Grant Proposal Review & Institutional Funding Effectiveness Assessment

By the end of the project, the consultant will conduct a comprehensive assessment of Communities In Schools' grant development and proposal-writing practices through a review of selected funded and unfunded grant applications. The review will identify key strengths, recurring challenges, and opportunities to improve overall grant competitiveness and funding success.

Based on this assessment, the consultant will provide strategic recommendations to strengthen proposal narratives, clarify and elevate the case for support, enhance the communication of outcomes and impact, improve budget presentation, increase alignment with funder priorities, and strengthen overall proposal structure, readability, and competitive positioning.

To support long-term capacity building, the consultant will develop practical tools and resources, including a proposal review rubric or quality-assurance framework that staff can use to assess submissions prior to funder review. Recommendations will also include grant development best practices, templates, and messaging guidance designed to improve consistency, efficiency, and effectiveness across future funding opportunities.

The engagement will conclude with a concise presentation summarizing key findings, recommendations, and actionable next steps for development leadership and staff.

Organization Mission

At Communities In Schools (CIS), we surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.