Q1.                 How do we get in contact with Schuykill GrantWorks, LLC?

a.   By phone (570) 617-8036 or email info@schuylkillgrantworks.com

Q2.                 I am planning to start my own small business. Are there grants for that?

a.   Grants for private small businesses are very rare. Business owners are encouraged to contact their local Chamber of Commerce or state department of economic development for information on small business loans and business growth programs.

Q3.                 How much do you charge? What are your fees?

a.   SGW operates on an hourly fee (fee for service) and contractual basis. However, the cost of services and type of agreement will be determined by the scope of services required.

Q4.                 Can I write SGW services into my grant? Does SGW take contingency fees or percentages?

a.   SGW adheres to a high standard of professional ethics (Grant Professionals Association) and does not utilize contingency fees or commissions.  SGW does not accept or pay a finder's fee, commission, or percentage compensation based on grants. Compensation will not be written into grants unless allowed by the funder. Rates & fees based upon scope of work, specific needs, and duration of service/project. 

Q1.                 How long does the grant writing process take?

a.   The time it takes to write a grant depends on the length of the application, the type, and how much of the required materials are already available from the client.

Q2.                 Am I guaranteed the grant?

a.   No. While SGW guarantees high quality consultancy and proposals, SGW cannot ensure a grant award. SGW aligns itself with the ethics of the Grant Professionals Association, and therefore such a guarantee would be unethical. The awarding of the grant depends on the track record of the organization in providing quality programs and services, past success, the level to which the proposed program or project is sustainable, and the make-up of the grant review team or individual reviewer.

Q3.                 How long does it take to get the grant?

a.   The time it will take from grant submission to approval and receipt depends on the type of grant program, the funder, and many other factors. Some grants may take 3 months, 6 months, to a year to receive. SGW works with clients to develop timelines that account for varied award timeframes.

Q4.                 What materials should our organizations have ready prior to starting the process?

a.   To assist organizations with this task, SGW works with organizations in preparing their “Grant Suitcase”. This service is designed to ensure that clients “pack” their suitcase in preparation for their grant writing journey.

Major categories of items that must be “packed” include:

·      Organizational Background

·      Financial Documents

·      Tax Documents

·      Governance

·      Program or Project Description

·      Program or Project Budget, Cost Estimates

·      Other (Sustainability, Plan, Needs Assessments,)

 Q1.                 Applying for grants is just filling out paperwork so you can receive a check in the mail, right?

a.   No. The grant application process includes several phases and can be very tedious and time consuming. The submission of a grant application does not guarantee funds. In most cases, grant applications are scored and applicants compete for funding.

Q2.                  How do grant writing consultants work with clients?

a.   Client’s must assign a Point of Contact to work with SGW. In some cases, SGW will work with a team of staff members assigned by the client/organization. Most communication occurs via email and/or phone conversations. SGW will ask the client/organization a series of questions that are necessary to gather information needed for the preparation of the grant application. Documents developed will be provided to the client electronically.

Q3.                 Will SGW, LLC submit grant applications for my organization?

a.   No. SGW aligns itself with high professional standards and ethics, e.g. the Grant Professionals Association. SGW will work with organizations to ensure grant applications are completed according to guidelines set forth by the funder. The actual submission of the grant application (postal mail, email, or other electronic methods) must be conducted by the client/applicant organization.

Q4.                 We do not know if our organization is nonprofit; we cannot locate any paperwork. Can SGW, LLC help us?

a.   SGW will recommend clients that are unsure of their current tax status to seek out the advice of a law firm and/or CPA.

Q5.                 Will SGW, LLC act as an employee for my organization? Can we expect SGW, LLC to communicate and speak with a potential or current funder? We do not have the time or an employee that will handle grants if they are awarded.

a.   No. SGW aligns itself with high professional standards and ethics, and will not act as an agent, representative or employee of a client.  However, SGW will seek out general information from potential funders as a representative of SGW, LLC solely. Information collected from these inquiries may be forwarded to the client as appropriate.

Q6.        Our organization wants to conduct fundraisers, contests, and capital campaigns. Is this something SGW, LLC can do for us?

a.   No. SGW, LLC will refer clients to informational resources regarding fundraising. In the state of Pennsylvania, the Solicitation of Funds for Charitable Purposes Act, requires professional solicitors to register with the Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations (Bureau). SGW provides grant writing and consultancy services and is not a “professional solicitor” for fundraising as defined under the Act.