Access Grant Writing LLC, Alice Rich Lewis
I started Access Grantwriting to help non-profits that need extra capacity to secure grants. When a client engages me to do grantwriting, I write, edit, and apply to private foundations, government bodies, and corporate funding sources. My grant research services help clients to find new potential funders. My third service is a Readiness Assessment. I make sure my clients have the right documentation and the data funders want to see.
Beyond these core solutions, I often advise on general fundraising strategy. Funders want to know that non-profits have diverse revenue sources, which I liken to a three-legged stool: individual donors, fundraising events, and grants. I can guide my clients in establishing a multifaceted funding portfolio and strategize with them on how to develop relationships with new donors.
I was looking for better work/life balance. I love what I do, but I need flexibility in my life that wasn’t possible working for someone else. Of course, being an entrepreneur means hard work. Now, though, I get to decide when I work and how I work.
I strive to provide an exceptional return on investment by focusing on efficiency. Clients come to me because they are overwhelmed. They’ve often been asked to manage and execute on all three legs of the stool, which is essentially an impossible task. Before I started my business, I worked for over a decade as a fundraiser for small non-profits so I know that the average non-profit staff person is crunched for time. I want to deliver the best possible experience efficiently, freeing the client to focus on other aspects of their job.
I also give potential clients peace of mind through proven results. Since starting my business in 2021, I’ve helped human service non-profits and municipalities raise more than $17 million in grants and sponsorships. My website has a page of testimonials that speak to the impact my contributions have on my clients’ results. Says one, “We had a quick opportunity to apply for a $10,000 grant that seemed like a long shot. Alice coordinated the effort with such a calm presence; writing, organizing, and uploading the content. We got the grant. We would not have been successful without her.”
Like many small businesses, mine experiences ebbs and flows. At one point I needed to find new clients, but I had never marketed my business before as most of my clients had come in through referrals. I discovered SCORE through one of their partners’ websites.
SCORE taught me best practices for weathering the lean times through marketing, including my website, and through keeping on top of communications.
SCORE did a great job matching me with a mentor, Chris Smith, who had been a non-profit consultant, so we had very similar perspectives. He suggested things I could do to grow my business and was friendly and professional. I always came away from our conversations feeling uplifted!
Do it! It didn’t take a lot of my time and was extremely helpful.
Do a lot of groundwork before you start your business. Perform market research to make sure there is opportunity in your service area for what you’re offering. Become part of a community of similar businesses. Network. And lean on SCORE experts to understand what to expect and how to address it.
