FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions): Getting Started With CGA
Q: What if I'm not sure what I need first and foremost in terms of your services?
A: A consultation with each potential client is provided at no charge in order to determine if 1) CGA can be of assistance to you at present, and 2) if our working styles are compatible (and this is important for both the client and the consultant).
A: It is considered unethical to provide grant services - both in writing grants and recommending specific grants - to clients on a commission basis. The reason is simple: there is no way to gauge the competition when submitting grant applications and depending upon a client's demographics, needs assessments, populations served, etc., there may be competing applications submitted with greater needs and structured more adequately to address those needs. Steering a client in the right direction in searching for applicable grant applications is appropriate, but recommending a specific grant application to a client can be misleading.
A: All services are billed on an hourly rate - rates vary depending upon whether the potential client is a small nonprofit, a startup nonprofit, or a foundation. Regardless, all potential clients are provided with an estimate prior to beginning a project and receive itemized bills regarding the ongoing project, including a heads-up if it appears the consultation costs will exceed the original estimate.
Q: What about contracts and confidentiality issues?
A: Prior to any work performed by CGA, a simple mutual nondisclosure agreement is provided to the client (& the client is free to recommend changes to the NDA to suit their nonprofit model/specific issues). Additionally, a simple contract of agreement for services rendered is drawn up by both parties agree to be sure that the needs of the client will be served (specific guidelines for grant consulting services apply in certain states).
A: Yes. Not only must the client feel comfortable in working with GCA, we must also feel comfortable in working with a client. The identification, application, submission, and tracking (if awarded) of a grant is a team effort. That team includes not only the consultant and the nonprofit's Executive Director, but also support staff members (including volunteers), and when necessary, members of the Board of Directors.
A: Email -
grantconsultants@comcast.net - or through telephone or fax -
(484) 466-3900