Strategic Initiatives
Premium Grant Services
Customized, High-Impact Support for Counties Ready to Take Their Grant Strategy to the Next Level
Elevate your county's grant success with our comprehensive premium services. Our team of seasoned grant professionals provides targeted support at every stage of the grant lifecycle.
Strategic Planning Services
Project Development and Preparedness
Our experts work with your team to refine project proposals and ensure alignment with funding agency priorities and requirements.
- Comprehensive project assessment and enhancement
- Alignment with funder priorities and evaluation criteria
- Technical guidance on project components
- Development of compelling project narratives
- Creation of readiness checklists and timelines
Customized Grant Research and Funding Strategies
Receive tailored research identifying the most promising federal, state, and foundation funding opportunities for your specific projects.
- Comprehensive funding landscape analysis
- Customized funding opportunity reports
- Strategic funding roadmaps
- Funder relationship guidance
- Diversification strategies for sustainable funding
Strategy Development
Develop a comprehensive grants strategy aligned with your county's priorities and goals.
- Needs assessments and gap analysis
- Multi-year funding plans
- Cross-departmental coordination frameworks
- Opportunity prioritization methodologies
- Strategic positioning recommendations
Application Development and Support
Grant Application Review and Enhancement
Strengthen your grant applications with expert feedback and recommendations for improvement.
- Comprehensive narrative review
- Budget optimization guidance
- Logic model and evaluation plan development
- Compliance assessment
- Final submission review
Grant Monitoring and Updates
Stay informed about your grant opportunities and applications with regular updates and tracking.
- Monthly strategy and status update meetings
- Customized grant tracking reports
- Timeline management
- Application progress monitoring
- Deadline alerts and reminders
Grant Debriefing Support
Learn from application outcomes with structured feedback and improvement strategies.
- Funding agency consultation facilitation
- Application strength and weakness analysis
- Reviewer feedback interpretation
- Resubmission strategies
- Competitive positioning recommendations
Post-Award Services
Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreements (NICRA)
Maximize your county's recovery of indirect costs with expert guidance on developing and negotiating federal indirect cost rate agreements.
- Cost allocation methodology development
- Rate proposal preparation
- Federal negotiation representation
- Rate implementation guidance
- Annual rate maintenance support
Post-Award Management Services
Ensure compliance and optimize the impact of awarded grants with comprehensive management support.
- Grant implementation planning
- Compliance monitoring systems
- Performance measurement frameworks
- Reporting templates and guidance
- Subrecipient monitoring protocols
- Grant closeout procedures
Why Choose Our Premium Services?
- Cost-Effective: Benefit from the Foundation's negotiated discounts, making professional grant services affordable for counties of all sizes
- Streamlined Process: Contract directly through the Foundation for efficient service delivery without lengthy procurement processes
- Flexible Allocation: Distribute your consulting hours across different services based on evolving priorities
- County-Specific Expertise: Work with professionals who understand the unique needs and challenges of California county government
- Proven Results: Our services have helped counties secure millions in grant funding for essential community projects
Success Stories
Imperial County: Transforming Community Infrastructure
- Grant Program: U.S. Department of Transportation's Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Program
- Award Amount: $1,472,020
- Project: Niland Complete Streets Planning Project
With strategic support from the CSAC Grants Initiative, Imperial County secured over $1.4 million in federal funding to revitalize the community of Niland through comprehensive infrastructure improvements.
The Niland Complete Streets Planning Project will transform the community's transportation network with enhanced safety features, improved pedestrian and bicycle access, and infrastructure designed to serve residents of all ages and abilities.
Ventura County: Building Climate Resilience
- Grant Program: Integrated Climate Adaptation and Resilience Program (ICARP) - Extreme Heat and Community Resilience Program
- Award Amount: $749,931
- Project: Comprehensive County Heat Action Plan
Ventura County partnered with the CSAC Grants Initiative to secure nearly $750,000 in state funding to address one of California's most pressing climate challenges: extreme heat events.
The grant will fund the development and implementation of a comprehensive Heat Action Plan that includes vulnerability assessments, response protocols, and pilot projects to protect vulnerable populations during extreme heat events.
Sacramento County: Strengthening Reentry Programs
- Grant Program: Justice System Reentry Initiative
- Award Amount: $8,000,000
- Project: Comprehensive Recidivism Reduction Program
Sacramento County secured an $8 million grant with application development and support services from the California Grants Initiative. This substantial funding will strengthen the county's efforts to reduce recidivism through enhanced reentry programs and expanded workforce development opportunities.
The program takes a community-centered approach, partnering with local organizations to provide comprehensive support services that help justice-involved individuals successfully transition back into the community.
How We Can Help Your County
These success stories demonstrate the CSAC Grants Initiative's ability to help counties secure significant funding for critical community projects. Our team provides expert guidance throughout the grant lifecycle, from identifying opportunities and developing competitive applications to managing awarded funds effectively. Whether your county needs infrastructure improvements, climate resilience planning, justice system enhancements, or other community-focused initiatives, our team has the expertise to help you navigate the complex grant landscape and maximize your funding opportunities.
Get Started
Ready to enhance your county's grant success? Contact our Grants Initiative team to discuss your needs and explore how our services can support your funding goals.
The California Grants Initiative is a program of the California Counties Foundation, the non-profit educational arm of the California State Association of Counties (CSAC).