Grant writing services

Battle Creek Public Schools (BCPS) in Michigan is requesting proposals for grant writing services to support expansion and sustainability of before- and after-school programming, with proposals due August 31, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. ET and a question deadline of August 19, 2026.

The scope encompasses grant readiness assessment and discovery, funding prospect research and strategy development, proposal drafting, budget and compliance coordination, and submission support. Deliverables include an initial readiness plan within 10 business days of contract start; a funding opportunity scan identifying at least 12 qualified prospects within 30 calendar days; a prioritized grant calendar with monthly updates; up to four letters or concept papers and up to four full grant applications; monthly status reports; and a reusable grant library established within 60 days. Respondents must demonstrate at least five years of professional grant writing or institutional advancement experience, proven success developing competitive public or private grants, experience with K-12 education or expanded learning programs, and strong project management and communication skills.

The initial contract term runs October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027, with two optional one-year renewals contingent on satisfactory performance, continued need, available funding, and mutually acceptable pricing. BCPS requires fixed-fee, monthly-retainer, or clearly defined deliverable-based pricing; compensation calculated as a percentage of grant funds requested or awarded is prohibited. All rates must remain firm for the initial term.

Evaluation weights are understanding and technical approach (25 points), relevant experience and demonstrated results (20 points), cost and overall value (20 points), team qualifications and capacity (15 points), equity and community alignment (10 points), and project management and collaboration (10 points). BCPS reserves discretion to award based on best value rather than lowest cost and may negotiate scope, deliverables, staffing, and contract terms with the highest-ranked respondent.

Interviews are tentatively scheduled for September 10–11, 2026, with notice of intent to award on September 16, 2026. Technical proposals are capped at 25 double-spaced pages; cost proposals must itemize pricing for discovery, funding scans and calendars, monthly retainers, unit prices for additional letters and applications, and hourly rates by role.