Grant-Writing Services

The Catskill Center for Conservation and Development (Catskill Center) is requesting proposals from qualified firms to provide professional grant writing services to support the general operations and programs of the Catskill Center.

Founded in 1969, the Catskill Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that preserves and enriches the environmental, economic and cultural well-being of the Catskill region through collaboration, inspiration and stewardship. We believe that the vitality and prosperity of the Catskills depends on robust collaboration, thriving local communities and the wise stewardship of our natural resources. To learn more, visit www.catskillcenter.org.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Catskill Center seeks to identify and select an experienced professional grant writing consultant with a proven track record of researching, developing, writing, preparing and submitting successful grant proposals for federal and state government grants and private foundation grants. Primary responsibilities include responding to grant opportunities – typically federal, state, or private foundations - as selected by the Catskill Center. Details of responsibilities are described in this Request for Proposals (RFP) under “Scope of Services.”

The selected consultant will work with the Catskill Center’s management team, composed of the Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director, and associated program directors managers. Some of the Catskill Center’s programs and services for which we seek funding include:

● General Operations;
● Advocacy;
● Catskill Fire Tower Project;
● Land Trust initiatives;
● Catskills Visitor Center (CVC); and 
● Riparian, Fire Tower, High-Use Location, and Ridgerunner Stewards Program.

AGREEMENT DURATION
This agreement will have a term of twelve (12) months beginning on or about May 1, 2023 and ending on April 30, 2024, with the possibility for extension.

SCOPE OF WORK
The selected consultant(s) will be required to deliver the services outlined in this RFP to the Catskill Center.

Task 1. Learn more about us. Gain familiarity with the history and programs of the Catskill Center.

Task 2. Identify grant opportunities. Research and identify potential relevant grant opportunities. Work with Catskill Center staff to assess the validity of current funding priority areas, and identify new priority areas for funding. Engage the Catskill Center management team in creative strategizing for project development. Stay up-to-date about potential community resources for grant collaboration/ partnership and work with Catskill Center management team to identify community partners as necessary.

Maintain a shared google spreadsheet with the Catskill Catskill of basic information related to potential funding opportunities. Such information includes but is not limited to the agency/foundation name, application due date(s), eligibility, a brief program summary, and the level of funding available. The Catskill Center will share a pre-populated, outdated spreadsheet with the selected consultant for the consultant to update or incorporate into a new spreadsheet, as mutually agreed.

Task 3. Help prepare grant applications, from A-Z. Provide comprehensive general grant writing services associated with the completion and submission of grant applications and program administration. At the beginning of the proposal process, develop a timeline that is agreeable to the Catskill Center management team for submission of proposal drafts and review. With prior written approval, attend applicable pre-proposal workshops/webinars and update the Catskill Center management team with relevant information. Collaborate with the Deputy Executive Director and associated program/project manager to prepare budgets and budget narratives to sufficiently fund the activities of the project. Collate data, prepare and submit approved grant materials in accordance with grant requirements.

Task 4. Tie-out the application process. Immediately notify by email the Executive Director & Deputy Executive Director following all grant submissions. Upload a complete electronic copy, including all attachments, of each submitted grant application package to a specified Catskill Center Shared Google Drive folder as soon as possible following submission.

Task 5. Set us up for success with funded projects. For all submitted grants which receive funding, create a brief cover sheet with a clear list and timeline of summarized deliverables and reporting obligations, including any specific to funding requests and/or expense documentation. Upload this list to the specified Shared Google Drive folder and share it with the relevant project/program manager and Deputy Executive Director.

QUALIFICATIONS
The consultant should have the following minimal qualifications:
1. A proven track record of a 3-7 years of successful grant writing experience including sourcing, developing, writing, and submitting successful federal and state government grant proposals documented by summary of funding source, date, & amount.
2. Experience preparing grant proposals for a nonprofit;
3. The ability to do multiple assignments at the same time.
4. Documented experience with collaborative project development with multiple partner organizations. If respondent has experience with development of regional grants, include documentation of extent of region and partnerships.
5. Excellent writing skills and ability to write persuasive proposals as demonstrated by clear and compelling proposal samples.
6. Excellent budget preparation skills and ability to prepare budgets and budget narratives to sufficiently fund the activities of projects in compliance with all government regulations.
7. Expert computer skills in Microsoft Office Word, Excel and online grant submission systems.
8. Highly organized with the ability to identify and implement needed systems and follow-up processes. 9. Able to effectively work – and maintain superb interpersonal skills - under pressure, use excellent judgment, and produce high quality work products within tight time constraints.

CONTENT OF PROPOSAL
The consultant must complete the attached Proposal Statement in its entirety, including Primary Contact Information, Company Information, Past Experience & Proposed Approach, Cost Proposal, and References.

SUBMISSION OF PROPOSAL
Please email one (1) PDF copy of the proposal with all documents in PDF format and with the subject line “Proposal – RFP Grant Writing Services”, to cccd@catskillcenter.org by 5:00 p.m. on April 17, 2023.

By submitting a proposal, the consultant represents that they have thoroughly examined and become familiar with the Scope of Work outlined in this RFP and are qualified and capable of successfully fulfilling the requested services. The consultant also understands and agrees that the Catskill Center assumes no responsibility or liability of any kind for costs incurred in the preparation or submission of any proposal.

EVALUATION OF QUALIFICATIONS
The Catskill Center seeks to award the contract to the responding consutant that can provide the highest quality services for the most reasonable cost, within the Catskill Center’s budget. The following qualifications will be considered in the award:
1. Thoroughness and quality of Proposal Statement;
2. Anticipated budget
3. Reference checks;
4. Experience and expertise in the field;
5. How well proposal meets the stated requirements; and
6. Interviews (if conducted with final candidates)

The Catskill Center reserves the right to select the proposal that best satisfies the interests of the Catskill Center and not necessarily on the basis of price or any other single factor in the evaluation criteria.

CONTRACTING
If or when the Catskill Center selects a proposal, the Catskill Center will engage in contract negotiations with the consultant. A formal written contract will be prepared by the Catskill Center and will not be binding until signed by both parties. A sample contract is included for review. The contract period is anticipated to be one (1) year, with potential for extension upon mutual agreement. Invoices may be submitted on a monthly basis, and must specify the hours expended, broken out by Task and grant opportunity, when applicable.

https://catskillcenter.org/contract