The bMuse Way
Sarah S. Brophy
I am a veteran fundraiser with 25 years of experience in grants funding. I work with museums, zoos, aquariums, historical sites and open space organizations around the country to create grants development plans and prepare grant applications for operating support, programs, and capital projects.
In my practice I have found that there are many good causes and programs, but that without a healthy organization, a philanthropic edge and a perfect donor match, even excellent proposals go unfunded.
A financially sustainable museum nurtures diverse income streams. Strategic grants development is important in creating a responsive income matrix. Whether you are looking for operating, capital or program support, your development plan should include strategic applications to appropriate government, foundation and corporate supporters.
My commitment to you is honest, reasonable development of effective and appropriate programs and proposals positioned to attract support. Your most fundable programs will be those that fulfill a demonstrated need while matching donor interests. Together we will develop a strategic grant program that complements other earned and gifted income streams.
How bMuse Works
Assessments – It is important to be sure your organization will be competitive before you begin chasing grants. Together we will assess your mission, audience, programs, operations and policies, and explore the funding environment to define your place in the funding continuum and what steps you might consider taking to become highly competitive. Some of the questions I will ask can be found in the Grant Ready Checklist in my book Is Your Museum Grant-Ready? Click here for a downloadable pdf file of the complete Grant-Ready Checklist from the book. If you want a taste of how I identify the right funder for you, have a look at my chart: Sarah's Hierarchy of Funder Needs.
Proposal Writing and Funder Research – When it's time to prepare proposals, I will search for potential donors. You will receive complete descriptions of appropriate targets along with application recommendations. If you would like help preparing proposals, I will discuss the project with the funder and, if appropriate, prepare the proposal narrative and many of the support materials. Your office will be responsible for signatures, packaging and mailing.
You may have a single grant proposal in mind, a single project to fund, or a long wish list. We start with a conversation and a chance for me to review materials about you and what you're interested in. Then I develop a draft work proposal for you to review. I can propose the work in phases or in one fell-swoop depending upon your situation. I will give you not-to-exceed prices for finite projects and government grant applications. For other projects, you can choose payment arrangements by-the-hour or by retainer. If we reach a point where I provide continuing organizational support then we agree upon a monthly retainer.