Some people believe that it is not worthwhile to start a business unless it is possible to grow it into a large company that makes big profits. How about a business that is driven by a deeply meaningful personal, professional, and social mission to improve the community, offers affordable pricing for clients, and enables the owner to make a reasonable profit? See the business model I have used successfully for 20 years at Heart Resources, LLC.

There are start-up factors and planning strategies for the inevitable lows and highs of this (or any) type of business.

Here is an example of my response to a question that I am often asked, “How do I get started with a possible new client?”

The answers to this question depend on which services will be offered and where you plan to do business. To help with screening, I manage content on my business website to answer typical new client questions (services, past clients and funders, sample awarded projects, programs and populations served, onboarding process, fees, and others). When we get to the contract stage, I send a more detailed Grant Services Guide with Standard Operating Procedures, a rate chart for services and payment options, and a sample contract. Each state has different contract regulations. When contracting with Pennsylvania organizations for grant services, registration as a Professional Fundraising Counsel is required. The contract has to be signed by the CEO and a Board member for approval by the PA Dept of State, Bureau of Charitable Organizations. Sometimes Board members want to review a comprehensive resume as part of their "due diligence" for which I send a 13-pager including an awarded grants list. The lengthy contractual process is one of the reasons why I differentiate services by focusing grant services on the region that I know best (Western PA) while providing grant training, coaching, and mentoring nationally. 

See Success Stories resulting from my training and coaching for individuals to improve their grant careers and businesses. Please join the email list and submit your questions about getting started. Grant business topics, tips and tools will also be shared here.

Your real job on Earth is to find out what you’re meant to be doing and to find a way to do that thing. - Oprah Winfrey, Multi-Billionaire