Services

1. What types of organizations do you work with?

   • Catalyst Consulting MKE specializes in supporting nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and other mission-driven entities. The expertise spans various sectors, including higher education, health and human services, and the medical field. Whether you're a small nonprofit or a large public agency, Catalyst Consulting MKE is equipped to help you achieve your goals.

2. What specific services do you offer?

   • Catalyst Consulting MKE offers a comprehensive range of services, including Grant Writing (full proposals, letters of inquiry, proposal reviews, prospect research, and funder profiling), Program & Service Development (program design, implementation planning, coaching, and evaluation tool development), Strategic Planning, Leadership Coaching, and Policy & Procedure Review. The goal is to provide you with the tools and support needed to maximize your impact.

3. How do you tailor your services to meet the needs of different clients?

   • Every organization is unique, which is why services are customized based on your specific challenges, goals, and resources. The process begins with a thorough assessment of your needs, followed by the development of a tailored approach that aligns with your mission and objectives, ensuring you receive the most relevant and effective support.

4. Do you offer one-time consulting or ongoing support?

   • Catalyst Consulting MKE offers both one-time consulting engagements and ongoing support, depending on your needs. Whether you need help with a single project, such as a grant proposal, or require long-term strategic guidance, services can be structured to fit your requirements.

5. What is your approach to strategic planning?

   • The strategic planning process at Catalyst Consulting MKE involves a collaborative approach where close work with your leadership team is undertaken to assess your current situation, identify opportunities and challenges, and set actionable goals. Discussions are facilitated, expert guidance is provided, and a clear, actionable plan is developed that aligns with your long-term vision.

6. How do you ensure that grant proposals align with our organization’s mission and goals?

   • Catalyst Consulting MKE prioritizes close collaboration between the grant writer and your program teams. By deeply engaging with your staff, a thorough understanding of your organization’s mission, current initiatives, and future goals is gained. This ensures that every grant proposal developed is not only compelling but also perfectly aligned with your strategic objectives.

Pricing

1. How is your pricing structured?

   • Pricing at Catalyst Consulting MKE is structured based on the scope and complexity of the project. Options include hourly rates for smaller tasks, project-based fees for specific engagements, and retainer agreements for ongoing consulting services. The aim is to provide transparent and competitive pricing that reflects the value of the services offered.

2. Do you offer package deals or discounts for multiple services?

   • Yes, Catalyst Consulting MKE offers bundled pricing for clients who engage in multiple services. For example, if you need both grant writing and strategic planning support, a customized package can be created that offers a discount compared to purchasing services individually.

3. What is included in your service fees?

   • Service fees at Catalyst Consulting MKE include all the work required to complete the project, such as consultations, research, document preparation, and follow-up support. Any additional costs, such as travel expenses, will be discussed and agreed upon in advance. Transparency is a priority, so there are no hidden fees.

4. Do you require a deposit or upfront payment?

   • Yes, a deposit or upfront payment is typically required, especially for larger projects. The payment schedule is flexible and will be outlined in the agreement based on the scope of work. This approach helps secure the necessary resources to begin your project promptly.

5. Do you offer a sliding scale for smaller nonprofits or organizations with limited budgets?

   • Catalyst Consulting MKE understands that smaller nonprofits may have budget constraints and is open to discussing sliding scale fees on a case-by-case basis. The goal is to make services accessible to organizations of all sizes, so options that work within your financial capacity are always explored.

Processes

1. What is your process for starting a new consulting engagement?

   • The process at Catalyst Consulting MKE begins with an initial consultation to understand your needs and goals. After this, a thorough assessment of your organization’s current situation is conducted. Based on these findings, a customized plan is developed that outlines the services to be provided, timelines, and deliverables. This plan is reviewed and agreed upon before the project starts.

2. How do you communicate with clients during the consulting process?

   • Communication is key to a successful partnership. Catalyst Consulting MKE maintains regular communication with clients through scheduled meetings, progress reports, and ongoing email or virtual meeting updates. Depending on your preferences, the frequency and method of communication can be adjusted to ensure you’re always informed and involved.

3. What is your typical timeline for completing a project?

   • Timelines vary depending on the scope of the project. For example, a grant proposal might take 2-4 weeks, while a comprehensive strategic plan could take 2-3 months. An estimated timeline is provided during the initial planning phase, and every effort is made to meet all agreed-upon deadlines.

4. How do you measure the success of your consulting services?

   • Success is measured based on the specific goals and outcomes set at the beginning of the engagement. This could include securing grant funding, achieving strategic milestones, or enhancing program effectiveness. Both qualitative and quantitative metrics are used to evaluate the impact of the services provided, ensuring they align with your expectations.

5. What level of involvement do you expect from our organization during the consulting process?

   • A collaborative approach is central to the work at Catalyst Consulting MKE, so your involvement is crucial. Input from your team will be needed during key phases, such as information gathering, decision-making, and review processes. The exact level of involvement will depend on the project, but the aim is always to make the process as smooth and efficient as possible for you.

Experience & Expertise

1. What experience do you have working with organizations like ours?

   • Catalyst Consulting MKE has extensive experience working with nonprofits and public agencies across various sectors, including higher education, health, and human services. Past clients range from small grassroots organizations to large public institutions. The firm is proud of its track record of helping organizations like yours achieve their goals.

2. What is your success rate in securing grant funding?

   • Catalyst Consulting MKE has successfully secured millions of dollars in grant funding for clients, with a strong track record in both government and private grants. The strategic approach to grant writing, combined with deep research and compelling storytelling, has consistently resulted in successful outcomes.

3. What sets your consulting firm apart from others?

   • Catalyst Consulting MKE stands out due to its deep expertise in the nonprofit sector, a customized approach to each client, and a commitment to measurable results. The firm doesn’t just provide advice; it works with you to implement strategies that make a real difference. The collaborative process, strategic insight, and proven success are what make Catalyst Consulting MKE a trusted partner.

Logistics

1. Where are you based, and do you work with clients outside your local area?

   • Catalyst Consulting MKE is based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but works with clients across the country. Both in-person and remote consulting services are offered, so no matter where you’re located, your organization can be supported effectively.

2. How do we get started with your consulting services?

   • The first step is to reach out for an initial consultation. During this session, your needs will be discussed, and how Catalyst Consulting MKE can help will be explored. From there, a customized plan will be developed to help you achieve your goals.

3. Do you offer any workshops or training sessions?

   • Yes, Catalyst Consulting MKE offers a variety of workshops and training sessions, including Strategic Planning, Leadership Coaching, and Grant Writing. These can be tailored to your organization’s needs and delivered either in-person or virtually.