1. What does a grant writer do?

A grant writer helps nonprofits secure funding by researching opportunities, developing proposals, and ensuring that each application clearly communicates your organization’s mission, impact, and budget needs. This process involves aligning your programs with funder priorities, writing compelling narratives, and organizing supporting materials like budgets, impact metrics, and letters of support. At Mockingbird Analytics, we go beyond writing, we help you build a long-term funding strategy rooted in your mission, values, and capacity, so that each proposal strengthens your overall fundraising foundation.

2. How do I know if my organization is ready to apply for grants?

Your organization is ready to apply for grants when you have a clear mission, defined programs, a working budget, and the ability to track your outcomes. Funders look for evidence that you can manage funds responsibly and deliver measurable results. If you’re not there yet, we can help you prepare through planning, evaluation, and storytelling support. This might include refining your program descriptions, clarifying your goals, and developing the internal systems needed to manage grants effectively. Check out our Landscape Analysis services for more information.

3. What kinds of grants can my nonprofit apply for?

Nonprofits can apply for grants from private foundations, corporations, and government agencies at the local, state, and national level. The most suitable opportunities depend on your mission, geographic area, and organizational capacity. For example, California-based organizations often benefit from local foundation or state agency grants focused on specific community needs. At Mockingbird Analytics, we help you identify funders whose priorities align with your programs, ensuring each application targets the right fit rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

4. How much does professional grant writing cost?

Grant writing is typically billed hourly or per project, depending on the proposal’s complexity and your existing materials. Fees can vary based on research needs, deadlines, and the scope of work. At Mockingbird Analytics, we follow the ethical standards of the Grant Professionals Association, which prohibit commission-based or contingency pricing. Our goal is to help you build internal fundraising capacity and sustainable systems, not dependency on outside consultants. Contact us to learn more.

5. How long does it take to write a grant proposal?

It depends! First, there are many different types of deliverables and forms that grant writing can take based on the funder’s requested information, requirements, and the materials available. Proposals that require significant research, partner coordination, or data collection may take longer. We create a timeline that allows for internal review and editing, ensuring your final submission reflects your organization’s voice and priorities. Planning ahead also helps avoid last-minute stress and improves the overall quality of your proposal.

6. Can you help with grant reporting or funder follow-up?

Yes. Our team regularly supports clients with post-award management, including grant reporting, data collection, and funder communication. We help ensure reports clearly demonstrate your outcomes and compliance with the funder’s requirements. We also assist with collecting qualitative and quantitative data to highlight your organization’s impact, which can strengthen future proposals. Transparent and timely reporting builds funder trust and increases your chances of securing repeat grants. Contact us to learn more.

7. How can I make my nonprofit more competitive for grants?

Funders are drawn to organizations that demonstrate impact, credibility, and community connection. To stand out, you need clear goals, measurable outcomes, and data that supports your story. At Mockingbird Analytics, our team helps you collect and analyze the information that strengthens your proposals, from participant data to testimonials and community outcomes. We also help refine your narrative so funders see both your effectiveness and your values in action.

8. Do you only work with nonprofits in California?

While we specialize in working with California-based organizations and understand the state’s unique funding landscape, we also partner with nonprofits nationwide that share our commitment to equity, transparency, and community-driven change. Our team is based in Los Angeles, and we bring regional insight into California funders, state agencies, and philanthropic networks that can benefit organizations working within or connected to the state.

9. What makes Mockingbird Analytics different from other grant writing firms?

Our team combines experience in fundraising, evaluation, impact research, and capacity building to help organizations tell their story through data and impact. We believe in collaboration and transparency rather than transactional consulting. Our approach ensures that every proposal we help develop also strengthens your systems and supports your long-term sustainability. We’re deeply invested in our clients’ missions and measure our success by your growth.

10. How do you find the right grants for our organization?

Our team conducts targeted research based on your mission, programs, geography, and funding goals. We use databases, funder directories, and philanthropic networks to identify opportunities that align with your work. Then we assess each funder’s priorities, eligibility requirements, and past giving patterns before recommending next steps. This saves your team time and ensures your energy is focused on the most strategic opportunities.

11. What kinds of organizations do you work with?

We partner with a wide range of nonprofits — from small, community-based organizations to established institutions — across fields such as arts and culture, education, environmental justice, public health, and social services. Many of our clients are women-led or BIPOC-led organizations working to build capacity in underfunded communities. We tailor our approach to meet each organization where they are, ensuring our support fits their structure, capacity, and goals.

12. What information do you need from us to get started?

Before starting a grant writing project or grant retainer, we’ll ask for key materials such as your mission and vision statements, program descriptions, budgets, financial statements, and any recent grant proposals. We’ll help you create or refine this information, if you dont have it ready. We’ll also discuss your short- and long-term funding goals and clarify which programs you want to prioritize for funding. Having this information early helps us craft proposals that are both accurate and compelling.