About Summit Grant Consulting

Her expertise lies in foundation grants, as well as designing and refining grants management systems that enhance efficiency and reduce administrative burden. She excels at guiding organizations through every stage of the grant process—from pre-award planning to post-award compliance—ensuring they are well-positioned for sustainable growth. Casey’s strategic approach integrates compelling storytelling with data-driven decision-making, allowing nonprofits to maximize their funding potential.

Casey’s career began in the performing arts, where she spent over 30 years as a dancer, instructor, and arts administrator. This experience honed her ability to think creatively, adapt quickly, and understand the operational challenges nonprofits face. While her passion for the arts remains strong, her work now spans a range of nonprofit sectors, including human services and animal welfare.

In 2024, she founded Summit Grant Consulting, LLC to provide expert guidance to nonprofits navigating the complex world of grant funding. Through her work, Casey is committed to helping mission-driven organizations strengthen their financial foundation and increase their impact in the communities they serve.

Powerful Track Record of Grant Success

• Writing two National Endowment for the Arts proposals that were awarded – one was for a new opera that was being developed to be world premiered and the other was for an annual, free community concert that celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month and highlights the Latin culture’s influence of sound in the Americas.

Unique Qualifications

With a Bachelor of Science in Dance & Arts Management from Oklahoma City University and a Master of Arts in Cultural Policy & Management from City University London, I bring a unique perspective to grant writing. My experience in the performing arts—both on stage and behind the scenes—taught me invaluable skills that I now apply to helping nonprofits secure funding. From years of collaboration as a performer and instructor, I developed strong communication and adaptability—essential qualities for crafting compelling grant proposals that align with funders’ priorities. The resilience and discipline I learned in the arts mirror the persistence needed in grant writing, where strategy and storytelling go hand in hand. My background in nonprofit administration, fundraising, and donor relations has given me a well-rounded understanding of the challenges organizations face, regardless of sector. Whether working with arts organizations, human services, education, or other mission-driven causes, I use my expertise to help nonprofits articulate their impact and secure the funding they need to thrive.

How can I help your nonprofit grow? Let’s chat!

What are the rates for the services you offer?

Fees are project-based and designed to align with your organization’s specific needs and goals. Please book a discovery call so we can discuss your specific project, after which I can provide a tailored project bid for your organization. Average service fees:

• Grant Proposals: $1,050 – $1,275 per proposal
• Grant Research: $1,250 – $1,750
• Grant Management Systems Design: $850 – $1,250 per system design
• On-Demand Consultation Calls: $200

Do you work on commission?

I do not work on commission. I follow the Codes of Ethics for both the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and Grant Professionals Association (GPA). While I understand non-profits have limited resources, commissions are considered unethical by almost all professional organizations and funders. Many grant funders will not fund your organization if they find out you pay consultants on a commission basis. Additional information about commission can be found under the COMPENSATION section of the GPA’s Code of Ethics and under the FAIR, EQUITABLE, AND TRANSPARENT COMPENSATION PRACTICES (pg. 4) of the AFP’s Code of Ethical Standards.

How much time is needed to complete one foundation grant proposal?

Each proposal requires 4 – 6 weeks lead time to ensure timely completion to meet submission deadline.

What if we need help with a proposal due shorter than the 4 – 6 week lead time?

I will consider an expedited grant proposal for an extra fee on a case-by-case basis.

Can you guarantee our proposal(s) will be awarded?

Unfortunately, no. There are several elements that are out of my control as a consultant and writer when it comes to how success your proposal(s) will be – a well written proposal is only one part of the process. Some of these factors include:

• How well your organization and programs align with the funder’s mission/funding priorities
• The strength of your project – its feasibility, whether it meets a clear community need and has a well-planned budget
• Your organization’s reputation, programmatic history, financial history, and track record of stewarding awarded grants
• How well the funder knows and trusts your organization’s staff and board
• How many other requests the funder has received
• How much money the funder has available in the cycle your organization is applying in

Do you specialize in a specific type of grant?

I specialize in foundation grants (community foundation, family foundation, private foundation, etc.), corporate foundation, and local government grants.

Do your services cover state and federal government grants?

No, not at this time. I am more than happy to reach out to my network and connect you with a consultant who specializes in government grants at the state and federal levels.

Can you help our organization find grant funding opportunities that align with our mission and programs?

Yes. Please schedule a discovery call so I can learn more about your organization and the type of funding you are looking for.

Do you specialize in specific nonprofit sector or work across all sectors?

My specialty area is writing grants for performing arts organizations and arts education programs. I also have experience writing grants for social and human services organizations that serve youth and young adults and animal welfare. I welcome and enjoy working with clients across a variety of nonprofit sectors.

Can you help new nonprofits apply for grants?

Please note that as a general rule, grant funders do not typically award grants to new nonprofit organizations. Many grant eligibility requirements state that a nonprofit must be in operation for a minimum of two years before applying for a grant. This is because funders are interested in a track record of effective programs, how the organization’s finances are managed, and a solid individual donor support base. While I am unable to help you apply for grants as a new nonprofit, I can help your organization become grant ready. If you would like to begin your journey to being grant ready, please book a Discovery Call so I can learn more about your organization and your programs/services and determine how I can best serve you.

What if we’re not sure our organization’s needs fall into one of your offered service areas?

Please book a Discovery Call so we can talk through your organization’s needs. A Discovery Call will help us determine if I’m the right fit for your organization. If I can help, I’ll provide a custom project bid. If not, I’ll gladly connect you with someone in my network who may be better suited to support your goals.