Blog

The issue of collaboration and partnerships arises quite frequently in discussions I have with my clients. Working together with complimentary organizations makes sense for three very pragmatic reasons: 1) Why re-invent the wheel? If another organization is doing similar work,...

This article gives a nice summary of the grants that are available for pump-out facilities (ie: marinas) in Rhode Island, and what you have to do to qualify. Essentially it is a program to reduce point-source sewage discharge from vessels by establishing land-based  pump-out...

I frequently get asked if I will work on commission. I do not, because the arrangement does not work for me, personally, and most of the time I think it is a bad idea for the client as well. As an organization looking to raise funds, especially a start-up, the idea of finding...

I have been getting a lot of calls lately from folks who want me to help get them grants to start a business. Most of the time I have to issue bad news: there is no free money! Contrary to what you hear on infomercials or see on the internet – there is not a pile of free...

Ambition is a great thing, but remember to temper it with a dose of reality. I work with many start-ups, so this post pertains mostly to that subset of clients. How do you know if you are ready to write a grant? What are your chances of getting a grant? Here are a few insights...

For the second year my colleague and I partner with the International Institute of Rhode Island to give away 35 bikes to former refugees from Nepal/ Bhutan, Liberia and Iran, Burma and Uzbekistan, who are resettling in Providence, RI.  Great day.  Thanks to Mary Ellen, Glen, Jay...

Understanding how foundations, banks or government agencies evaluate grant proposals is a critical element in the crafting of your application. Although all funders will have slightly different evaluation criteria, there are some core components of the grant review process that...

The “statement of need”,  is the most important component of the grant proposal. It is to the grant proposal what the market analysis is to the business plan. It makes the case for whatever service or product you are planning to provide. The statement of need should...

The composition of your board depends largely on it’s intended role. So before you form your board of directors give careful thought to, and seek professional advice if warranted, what primary function you want your board to serve. The board can have a multi-faceted role...