What is Genie Grants?

Genie Grants is a grant writing consulting service. We help organizations raise funds from private and corporate foundations and the government for projects and programs that benefit our communities. Genie Grants was founded in 2009 by Michelle Lieberman. Michelle is the principal consultant at Genie Grants, and she has 20 years of experience fundraising for nonprofit organizations.

Do we have to be a nonprofit to apply for a grant?

Most grants are only available to nonprofits, i.e. those with 501(c)(3) status or projects that are fiscally sponsored by a nonprofit. Grants for individuals and for-profit enterprises are rare but are sometimes available through the federal, state, and local government.

How much time do you need to prepare a proposal?

We ask that new clients contact us a minimum of 4 weeks before the proposal deadline. For complex projects, such as applications for federal grants, we may need up to 8 weeks to prepare the proposal. We want to give each proposal the attention it requires to be as compelling and complete as possible.

How long does it take to get a grant?

The time it takes to get a grant varies widely. After the proposal is submitted, it can take anywhere from about 2-12 months, depending on the foundation’s internal process. It is always best to apply for grants well in advance of when the money is needed.

How much do you charge?

Fees for proposal writing vary depending on the complexity of the project. For example, updating an existing proposal for a new grant application would be less expensive than writing a new proposal from scratch. We offer both hourly and per-project contracts. Please contact us for an estimate.

Can you work on commission?

No, we do not work on commission. We charge an hourly or per-project rate..

How will you get to know our organization?

We will meet with you, in person or virtually, to discuss your organization, its goals, needs, and success stories. We will read any prior proposals that relate to the project and any promotional materials you have.

Can you guarantee that we will be funded?

Although we have a very high rate of success, no grant writer can guarantee that a proposal will be funded.