Grant Writing, Grant Management & Grant Strategy

We maximize your potential for grant writing success

At Edge First Consulting, we provide a competitive edge that strengthens your funding pursuit by leveraging knowledge and first-hand experience.

Our expertise in boosting non-profit and government agency revenue spans three decades, with cumulative awards of nearly $14 million.

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About Edge First Consulting

Edge First Consulting operates with a “doing good for others” philosophy that keeps us laser-focused on assisting non-profits, colleges, universities, and government agencies in delivering on their missions of positively impacting those they serve.

Our win-win formula lays the groundwork for substantial investment and growth.

We optimize your story to advance your mission.

Long-term sustainability through precision grant writing is our driving force. It’s why we design funding strategies that align with your goals and tactical opportunities to broaden your pursuits.

We craft compelling proposals that demonstrate organizational preparedness through critical data, timelines, and credentials. And once we submit a grant, we stand ready to deliver high-quality implementation, management, and reporting.

Most importantly, we build lasting relationships with clients and stakeholders.

At Edge First Consulting, we champion your mission to elevate your outcomes.

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Services

Our services put edge in your quest

From research and data to planning and reporting, we work for your advantage.

  • Grant Readiness Assessment

    We assess your organization’s capacity to find, apply for, receive, and manage a grant.

  • Targeted Funding Strategies

    We identify best-fit grants and create a roadmap with defined goals, tasks, and deadlines.

  • Grant Application Development

    We compile data, budgets, and narratives to address questions, then review and submit them.

  • Grant Management & Reporting

    We oversee implementation, document fund use, and communicate progress and impact.

  • Strategic Planning

    We help boards and leadership teams develop 1-5-year plans that align organizational goals and talent, creating a framework for adapting to change.

  • Community Engagement

    We lead activities to help better understand constituent needs, foster collaboration, enhance program effectiveness, and increase sustainability.

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Fees

Our fees are fair and value-based

Because not all grants are the same, we base our fees on overall project scope and potential award amount.

  • One-Time Project

    When scheduling allows, we take on smaller projects with specific start and stop dates. These one-time projects typically do not include grant management.

    $1,500–$16,000

    • Average small grant or letter of intent // $1,500
    • Average 12-week moderately complex grant project // $3,700
    • Average federal grant project // $8,000-$16,000

Strategies for a Well-written Grant

  • Use data to illustrate the need for your project
  • Provide clarity around your project’s innovation
  • Demonstrate impact with measurable goals and objectives
  • Justify your budget with a description of each item

Founder

Excellence, Expertise & Ethics

After 38 years of non-profit leadership, Edge First founder Lisa Firmender leveraged her successful grant writing experience to launch a consulting firm dedicated to ensuring non-profits, colleges and universities, and government agencies have the resources they need to achieve their goals.

Edge First specializes in grant writing excellence, funding strategy expertise, and ethical grant management built on a proven track record of honesty, transparency, and accountability.

Lisa’s longstanding relationships with clients and funders, combined with her ethical approach to helping others do good, set her apart. At the same time, her research, writing, and ability to align project goals and stringent grant requirements set the stage for greater funding achievements and impact.

“I understand the unique needs of entities seeking funding to deliver programs and impact, as well as the knowledge, persistence, and meticulous attention to detail necessary to navigate grant applications and awards.

“At the end of the day, I’m a writer and a researcher committed to helping others.”

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Lisa Firmender

Mission

To empower non-profit organizations and government units by providing expert grant consulting services that enhance their ability to secure funding, achieve their goals, and make a positive impact in their communities.

Testimonials

What our clients say about us

  • “Lisa Firmender is an exceptional grant writer whose thoughtful, mission-driven approach sets her apart. She takes time to understand each organization’s goals and crafts proposals that are both strategic and emotionally resonant. Her research is meticulous, her professionalism unwavering, and her success rate speaks volumes. Working with Lisa is not only productive—it’s a genuine pleasure.”

    Magnolia Memory Care
    Susan Bill
    Non-Profit Executive Director
    Magnolia Memory Care, Inc.
    +0%

    Increase in Grant Revenue

  • “Through her grant writing and strategic planning expertise, Lisa has been an inspiration to our organization. Her assistance allowed us to reach beyond the local communities to provide services in many other rural areas and communities. The new branding that resulted from the strategic planning process has made a tremendous difference with local and state partners and has helped us advance our mission and services.”

    Community Uplifting Alliance Project
    Evelyn Coker
    Executive Director
    Community Uplifting Alliance Project
    $0K

    Raised in grants

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Contact

Explore Edge First

Our grant writing, management, and strategy consultancy collaborates with organizations and industries across the country, including nonprofits, higher education institutions, municipalities, healthcare providers, transportation agencies, and more.

It is a privilege to provide you with a competitive edge.

Let’s start a conversation.