Frequently asked questions about grants

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A grant is a set amount of money that is given by one organization to another for the purpose of carrying out a specific project or program.

Each grant will specify who is eligible to apply. Eligible applicants could include 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, private for-profit companies, educational institutions, cities, counties, state departments, and other public entities such as libraries. It is important to read the grant guidelines (also called a Grant Solicitation or Request for Proposals) to find out which organization types are eligible to apply.

Grants are given by corporations, private foundations, and government agencies. 

Examples of grant funders include:

• Corporate: Walmart, Bank of America
• Foundation: The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
• Government: Cities, Counties, State departments (ex: California Department of Food & Agriculture), Federal departments (ex: United States Department of Energy)

Typically, no. The vast majority of grants offered by the government, foundations, and corporations are going to be for organizations like businesses, nonprofits, and other government entities. Grants for individuals are rare (not including grants for college which are applied for through FAFSA). Wooten Grants Consulting does not assist those applying for a grant as an individual.

Grants specifically for starting a new business are quite rare. Most grant opportunities are directed toward established businesses for expansion or research and development projects. For new business ventures, exploring loan programs through the Small Business Administration (SBA) or other private financing options may be more viable options. Wooten Grants Consulting does not assist individuals in starting a new business or securing loans or private investments.

Securing grants as a newly established nonprofit can be challenging. Many funders prefer organizations with a proven track record and may request up to three years of financial records. While exceptions exist, it's often beneficial to focus initially on building your organization's capacity and demonstrating program effectiveness. Building a Board of Directors, hiring a qualified staff, and implementing programs with demonstrated success are all good places to start. Once your nonprofit is up and running with a few years of successful program implementation under its belt along with sound fiscal management, you may be ready to apply for grants.

 We provide a comprehensive suite of grant-related services, including:​

• Grant Writing: Crafting complete grant applications from start to finish.​
• Funding Strategy: Identifying and recommending grant opportunities that align with your organization's goals.​
• Grant Administration: Managing reporting and compliance requirements for awarded grants.​
• Grants Support Packages for Nonprofits: Offering ongoing support for nonprofits seeking continuous grant funding.​
   

For a detailed overview, please visit our Services page.

 Our fees vary based on the complexity and scope of each grant application:​

• Foundation Grants: $2,500 - $5,000​ 
• State Grants: $5,000 - $7,500+​ 
• Federal Grants: $7,500 - $12,500+​
   

We provide customized quotes after discussing your organization's specific needs and the requirements of the grant opportunity.

We specialize in grants related to agriculture, sustainability, and food systems. Our expertise lies in securing funding from federal and state government agencies like the USDA and CDFA, as well as private foundations supporting agricultural initiatives. 

Grant success depends on various factors, including the strength of the proposed project, organizational capacity, and alignment with funder priorities. We can never guarantee that a proposal will be selected for funding, however, working with an experienced team of grant writers like Wooten Grants Consulting can significantly boost your chances of winning a grant. When you work with us, you can be assured that your grant proposal will be complete, including: 

• Confirmed eligibility and project alignment with the funding opportunity
• Thorough and persuasive written responses to application questions
• All forms filled out correctly
• All required supporting documentation prepared and attached
• A well-structured project budget and budget justification
• Formatting and page limit requirements met
• Timely submission via the funder's preferred submission method

A qualified organization with a compelling and well-designed project whose grant application has all of the factors listed above will have the best chances of winning a grant.

Absolutely. We collaborate with clients nationwide through virtual communication channels, including email, phone calls, and video conferencing. Our remote collaboration ensures effective and efficient service delivery regardless of location. 

It is considered unethical for grant writers to work on a commission or percentage-based model. Our services are fee-based, with payment required upon beginning the project, irrespective of the grant's outcome. 

The timeline varies depending on the funder and the specific grant program. Generally, it can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months to receive funding decisions after submission. Some funders provide estimated decision dates, while others may have rolling reviews.​