Literacy
STEM
Teacher Effectiveness
Workforce Development
Socio-Emotional
Post-Secondary Readiness
Personalized Learning
Health and Human Services
Early Childhood/After-School
Our Experience Matters
Research Associates (RA) is the premier grants development firm helping school districts, nonprofits, universities, and health organizations across the nation achieve their purpose through grants. Since 1985, we have developed over 270 funded grants for school districts, universities, and large non-profits totaling nearly $650 million in grant funds.
Our Process Matters
Our grant development process begins long before a Request for Proposal (RFP) is released and continues beyond the submission of your grant proposal. Our time-tested process achieves greatest return on investment with 100% on-time submission.
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01
PROGRAM MODEL DEVELOPMENT
We start the proposal development process by facilitating a dialogue with key leaders to craft a logic model which brings clarity to the program you are developing, creates consensus around the grant program, and focuses your evaluation.
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02
NEEDS ASSESSMENT
After the logic model is complete, we conduct a needs assessment to gather statistical information, anecdotal observations, and data on the target population.
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03
GRANT RESEARCH
We then conduct comprehensive research to identify landmark studies, model programs, current trends, promising practices, and the most recent scientifically based research.
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04
ANALYSIS of RFP
Once the RFP is released, we conduct a review of grant requirements and consult with you on key issues related to your competitiveness.
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05
PREPARATION OF ONLINE APPLICATION
We then request information required for online applications to ensure your registration it is both valid, current, and in alignment with the competition due date.
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06
CREATING A NEEDS STATEMENT
Next, we engage the reviewer with negative data or anecdotal stories to demonstrate a strong need for grant funding.
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07
PROJECT DESIGN
In this section, we describe the project, beginning with the goals and objectives and outlining research-based strategies and activities to achieve those goals.
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08
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
A strong timeline anchors this section describing necessary steps for both program management and program services.
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09
PROGRAM EVALUATION DESIGN
Our experienced evaluation team describes how the program will be evaluated, outcomes will be measured, and program results will be disseminated.
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10
PROGRAM BUDGET DEVELOPMENT
We develop strong budgets that comply with federal regulations regarding allowable costs while meeting the needs of your organization to implement the program. For programs that require matching funds, we work with you to identify sources.
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11
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
Each competition involves a standard set of forms, required appendices, and additional documents, such as the abstract and letters of support. These documents often require your participation to confirm commitments and secure signatures.
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12
PARTNER REVIEWS
In our quest for excellence, each component is reviewed multiple times for clarity and flow, content, depth and breadth of research, and alignment with the RFP. We typically build in two, 24 hour reviews for you to provide feedback.
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13
FINAL APPROVAL & SUBMISSION
The final version of all documents, based on your feedback, are carefully reviewed in-house until all materials are ready for submission. We then complete the online application, upload application components, and submit.
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14
POST SUBMISSION TASKS
We provide you with an electronic copy of the application package and perform an in-depth analysis of all reviewer comments. For proposals that are not funded, we will rewrite your proposal—at no charge—for the next competition of the same grant program, if you are still eligible.
Our Team Matters
Research Associates embraces a team approach and will work collaboratively with you to develop a program model that meets the grant requirements and your specific needs. Our team of specialists help you achieve high success rates and maximum grant awards.
Shalon Coffey, MS
Grant Writer
Our team of detail-oriented Technical Writers ensure that our proposals are clear, concise, polished, professional, and error-free.
Leigh Anna Lang, MS
Grant Writer
Our highly-trained Budget Analysts develop program-driven budgets that withstand budget cuts from funders and comply with federal and program regulations.
Julie Neeley, MSW, MPA
Grant Writer
Our friendly Grant Strategists serve as the glue binding your project together from start to finish ensuring that all parties stay engaged and on target for timely submission.
Jennifer Hoff, MA
Grant Writer
Our team of Evaluators bring decades of experience to the evaluation design, goals, and objectives with an emphasis on ongoing feedback and continuous improvement.
Katie Beck
Grant Writer
Our expert Grant Writers craft innovative program designs and develop the heart and soul of your proposal to tell your story in powerful ways.
John Wentzell, CPA
Director of Finance
Our Team Approach sets us apart from individuals and other firms and ensures that the proposals we develop are high quality and competitive.
Our Partners
Research Associates builds long-term partnerships through exceptional service, attention to detail, innovative best practices, and high quality work. Partner surveys from the last five years indicate that 100% of partners would use RA again and would recommend RA to others.
The best part was starting from scratch with our team and having a great proposal at the end of the process. I am always amazed how they take a few sentences, thoughts, and ideas to come up with a wonderful plan to help students and teachers.
Project Director, Georgia
The RA team shows a sincere interest in the program and builds a relationship with our team. I like the comprehensive approach to the process and that you have expertise in research, writing, project management, and editing.
Project Director, Florida
We can’t thank you enough for developing the grant!! Wow—you were amazing in such a time crunch!! You are indeed the GRANT EXPERTS!
Director of Grants, Georgia
I have truly enjoyed working with you and all of the team. The support and guidance you have given to me cannot easily be put into words. Thank you for your commitment to us and our initiatives.
Project Director, South Carolina
Thank you all for the tremendous work you invested in our district! You all are true partners! You all are amazing.
Executive Director, North Carolina
Thank you all for a super-smooth and super-successful process! What a thorough and stellar job! Beautiful!
Grant Officer, South Carolina
It has been a pleasure to collaborate with your team on this exciting opportunity. We appreciate everyone’s attention to content, detail, and deadlines.
Executive Director, Massachusetts
Thank you so much for such excellent customer service! I have enjoyed working with you and the team in developing this grant. Kudos—it’s a winner!
Assistant Superintendent, Georgia
Thank you for helping us through this process and for your leadership. We look forward to working with you as we seek to impact literacy and help our children develop a love for reading.
Superintendent, North Carolina
Another great experience in the books! Your lines of communication have always been great; we know you are always right there!
Associate Superintendent, Georgia
I appreciated the research that RA did in regard to demographics and programming. In addition, not having to focus on the grammar and document formatting pieces took a load off my plate.
The team was able to assimilate lots of information that I gave them a bout our district and our goals with limited knowledge or us ahead of time. Their ability to listen closely to learn about us and to determine how to focus all of this in a grant was outstanding.
Research Associates, PO Box 695, Reidville, SC 29375