RFP Issue Date: 09/01/24
RFP Submission Due Date: 9/30/24
RFP Administrator: Sarah Holdeman, Operations Manager, Agrarian Trust
Please use the subject line: Agrarian Trust Grant Writing Services RFP
Submit proposals via email as a PDF or Word to: [email protected]
Introduction
Agrarian Trust requests proposals from qualified applicants for a renewable contract for grant writing services. The initial project duration is an estimated 3 to 6 months and entails working with our remote team to write and submit approximately 3 to 4 grants to federal agencies and/or foundations.
About Agrarian Trust: Agrarian Trust catalyzes support for next-generation farmers by working with communities to acquire and steward land for equitable access, cultural reconnection, regenerative agriculture, and ecological restoration. For more information, visit www.agrariantrust.org
Agrarian Trust is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to expanding community ownership of farmland, developing legal tools, and fundraising to help communities hold land and lease to next-generation farmers on a long term, affordable basis. The Agrarian Commons is our flagship initiative, working with communities across the U.S. to acquire and steward farmland.
Project Overview
The selected grant writer will be responsible for:
- Identifying or researching previously identified federal and foundation grant opportunities that align with our mission and goals.
- Developing, writing, and editing grant applications, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and adherence to funder guidelines.
- Managing deadlines and submission timelines to ensure timely and professional submissions.
- Collaborating with our team to gather necessary data and supporting documents.
Scope of Work
The grant writer will be expected to:
- Grant Research & Identification:
- Identify and recommend suitable grant opportunities from federal agencies (e.g. USDA) and foundations that align with our mission and strategic objectives.
- Proposal Writing & Editing:
- Draft full grant proposals, including needs statements, project descriptions, budgets, and supporting documents.
- Edit and revise content to meet specific funder requirements and ensure a compelling narrative.
- Submission Management:
- Handle the preparation and timely submission of grant applications, ensuring all required documents are included.
- Monitor submission deadlines and manage communication with funders as necessary.
- Collaboration with Nonprofit Staff:
- Work closely with our leadership team and program managers to gather program information, financial data, and outcomes for grant applications.
Qualifications
The ideal applicant will demonstrate the following qualifications:
- Proven Experience in Grant Writing:
- At least 5 years of experience in writing successful grant proposals to federal agencies and foundations, especially for nonprofit organizations.
- Knowledge of Federal Grant Systems:
- Familiarity with federal grant platforms (e.g., Grants.gov, SAM.gov, eRA Commons).
- Track Record of Success:
- Demonstrated success in securing grants for nonprofit clients, especially in agriculture, community development, and the environment.
- Attention to Detail and Compliance:
- Strong ability to follow specific guidelines and ensure compliance with funder requirements.
Proposal Requirements
Applicants should submit the following in their proposals:
- Cover Letter:
- Briefly introduce yourself or your agency, highlighting your qualifications and why you are interested in this project and working with Agrarian Trust.
- Portfolio of Successful Grant Applications:
- Provide examples of previous successful grant proposals, particularly to federal agencies and large foundations.
- Project Approach:
- Briefly describe your approach to researching grants, writing proposals, and managing deadlines. Outline how you will collaborate with our team.
- Fee Structure:
- Provide a breakdown of your fees (e.g., hourly rates, flat project fees) and any other associated costs.
- References:
- Include references from at least two clients for whom you have written successful grant proposals, particularly nonprofit organizations.
Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Experience and Expertise
- Proven track record of writing successful federal and foundation grant proposals.
- Approach and Methodology
- Clarity and feasibility of the proposed approach to grant research and writing.
- Budget and Cost Effectiveness
- Reasonableness of the proposed fee structure relative to the services provided.
- References and Past Success
- Feedback from references and the success of previous grant proposals.
Confidentiality Clause:
The information contained in this RFP and any subsequent discussions or materials provided by Agrarian Trust (“Disclosing Party”) to the bidder or consultant (“Receiving Party”) is confidential and proprietary. The Receiving Party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all such information and not to disclose it to any third party without the prior written consent of the Disclosing Party. This obligation of confidentiality shall survive the expiration or termination of the RFP process. The Receiving Party shall only use the confidential information for the purpose of preparing its proposal in response to this RFP and for no other purpose.
Conflict of Interest:
All consultants interested in conducting business with Agrarian Trust must disclose any potential conflicts of interest in the consultant’s proposal in order to be eligible to be awarded a contract. Failure to disclose potential conflicts of interest shall result in disqualification.
For best consideration, please apply by 09/30/2024 via email to: [email protected]
Please use the subject line: Agrarian Trust Grant Writing Services RFP
We look forward to receiving your proposals and collaborating together!
Agrarian Trust complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action. All qualified applicants will receive consideration. Agrarian Trust is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all people and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, contracting, and activities.
