Grant Development & Writing
SERVICES
Build a Coherent, Competitive Case for Support.
Strong proposals connect a well-documented need with a credible program design, measurable outcomes, a realistic implementation plan, and a useful approach to evaluation.
Shaffer Evaluation Group helps organizations develop those elements as a unified whole. We can support the complete proposal-development process or provide targeted assistance where additional research, writing, program-design, or evaluation expertise is needed.
SERVICES
When grant development support can help
Our support may be useful when:
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You are considering whether an opportunity fits your priorities and capacity
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A promising idea needs to become a fundable program design
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Your needs statement requires stronger evidence
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Activities, objectives, outcomes, and measures need better alignment
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A proposal requires an external evaluator or detailed evaluation plan
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Your internal team needs targeted writing, review, or technical support
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Multiple partners need help developing one coherent application
SERVICES
What we provide
Services can be scaled to the funding opportunity, proposal timeline, and capacity of your team.
Support may include:
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Funding-opportunity and priority review
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Grant-readiness assessment
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Background research and evidence development
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Needs statements
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Program design and work plans
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Goals, objectives, activities, and outcomes
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Logic models and theories of change
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Performance measures
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Pre-award evaluation planning
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Full or targeted proposal writing
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Proposal review and revision
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Coordination with grant teams and project partners
SERVICES
How we work
Focus
We review the funding opportunity, organizational priorities, requirements, timeline, and available capacity. Early decisions about fit and feasibility help the team focus its effort.
Develop
We work with partners to connect the identified need, proposed activities, intended outcomes, performance measures, and evaluation approach within a clear program narrative.
Refine
We review the proposal for responsiveness, internal consistency, clarity, and alignment with funder requirements. When appropriate, we help the team strengthen the application before submission.
FEATURED PROJECT
Developing a time-sensitive Federal grant narrative
Service: Grant Development & Writing
Portfolio: K-12 Education
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The Need
A Virginia public school district was preparing a federal application to support construction, modernization, and facilities improvements serving military-connected students. The application required a clear narrative that responded closely to a complex federal solicitation and complemented extensive technical and facilities documentation.
SEG’s Role
SEG worked as the district's technical writing partner. We reviewed the solicitation, met with the project team to clarify the proposed work, developed the complete grant narrative, incorporated client feedback, and provided technical assistance while the district assembled the remaining application components.
How the Work Was Used
SEG delivered the final narrative ahead of schedule, enabling the district to submit a complete application through Grants.gov within a compressed timeframe. The district retained ownership of the application and submission process.
SERVICES
Experience across four portfolios
Arts & Culture
Support arts organizations, cultural institutions, and community initiatives seeking funding for programming, research, learning, planning, or organizational development.
K-12 Education
Assist schools, districts, education agencies, and partners pursuing federal, state, foundation, and other education funding opportunities.
Higher Education
Support colleges, universities, community colleges, and institutional partnerships developing proposals for student success, institutional change, workforce, STEM, arts, and related initiatives.
Tribal Communities
Work with Tribal governments, Native-serving organizations, education programs, and community partners to develop proposals grounded in identified priorities and local context.
Bring us into the process
Whether you need comprehensive proposal support, an evaluation plan, a logic model, or an experienced review of an existing draft, we can identify the most useful role for SEG.
Contact us today for a free 30-minute consultation.