stage 2, our firm:

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• Crafts competitive and compelling narratives.

• Packages budgets, data, and supporting materials.

• Tailors proposals to funder guidelines.

• Executes ways to strengthen proposals based on the funder-provided rubric.

• Meets regularly to provide guidance, feedback on progress, and strategic recommendations.

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Aligned services:

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Grant Consulting: We help you think through effective grant writing strategies.

Grant Writing: We handcraft each grant application to clearly position your organization as a prime candidate for funders.

 

Potential deliverables:

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• Proposals packages with required narratives, budgets, attachments, etc.

• Funder Specific Grant Strategy Form

• Monthly updates to the Project Management Timeline and Milestones Report

• Monthly updates to your FY Grant Research Report

• Mock Review Reports

• Other deliverables as discussed

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Stage 3: FUND (Scale and Sustain)

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The final step of our process enables your organization to scale its grant-seeking strategy, maintain compliance, and support sustainability.

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During stage 3, our firm:

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• Manages funder reports and supports compliance.

• Helps complete grant management functions accurately and on time.

• Build long-term funder relationships.

• Create and deploy stewardship activities.

• Establish a feedback loop to continuously improve your grant-seeking strategies.

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Aligned services:

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Grant Consulting: We help you think through effective grant writing strategies.

Grant Management: We help complete grant management reports and/or grant compliance and reporting processes

Evaluations: We help evaluate program success

 

Potential deliverables:

• Financial Grant Management Reports

• Program Grant Management Reports

• Stewardship Activities Report

• Relationship Building and Cultivation Strategy

• Evaluation Plans

• Other deliverables as discussed