Question 1

How do grant consultants get paid?

Accepted Answer

This is the number one question that we get asked. Like any other service provider (i.e. attorneys, accountants, or coaches) we are paid for our time, effort, and expertise regardless of whether a grant is awarded. Yes, it's true - we can't ever fully 100% guarantee the outcome of a submitted grant application. We do our due diligence to ensure we only approach the funders with whom we have the best chances of success. Your resources are valuable and finite - we take that seriously and aren't in the business to be wasteful or haphazard.

Question 2

How long does it take to write a grant?

Accepted Answer

This is the second most popular question that we get asked. Some grants are super streamlined and can take less than 10 hours to pull together and submit. While others, especially massive Federal grants, can require well over 150 hours to complete!

For this reason alone, you will see a wide pricing range associated with grant writing services across the industry. It is certainly not a one-size-fits-all approach as every grant opportunity and every funder is unique.

Question 3

What makes JLL different from other grant consultants?

Accepted Answer

At Just Look Left, we’re not just grant writers—we’re your partners in funding success. What sets us apart is our personalized, data-driven approach, deep expertise in federal, state, and foundation grants, and strong relationships with funders across the Pacific Northwest. We don’t just write proposals; we craft compelling narratives, manage the entire grant lifecycle, and work closely with you to ensure long-term funding predictability. Plus, we’re passionate about helping nonprofits like yours create meaningful change. Think of us as your grant dream team!

Question 4

What is your pricing structure?

Accepted Answer

We’re transparent in everything we do, including our pricing. Below are the ranges for our services.
Full-Service Grant Consulting - starts at $5,000/month
Grant Calendar/Funding Strategy - starts at $5,000
Project-Based Services - reach out for a custom quote!

Question 5

What does a grant consultant actually do?

Accepted Answer

A little bit of everything! We research funding opportunities, connect nonprofits with aligned funders, write compelling grant proposals, review and edit copy, manage awarded grants, draft press releases to celebrate wins, and support you through reporting requirements — all with a collaborative, strategic approach.

When we’re not grant writing, you’ll find us laughing, over-caffeinated, soaking up sunshine, and exploring all the hidden gems Oregon has to offer.

Question 6

Can you help with grants outside the Pacific Northwest?

Accepted Answer

While we specialize in the Pacific Northwest funding landscape and have strong relationships with regional funders, we proudly serve nonprofits nationwide. We’ve had the pleasure of partnering with clients from multiple states across the country. We welcome clients from all regions and are ready to help you find funding opportunities in your area and guide you through crafting compelling applications to meet your goals.

Question 7

What if we don’t have a lot of data or metrics to include in our grant application?

Accepted Answer

Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! We know that not every nonprofit has a wealth of data or metrics, especially if you’re just starting out. Our team is skilled at helping you tell your story in a way that highlights your impact, even if you don’t have years of data to back it up. We’ll work with you to identify the key metrics that matter and craft a narrative that resonates with funders.

Question 8

How do you handle grant reporting and compliance?

Accepted Answer

Grant reporting and compliance are just as important as securing the funding! We offer full-service grant management, including post-award reporting and compliance support. Our team will ensure that you meet all funder requirements, submit reports on time, and maintain strong relationships with funders for future opportunities. Think of us as your behind-the-scenes partners in grant success.

Question 9

How do you determine which grants to pursue?

Accepted Answer

We take a strategic approach to grant prospecting. Using a combination of data analytics, funder research, and our deep knowledge of the funding landscape, we identify the grants that align best with your mission, goals, and capacity. We’ll never pursue a grant that isn’t a good fit—your time and resources are too valuable for that!

Question 10

Can you help us build relationships with funders?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Building strong relationships with funders is a key part of our approach. We’ll help you identify the right funders, craft compelling LOIs (Letters of Intent), and even facilitate introductory meetings. Our goal is to help you build long-term partnerships that go beyond a single grant award.

Question 11

What if we need help with something outside of grant writing?

Accepted Answer

We’re here to help with more than just grant writing! Whether you need support with donor engagement, fundraising strategy, or capacity-building, we’re happy to discuss how we can assist. Our goal is to help your organization thrive, and that often means going beyond grants to address your broader needs.

Question 12

What types of clients do we work with?

Accepted Answer

Well, it's been a journey! Three years ago, Elaine would have told you that our focus is on arts & culture non-profits. Although a few of our current clients certainly fall into this category, our firm has approached our work with an open, inquisitive, ever-evolving outlook.

Nowadays, if we had to niche ourselves, the majority of our client portfolio is comprised of social service nonprofits, rural-serving organizations, and BIPOC-led entities. Pretty dang cool, huh?

Question 13

Is my organization the right fit for Just Look Left?

Accepted Answer

Every organization is different, but our clients generally fit the following criteria:
You’re a small to mid-sized established 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
You want to increase your organization’s revenue and have a clear understanding of how grants fit into your fundraising plan.
You have an engaged team (paid or volunteer!) who is ready to collaborate with professional writers to get more grants out the door. 
Your organization can provide necessary grant-related documents, such as: key financial statements and budgets, clear program deliverables, an evaluation plan, and more! Don’t worry, we can always help you fine-tune your grant readiness.

Question 14

What’s your success rate with grant applications?

Accepted Answer

We’re proud to say that our success rate is well above the industry average! While no grants are guaranteed, we’ve achieved a 45% success rate, securing over $10M in funding for our clients in the past three years. Our personalized, data-driven approach ensures that every proposal we submit has the best possible chance of success.

Question 15

What if we already have a grant writer on staff?

Accepted Answer

That’s great! We often work alongside in-house grant writers to provide additional support, especially during busy periods or for complex grants. Whether you need help with research, editing, or managing a heavy workload, we’re here to complement your team’s efforts and ensure nothing falls through the cracks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)