C.M. Russell Museum
Great Falls, MT
Photograph by Mick McMillan,
courtesy of the C.M. Russell Museum
Our 10-Step Process: Grant and Proposal Writing

Here’s an overview of the process we use.

If you’re unsure of where to start, just give us a call.

Step 1
You identify a program or project for which you need money.

Step 2
You consider the following questions:

What is the unique, special or urgent need for your program or project?   

Who is the audience for the program or project?
Who will benefit?

What is the scope or scale of the program?
Is it a new or existing program?
An ongoing or one-time program?

What are your projected outcomes?

How will you evaluate whether outcomes are achieved?

What is the approximate amount of funding you think is needed?
What expenses do you want to cover?

Step 3
You describe the project or program in detail to us, including a list of the funding you are currently receiving.

If you already have a specific funding source in mind, we proceed from there. If you don’t yet have a specific funding source in mind, we move to Step 4.

Step 4
Through a free consultation with you, we assess your project to determine the best course of action.

Step 5
We provide a bid for the job.
Two important factors impacting our fee are:

1. How much research into potential funding sources will need to be conducted, and

2. How much new material will need to be developed to write a proposal. The more proposal-ready material you already have, the less we’ll need to create.

Step 6
Based on your needs and the funding source(s) identified, we develop a timeline for completion of your grant proposal or application.

Step 7
You provide us with appropriate existing written materials as a starting point.

Step 8
We "meet" (this can also happen over the phone or via e-mail, etc.) with key staff involved in your project.

Step 9
We develop drafts of the materials for review and response.

Step 10
We make revisions and develop the final proposal for submission.