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Introducing your organization and mission to potential funder opens up a channel for feedback and guidance, leading to more opportunities
Introducing your organization and mission to potential funder opens up a channel for feedback and guidance, leading to more opportunitiesDemonstrating a thoughtful and well-planned project increases your chances of receiving funding
Demonstrating a thoughtful and well-planned project increases your chances of receiving funding
Natalie Poindexter is a bold leader dedicated to advancing equity in public health, entrepreneurship, and community building. As the founder of NPI Consulting House in Austin, Texas, she champions the mission of educating, elevating, and empowering businesses and communities globally. With over a decade of expertise, Natalie leads Authentic Inclusion (MBE), blending her Master’s in Public Health and Certified Health Education Specialist certification with real-world experience. She has successfully secured nearly a million dollars in grants for clients within her first two years, adding to the $19 million awarded to clients and organizations throughout her career.
Natalie’s leadership extends to global initiatives, including the launch of Convergence at SXSW 2024, in collaboration with Olivia Dell. This initiative redefines conference experiences by fostering transformational relationships rather than transactional networking, aiming to cultivate lasting connections across industries and continents.
A thought leader and keynote speaker, Natalie has shared insights alongside notable figures like US SBA Administrator Guzman and Mark Cuban at SXSW 2023. Through her work, Natalie continually inspires others to join her in creating a more equitable and inclusive world.
"Natalie communicated well and documented the requirements that were necessary for initiatives for the city of Austin public health. She monitored the program very well and provided suggestions/improvements to be more efficient in our process."
"Wow. What to say? So much to share and discover in parallel purpose and heart-led intentions. A totally stimulating and worthwhile time spent connecting and conversing with Natalie. I could talk for hours with her... oh, wait a minute, I did! Thank you for your precious time Natalie. I would thoroughly recommend connecting with Natalie, she has many gifts to offer."
"Natalie is a true champion who is doing the good work to ensure accessibility and growth for women in the future of work and entrepreneurship!"
“Natalie is absolutely delightful to spend time with! She has a very warm, welcoming energy. I really appreciated hearing about her journey and what's she's focusing on now. If you're a Founder and/or CEO, I definitely recommend Natalie as an outside advisor. She has the gift to see the big picture while guiding you to take bite-sized pieces in the right order for you and your organization. Looking forward to continuing the conversation!”
“Book your session with her. She is INCREDIBLE, knowledgeable, a great communicator and a businesswoman. She helped me unlock a lot of ideas I had been exploring in my mind to be able to visualize them fully. I appreciate your time, your wisdom and your support. Natalie is truly intentional about helping others, and I am glad we got connected and more so excited for all the greatness we will create together. I appreciate YOU!”
“A conversation that was refreshing, warming, human and so delicious. Natalie brings soo much passion, knowledge and credibility to her voice. We spoke on topics that include powerfully setting women up to prosper and thrive as entrepreneurs (including myself), body shaming, how to be comfortable being unapologetically you, traveling, experiencing cultures and much much more. We started off as two brains and left as friends and colleagues. Natalie has moved the needle in my life. 10/10 good human.”
“Natalie has the unique ability to see the big picture and goal and then break down what has to be done to get there into granular pieces. Along with this amazing ability, her knowledge and experience in the grant writing world makes her exceptionally valuable. I could have talked with Natalie for hours.”
These are different types of solicitations used by funding organizations or clients:
1. RFAs (Request for Applications): These outline a specific research or project area. Organizations must submit a comprehensive application addressing the outlined requirements.
2. RFPs (Request for Proposals): These are broader in scope and require organizations to propose a solution to a problem or need stated by the funder or client.
3. RFQs (Request for Qualifications): Usually related to procurement, where organizations provide qualifications regarding products or services they want to provide for the vendor.
4. LOIs (Letter of Intent): These are preliminary letters expressing interest in a funding opportunity or partnership.
Audience: Early-stage businesses and organizations
Recommendation from Principal Expert: To respond effectively to each, it's important to carefully review the solicitation requirements, understand the specific needs or expectations stated, and tailor your response accordingly. This level of expertise as a Thought Leader and Growth Strategist is showcased through Innovative Grant Writing and Collaborative Writing Architect skills, and demonstrated in abilities as Trusted Collaborators.
To go beyond strategic planning and develop sustainability mapping, your organization can take the following steps:
• Conduct a comprehensive assessment of your organization's current practices, resources, and goals.
• Identify key stakeholders and engage them in the sustainability mapping process to ensure diverse perspectives and input.
• Define measurable sustainability goals that align with your organization's mission and values.
• Develop strategies and action plans to achieve these goals, considering social, environmental, and economic factors.
• Implement monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track progress and make adjustments as needed.
• Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement to adapt to changing circumstances and challenges.
Audience: Early-stage businesses or organizations, first-time grant recipients, innovative businesses or organizations.
Recommendation from Principal Expert: As Growth Strategist and Disruptive Consulting experts, we can guide organizations in this process by leveraging our knowledge and experience in sustainability mapping.
Determining if a grant, proposal, or contract is right for your business requires careful consideration and assessment. Consider the following factors:
• Fit: Evaluate whether the opportunity aligns with your organization's mission, values, and strategic objectives. Look for opportunities that match your expertise and core competencies as a Fixer/Problem Solver.
• Eligibility: Review the eligibility criteria and ensure your business meets the necessary requirements. Pay attention to geographic restrictions, industry focus, or specific target populations.
• Scope and Resources: Assess whether your business has the capacity and resources to successfully complete the project or deliverables outlined in the opportunity.
• Financial Considerations: Evaluate the financial viability of the opportunity, including the funding amount, potential return on investment, and any required cost-sharing or matching funds.
Audience: Anyone interested in pursuing funding opportunities
Recommendation from Principal Expert: By being an Innovative Grant Writer and Expert Change Manager, we can help businesses navigate these considerations and determine the best opportunities for their growth.
Assessing grant readiness involves evaluating several aspects of your business. Here are some key indicators:
• Mission and Impact: Ensure that your business's mission and activities align with the objectives of potential funding opportunities.
• Organizational Capacity: Evaluate your business's infrastructure, human resources, and financial stability. Consider if you have the necessary systems, staff, and expertise in place to manage grants effectively.
• Track Record: Reflect on your past performance, achievements, and demonstrated impact. Funders often look for evidence of successful project implementation and outcomes.
• Project Planning and Evaluation: Assess your ability to develop detailed project plans, budgets, and monitoring and evaluation frameworks. Strong project management skills are crucial for grant success.
• Collaborative Approach: Evaluate your capacity for collaboration and partnership development, as funders often seek organizations that can work effectively with others.
Audience: Early-stage businesses or organizations, nonprofit organizations, for-profit small businesses
Recommendation from Principal Expert: As a Collaborative Writing Architects and a Fixer/Problem Solvers, we can help businesses identify areas for improvement and enhance their grant readiness. With nearly 10 years of experience and supporting businesses in being awarded over $15 million, we believe our processes will improve your organization's ability to receive funding.
If you didn't get selected for funding on platforms like Hello Alice or iFundWomen, here's what you can do next:
• Seek Feedback: Reach out to the platform or funder for feedback on your application. Understand why your application didn't meet their criteria or what areas need improvement. Feedback can provide valuable insights for future applications.
• Review and Refine: Carefully review your application materials, making sure they align with the specific requirements and expectations of the platform or funder. Consider refining your proposal, budget, or project plan based on the feedback received.
• Explore Alternative Opportunities: Don't be discouraged by one rejection. Look for other funding opportunities or platforms that might be a better fit for your business. Expand your search to include local, regional, or industry-specific grants.
• Network and Collaborate: Build connections with other entrepreneurs, organizations, and experts in your field. Engage in networking events, attend workshops or conferences, and explore collaborative opportunities that can enhance your visibility and access to funding.
Audience: Early stage businesses or organizations, for-profit organizations, small businesses, entrepreneurs, startups
Recommendation from Principal Expert: As Authentic Collaboration experts and Disruptive Consulting practitioners, we can guide businesses through these challenges and help them find alternative funding sources. Through our in-depth grant audit and review process we can provide your business with a detailed review of areas for improvement, opportunities for development, and tangible next steps prior to submitting your next application.
Receiving feedback from funders that you don't agree with can be disheartening, but it's important to approach it constructively. Here's what you can do:
• Reflect on the Feedback: Take the time to thoroughly consider the feedback provided. Try to understand the funder's perspective and consider if there are any valid points or areas where you can make improvements.
• Seek External Input: Share the feedback with trusted colleagues, mentors, or consultants experienced in grant writing or the specific field you're operating in. Obtain their insights and advice to gain different perspectives.
• Consider Resubmission: Assess whether it's worth revising your proposal based on the feedback and resubmitting it to the same funder. Determine if the potential benefits outweigh the time and effort required.
• Explore Alternative Opportunities: If you believe the feedback is not aligned with your business's goals or values, consider exploring other funding opportunities. Look for funders who share your vision and provide grants that better align with your objectives.
• Continuous Improvement: Use the feedback as an opportunity for growth and improvement. Incorporate the lessons learned into your future grant applications, refining your approach, and strengthening your proposals.
Audience: early stage businesses or organizations, for-profit organizations, small businesses, entrepreneurs, startups
Recommendation from Principal Expert: As Expert Change Managers and Growth Strategists, we can help businesses navigate such situations, offering guidance and strategies to adapt and improve their grant applications.
