WHAT WE DO
Strategy first. Words second. Funding follows.
Strategic writing and proposal development for organizations with something important to say or win. Five service tiers built around where you are and what you need, from a consultation session to a fully outsourced funding function.
Every organization's funding journey looks different. Some need a second set of expert eyes on a proposal already in progress. Others are starting from scratch and need a strategic partner to find the right opportunities, build the case, and write the words. Carlton Consulting Alliance offers five distinct service tiers so you can engage at the level that makes sense for your goals and your budget.
All engagements draw on nearly 20 years of government experience, including writing, reviewing, evaluating, and approving grant funding proposals. That insider knowledge shapes every recommendation, every strategy, and guides every word we write on your behalf.
The Consult
Hourly consulting best suited for organizations that need expert guidance but aren't yet ready to define a larger project, or for unstructured and exploratory work. Flexible, pay-as-you-go access to specialized expertise with no fixed project commitment.
- Funding interest and organizational positioning
- Outcomes, measurements, and language/storytelling
- Weaknesses, gaps, and overall competitiveness
- Strategic consulting with negotiable deliverables
The Audit
Already writing in-house but want an experienced, focused review to identify gaps, strengthen alignment, and improve the submission? The Audit offers two options depending on the level of support you need.
- Option 1 (Second Eyes Review): Proposal scored exactly like a grant reviewer would, plus a gap analysis report.
- Option 2 (Review + Implementation): Everything in Option 1, plus implementation of the gap analysis outcomes. A revised, submission-ready proposal is the deliverable.
The Roadmap
Not sure where your next funding opportunity is coming from? We identify strategic funding opportunities aligned with your organization's goals, priorities, and growth plans, giving you a clear path forward.
- Option 1 (Funding Readiness Roadmap): Review of your business plans and needs; short list of 3–5 applicable funding opportunities.
- Option 2 (Comprehensive Funding Roadmap): Includes Option 1 services plus evaluation of organizational structure, financial statements, and analysis of upcoming programs and grant cycle alignment.
The Full Package
Complete, end-to-end development of complex Requests for Proposals. Turnkey narrative writing, alignment with applicable strategic goals, and budget optimization for organizations that have identified a significant opportunity and need a submission-ready application.
- Full proposal development: narrative writing, strategic alignment, and budget optimization
- Fees reflect proposal complexity, length, timeline, partnerships, and budget requirements
The Capacity Builder
For organizations that need a strategic, ongoing funding function without hiring a full-time director. Carlton Consulting Alliance acts as your dedicated Funding Director, hunting for and securing continuous funding opportunities month over month. This could also be for an organization or a consulting company that regularly responds to RFPs and needs someone who can support that function.
- Ongoing opportunity identification, strategy, and application support
- Defined monthly submission volume with an agreed upon cap on hours worked
- Minimum 6-month commitment required
How we work
Discovery
We start by understanding your organization, your project, and your goals, then we identify the best funding pathways forward.
Strategy
We map the opportunity, research funder priorities, and develop a clear approach before a single word is written.
Writing
We draft, refine, and polish, working collaboratively with you to ensure every submission reflects your voice and vision.
Submission
We prepare final documents, review all requirements, and support you through the submission process from start to finish.
Not sure which tier is right for you?
Let's talk. A short conversation is usually all it takes to find the right fit.
Start a conversation