Government Funding Initiative - Consultant Support Grants

Government Funding Initiative - Consultant Support Grants is sponsored by United Way of Greater Houston (funded by Houston Endowment). This initiative provides training and small grants to nonprofit organizations to enhance their capacity for federal grant competition and management. The small grants are for hiring consultants for grant writing and compliance needs.

Government Funding Initiative - United Way Greater Houston Government Funding Initiative Made possible by Houston Endowment Helping organizations get ready to compete for federal funding This two-part series is designed to help nonprofits and community-based organizations build the skills and systems they need to go after federal grants—and win them. Meet our newest graduates!

Part One: High Level Training Sessions A series of 90-minute virtual workshops covering key areas like governance, financial systems, compliance, and proposal development. Attending at least three Part One workshops is required to move into part two .

Foundation & Organizational Readiness Capacity Building & Compliance Grant Writing & Submission Click here to continue to Part Two Module One: Foundation & Organizational Readiness Focus: Governance, financial preparedness, and strategic alignment Module 2: Capacity Building & Compliance Focus: Developing robust grant policies and procedures Module 3: Grant Writing & Submission Focus: Identifying grants, writing proposals, and budgeting Identifying and Evaluating Federal Grant Opportunities Crafting Competitive Federal Grant Proposals Tuesday, September 15, 2026 This session teaches participants the key components of successful federal grant proposals, providing practical writing strategies to improve clarity and competitiveness, and guiding them through the essential elements of effective federal grant proposal writing.

Developing Accurate and Compliant Grant Budgets Tuesday, October 20, 2026 This session guides participants through developing accurate and compliant grant budgets by teaching federal cost principles and budget components, demonstrating how to build defensible grant budgets, and providing hands-on experience in developing draft budgets that align effectively with grant narratives.

Module 4: Post-Award Readiness Focus: Compliance, reporting, and sustainability Understanding Federal Grant Compliance Requirements Tuesday, November 17, 2026 This session covers essential post-award compliance requirements for federal grants, educating participants on risk assessment and audit readiness, and guiding them through completion of a comprehensive compliance readiness checklist to ensure proper grant management.

Post-Award Management and Reporting Essentials Tuesday, December 15, 2026 This session covers post-award management and reporting essentials for federal grants, teaching participants their post-award responsibilities and timelines, best practices for grant reporting and communication, and guiding them in creating management timelines and reporting trackers to support long-term grant success.

Part Two: Federal Grant Readiness Intensive – Cohort Model A 15-week intensive peer-learning cohort that builds on Part One training and guides participants through a complete proposal preparation process. This hands-on program provides expert-led sessions, practical assignments, and access to grant funding for contracting consultants who can provide in-depth support on areas of particular importance to your organization.

A select group will develop the skills and infrastructure necessary for successful federal grant competition and management. Part Two is exclusively open by application to organizations who complete at least three Part One training sessions. Participants will complete weekly assignments using a Federal Grant Readiness Workbook, leading to a Federal Grant Readiness Portfolio that enhances their funding competitiveness.

They can also apply for small grants up to $25,000 for hiring consultants for grantwriting and compliance needs identified in the assessment process. By the end of the program, organizations will be equipped with the skills and confidence to pursue federal funding successfully.

Cohort Participant Selection Criteria • Complete brief organizational profile • Attend at least three Introduction to Federal Grants Readiness workshop sessions • Commit to attending all 15 weekly sessions (schedules will be aligned with participants’ availability) • Complete interim assignments • Complete pre- and post-evaluations Congratulations to our first class of Government Funding Initiative graduates As part of this initiative, United Way of Greater Houston has awarded more than $500,000 in consulting support grants to 35 organizations, providing access to expert consultants focused on grant writing, evaluation, compliance and other critical capacity-building needs.

These grants were made possible through Houston Endowment’s initial investment in the initiative.

12 Cohort Training Grants Recommendations The first tranche of consulting support grants were for graduates of the intensive cohort that participated in 15 in-depth weekly workshops and those organizations received a grant of $25,000 as follows: Camp Shield After Military Services Child Care Council of Greater Houston Emancipation Economic Development Council Humble Area Assistance Ministries Interfaith Caring Ministries Spring Branch Community Health Center The Houston Ebony Music Society Young Audiences of Houston 22 High Level Training Micro Grants Recommendations The following 22 organizations were awarded $10,000 consulting support grants: East Harris County Empowerment Council Family Ties Family Resource Services Gulf Coast Economic Development District Houston Volunteer Lawyers Living Hope Wheelchair Association Mental Health America of Greater Houston Montgomery County Youth Services Example modal description.