Real.
Transformative.
Solutions.
We are a group of experienced and innovative consultants providing nonprofit organizations with transformative solutions to help them achieve their goals.
Discover.
During the planning phase of our relationship we will work to gain a deep understanding of your organization, its needs, and its current challenges.
Define.
Next, it’s time to define a clear strategy and objectives.
Develop.
Finally, we assess, align, and help redesign your organization or processes to reduce threats and optimize strengths and growth opportunities.
unlock your Organization's potential
Nonprofit Services
Starting a Nonprofit
Are you launching a nonprofit organization with a passion for making a difference in the world? At RTS Consulting, we’re here to support your cause and help your nonprofit startup thrive. Our expert consulting services specialize in nonprofit ventures, offering you a roadmap to success.
Our Solution
We offer time-based consulting services to new and existing nonprofit organizations. Our expert consultants are here to provide you counsel and advice in the following areas:
- State and federal 501(c)(3) compliance
- Form 1023 & 1023EZ guidance
- Payroll
- Board and governance issues
- Pre-formation and program development issues
- Budgeting
- Fundraising compliance
- Volunteer recruitment and management
- Tax filing requirements for tax-exempt entities
Strategic planning
Give your mission-driven organization the roadmap it needs to fulfill your purpose and make the most of your resources. With a strategic plan, you’ll have a clear path forward crafted around your organizational goals and resources so you can sustainably grow over the next several years.
Our Solution
1. Pre-Planning
Our strategic planning journey commences with a thorough examination of your operations. Through interviews with key stakeholders and focus groups, we gather valuable insights. This initial phase also involves the compilation of benchmarking data. By the end of this preparatory work, we’ll have a crystal-clear understanding of your association’s current position, laying the foundation for effective planning.
2. Strategic Plan Creation
In the next stage, we collaborate closely with your team in person. Our approach takes you from a high-level overview of your organization and its objectives to the intricate details of tactics, initiatives, and responsibilities. This meticulous planning ensures the successful execution of your strategic plan. Within just four weeks of our in-person session, you’ll be well-prepared to embark on your journey with a well-defined, actionable plan in hand.
3. Implementation & Evaluation
To ensure your organization makes continuous progress, we establish a schedule for regular check-ins. During these sessions, we critically assess your advancements and collect relevant data. This data provides you with measurable metrics for comparison against your established benchmarks. At every step of the way, RTS Consulting Group is committed to assisting you in maximizing the effectiveness of your strategic plan.
Grant Writing Services
Assessments
Step 1:
Research and Review
First, we study your organization’s mission, vision, history, and current programs.
Understanding your goals and objectives is critical for aligning future grant applications. RTS Consulting Group collects all relevant grant proposals, supporting documents, and previous grant applications from the organization. This includes both successful and unsuccessful applications.
Step 2:
SWOT Analysis
Next, RTS Consulting Group conducts a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis specifically focused on grant or proposal writing. This involves identifying strengths and weaknesses in your organization’s past grant applications and opportunities and threats in the current funding landscape.
- Portfolio Assessment: We categorize and analyze your organization’s past grant or proposal applications based on funding sources, programs, and success rates. This helps identify patterns and trends in past submissions.
- Process Evaluation: We examine your organization’s grant writing process from start to finish. This includes assessing who is involved, the timeline, and the tools and resources used in grant or proposal development.
- Proposal Content: Each grant proposal is meticulously reviewed for content quality. We assess whether the proposals effectively convey the organization’s mission, objectives, and the specific problem or need the grant aims to address.
- Clarity and Coherence: We will evaluate the clarity and coherence of the proposals. This includes examining whether the narrative flows logically and if the language is clear and concise.
- Funder Alignment: RTS Consulting Group ensures that each grant proposal aligns with the priorities and criteria of the specific funders. Proposals must address the funders’ interests and goals effectively.
- Budget Alignment: Budgets within grant proposals are scrutinized to ensure they are realistic, well-documented, and align with the proposed program or project. Any inconsistencies are addressed.
Step 3:
Feedback
RTS Consulting Group provides detailed feedback on each aspect of the grant writing process. This includes specific recommendations for improving content, structure, alignment, and budgeting.
- Capacity Assessment: If necessary, we will assess the organization’s capacity for grant writing, including staff skills and available resources. Recommendations for training and capacity building may be provided.
- Actionable Plan: Based on the analysis and feedback, we will collaborate to develop an actionable plan for improving future grant writing efforts. This plan outlines steps, responsibilities, and timelines for implementation.
- Continuous Support: Ongoing Support: RTS Consulting Group offers ongoing support for organizations through our retainer program which can include further proposal development, training, or periodic reviews to ensure that improvements are sustained.
Funding Appeal Development & resource Discovery
Securing funding is a pivotal step for small businesses and nonprofits to fulfill their missions and drive positive change in their communities.
First, Your Case For Support is Developed.
A strong case for support is the cornerstone of successful fundraising. Our team of experienced writers will weave a compelling narrative that resonates with your audience and showcases your organization’s impact. We take the time to understand your organization’s mission, vision, and objectives.
We back our narratives with hard data and metrics that matter. Funders want to see measurable impact, and we ensure your case reflects the outcomes and results that set you apart. We don’t just write; we partner with you. Your input and vision are invaluable in creating a case for support that you can confidently present to potential donors and investors.
Next, the research is conducted.
Our team of expert researchers leaves no stone unturned. We delve into a vast array of funding sources, including government grants, private foundations, corporate sponsorships, and more. Our research is not just about quantity; though; it’s about quality. We make sure it is meticulously tailored to your organization’s focus area, whether it’s small business growth or nonprofit initiatives. We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. RTS Consulting Group provides you with customized funding lists, carefully curated to match your mission and programs. These lists include detailed information about grant opportunities, eligibility criteria, deadlines, and contact details.
Finally, we provide your results!
Alongside funding lists, we create a Grant Prospectus that serves as your roadmap to funding success. This document summarizes the most promising funding opportunities, allowing you to prioritize and strategize your approach. We also go the extra mile by identifying request for proposal (RFP) announcements and pre-solicitation notices, giving you a competitive edge in responding to grants and funding opportunities.
Grant-writing development, review and technical assistance
At RTS Consulting Group, we are committed to providing tailored, high-quality services that empower your organization to navigate the grant writing process effectively. Our expertise, attention to detail, and dedication to your unique needs set us apart as your strategic partner in securing the funding necessary to achieve your mission and goals.
Grant writing service fees are assessed on a sliding scale depending on the size and budget of the organization and the complexity of the proposal.
*Please note we do not work on contingency!
Editing and Technical Assistance: Our Editing and Technical Assistance services go beyond basic proofreading. We offer complete editing for client-prepared proposals, ensuring clarity, coherence, and alignment with the funder’s priorities. Our technical assistance is available on an hourly basis, allowing us to address specific challenges and provide expert guidance to enhance the overall quality of your grant proposal.
Grant Source Research: Our Customized Grant Source Research service is designed to match your project concept precisely. We conduct in-depth research to identify potential funding sources, including foundations, corporate entities, and government programs. This comprehensive research ensures that your organization targets the most relevant and promising opportunities for financial support.
Foundation/Corporate Giving Proposals: For organizations with a single project concept in mind, we offer a tailored service. We will not only search for suitable foundation and corporate giving sources but also go the extra mile by drafting a compelling letter of proposal. Additionally, we’ll prepare applications for the five most promising opportunities, giving you a strategic advantage in securing funding.
State & Federal Grant Writing: Our State & Federal Grant Writing services are designed to tackle projects of varying length and complexity. Fees for these services are based on the specific requirements of your project. Whether it’s a local initiative or a complex federal grant application, we have the expertise to craft persuasive grant proposals that stand out.
Retainer Agreement: For organizations seeking ongoing grant support, we offer a Retainer Agreement. This agreement spans a minimum of three months and includes a range of services. We start by conducting thorough grant research, identifying relevant opportunities, and alerting you to grant deadlines. This ongoing relationship ensures that your organization remains proactive and well-prepared in pursuing funding opportunities.
Conflict Resolution
Conflict is a natural part of any organization’s journey, but for small, closely-held organizations, it can pose unique challenges.
At RTS Consulting Group, we recognize the discomfort and difficulties that conflict can bring. It can lead to anxiety, insomnia, and fear, and when unaddressed, it can disrupt team productivity and harm employee well-being.
Don’t let conflict hold your organization back. Contact RTS Consulting Group to harness the power of conflict resolution and chart a path towards success.
Our Solution
Our expertise extends to nonprofits, small businesses, professional practices, startups, and closely-held partnerships. We understand that conflict and ongoing dysfunction can be particularly daunting for these smaller leadership groups due to several reasons:
- Trust: Trust is paramount, and it’s harder to regain when broken in close-knit teams.
- Personal and Professional Boundaries: Small organizations often blur the lines between personal and professional life.
- Collaboration: Close collaboration is essential for success, making conflict resolution crucial.
- Confidentiality: Going to court or airing grievances publicly doesn’t make sense for these orgnaizations.
- Emotional Impact: High conflict disputes can be emotionally charged and painful.
At RTS Consulting Group, we believe that conflict, when handled wisely, can lead to transformative opportunities. Conflict is an asset waiting to be leveraged for growth and improvement. Our team of consultants specializes in understanding the sources of conflict and identifying opportunities for enhancement. We work collaboratively with you to navigate the path forward, equipping you with the tools and insights needed to heal rifts and embrace a new and better way of doing business.