Grant Services
Grant Research
At ZIM, we understand that securing funding for your organization's programs and initiatives is crucial to achieving your mission. Our comprehensive and personalized grant research service is designed to empower nonprofits with the insights and connections needed to unlock new avenues of financial support.
With our extensive resources, we go beyond traditional grant research by offering a customized approach that reflects your organization's unique history and goals. Our process is carefully crafted to help you make informed decisions about how to strategically approach potential funders. The Grant Research Journey We begin with an information-gathering session where our dedicated team of researchers collaborates with your staff, board, and/or volunteer leadership to deeply understand your organization's history, programs, partnerships, and funding needs. We then meticulously identify diverse funding opportunities aligned with your objectives at local, regional, and national levels, covering community foundations, private family foundations, corporate foundations, and government entities. The next step involves creating comprehensive one-page profiles for your current, recent, and potential funders, which are conveniently compiled in an easy-to-use book format along with board and staff details. Together, we will review your organization’s custom grant research book, discussing alignment and strategies for each funder. We wrap up with a tailored cultivation plan, utilizing the insights from the research to create a roadmap for developing relationships, complete with documents to be reviewed during a cultivation strategy session. Advantages of ZIM's Grant Research • Time Savings: Our meticulous research saves your organization countless hours, allowing you to focus on your core mission. • Credibility & Support: ZIM's research presentation and strategic cultivation sessions empower nonprofits to forge impactful relationships with potential funders. • Relevant & Current Insights: Our grant research equips you with up-to-date, easy-to-read information to strategically engage both new and returning funders. • Relationship Cultivation: Our focus on relationship cultivation with institutional funders increases your organization's likelihood of receiving grant funding.
Grant Writing
At ZIM, we're not just a service provider, we're an extension of your team. With a legacy of successful grant applications dating back to 2006, ZIM is committed to serving as your strategic ally, ensuring our nonprofit clients secure the necessary funding to reach their organizational goals and fulfill their mission. Additionally, ZIM writes LOIs, reports, and assembles all required submission materials to meet our clients' funding needs.
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Our commitment to excellence, transparency, and strategic thinking sets us apart in the world of grant writing. Since our inception, ZIM has embraced a client-centric approach that ensures your organization's unique voice and vision shine through in every proposal.​
When you partner with ZIM, you're not just getting a grant writing service – you're gaining a strategic ally that is committed to your success every step of the way. • Team of Writers: ZIM assigns a primary writer supported by a team of skilled professionals. This team approach leads to enhanced strategic thinking, ensuring your proposals are both compelling and effective. • Diverse Perspectives: Our grant writers bring fresh and innovative perspectives to your funding strategies. This approach helps us tailor proposals to resonate with a variety of funders. • Editorial Excellence: ZIM's dedicated editors meticulously review all grants before they reach your desk. • Ongoing Training and Research: Regular internal meetings empower our grant writers with the latest funding insights, opportunities, and strategies. This means your proposals are always informed by the most up-to-date trends in grant writing. • Client-Focused Coaching: ZIM mentors clients to engage directly with program officers, delivering expert guidance throughout the entire process. This client-driven approach ensures continuity and strengthens your relationships with funders. • Grants Management Software: ZIM's comprehensive grants management software efficiently manages and organizes the entire grant lifecycle, from application to submission and post-award reporting. With customizable workflows and automated notifications, you'll never miss a deadline or overlook a critical task.
Is my organization ready to partner with ZIM?
To be successful in grants, ZIM recommends nonprofits implement the following readiness checklist. Having these criteria in place will set your organization up for success in applying for and managing grants. If your organization meets these readiness criteria, you will be well-positioned to benefit from a strong partnership with ZIM, ensuring a smoother, more effective grant process and greater success in securing funding.
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Organizational Readiness
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501(c)(3) Status Confirmation: Verify that your organization has an active 501(c)(3) status or equivalent, as recognized by the IRS. If your organization does not have 501(c)(3) status, ensure that you have a formal agreement with a fiscal sponsor who has this status.
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Mission and Vision Statements: Clearly defined mission and vision statements that align with the intended grant objectives.
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Nondiscrimination Statement and Policies: A clear statement of commitment to workplace equity and detailed policies that guide organizational practices.
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Board Involvement: An engaged board of directors with a clear understanding of their role in governance and fundraising. Board members make an annual financial contribution to the organization.
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In Good Standing: Ability to produce a Certificate of Good Standing from the Secretary of State’s office, confirming the organization is in compliance with state regulations.
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Strategic Goals: A concise outline of the organization's top priorities, key objectives, and targeted approaches that guide efforts toward long-term success.
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Financial Readiness
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Financial Documents: Year-to-date and year-end financial statements, including a budget, balance sheet, profit/loss statement, and IRS Form 990. Utilizes and can demonstrate use of sound accounting practices and financial accountability.
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Budgeting Process: A process for creating a detailed project budget that matches the scope of the grant-funded project. Has budgeting and accounting systems for restricted donations.
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Programmatic Readiness and Evaluation
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Program Design: Detailed program or project plans with clear objectives, outcomes, and evaluation methods. Programs designed to be accessible and equitable to all community members.
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Impact Measurement: Systems in place for measuring and tracking program outcomes and impact.
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Staff and Volunteer Support: Adequate staff/volunteer support to implement and manage both programs and grants.
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Grants Management
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Capacity for Project Management: Has the capacity to implement the project described in the grant proposal.
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Readiness to Report: Preparedness to provide detailed reports on progress and impact, both financially and programmatically.
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Recommendations
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Strategic Plan: A current strategic plan outlining the organization’s goals, objectives, and strategies for achieving them.
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DEI Training and Development: Regular DEI training for staff and board members to ensure understanding and implementation of DEI principles. Many funders will inquire about how an organization incorporates DEI into programming/organization practices.
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Sustainability Plan: If funding is for a new program, plans for sustaining activities after the grant period ends.
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Partnership Agreements: Documentation of partnerships, if applicable, including letters of agreement of MOUs.
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Insurance and Risk Management: Adequate insurance coverage and risk management policies.
Why Choose ZIM for Nonprofit Consulting Services?
ZIM is more than a firm offering traditional nonprofit consulting. We bring a full service approach that integrates strategy, leadership, and execution. Our team works with nonprofits of all sizes, providing the tools and expertise they need to succeed in today’s competitive landscape.
Benefits of Partnering with ZIM:
Deep Knowledge of the nonprofit sector: Having worked with more than 500 organizations, we understand the unique challenges nonprofit organizations face and provide solutions that drive sustainable growth.
Customized Approach: No two organizations are the same. Our tailored strategies ensure your specific needs are addressed.
Collaborative Process: We involve staff, board members, and stakeholders to ensure buy-in at every stage.
Hiring a nonprofit consultant is a big decision. ZIM makes it easier by offering solutions that are actionable, practical, and aligned with your mission. ZIM is dedicated to helping nonprofits succeed in a rapidly evolving landscape. Let ZIM’s nonprofit consulting services help you create meaningful change.