Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What differentiates Vraiment Co. from other consulting firms?
A: Vraiment Co. is built on a foundation of service and excellence. Our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive solutions, ranging from grant management and revenue sustainability and diversification support to technical assistance and capacity support, ensuring exceptional delivery and impact to our clients.
Q: What type of entities do you serve or work with?
A: We work with entities of all types and serve organizations, local governments, and universities/colleges.
Q: Does the consulting firm take a percentage of the grant award as payment for grant writing or grant management services?
A: No. Our firm does not take a percentage of the grant award as payment for grant writing or grant management services. Percentage-based or contingency fees are widely prohibited by most public and private funders. Federal guidance, funder terms, and professional ethics standards generally do not allow success fees, percentage-based compensation, or paying a grant writer only if the grant is funded. These structures can jeopardize compliance, create conflicts of interest, and in some cases make a proposal ineligible altogether. Grant writing is also considered a pre-award activity, and pre-award costs are typically not allowable unless explicitly authorized in advance by the funder, which means organizations must plan to cover these costs from their own operating funds, and not grant proceeds.
To remain ethical, transparent, and compliant, we utilize flat project fees, retainers, and hourly billing in select cases, along with clearly defined scopes of work. These models ensure pricing is based on time, expertise, and deliverables, and not the outcome of the award decision. This protects your organization’s eligibility, avoids audit risk, ensures budget transparency, and reflects the value of professional services. It is also important to note that no ethical grant professional or consulting firm can guarantee an award, and funding decisions are always made by the grantor. Our role is to help you submit the strongest, most competitive application and to manage awarded funds responsibly.
Q: What is the investment for services?
A: Our pricing is based on current market rates and depends on the scope of work and the length of services that the organization needs. Depending on the organization’s financial needs, annual budget, and qualifications, we also offer retainer packages that start at $5,000/mo.
Q: Do you provide grant research before a client engages your services?
A: We do not. Grant research is not a free preview, as it is part of the work. We begin research only after a formal service engagement, so it can be delivered with the depth, care, and strategy it requires. Providing research without engagement often leads to misalignment, misuse of information, and unrealistic expectations. Grant opportunities change quickly, eligibility can be nuanced, and applying without proper readiness can harm an organization’s credibility with funders. Once engaged, our research is tied to a defined scope of work, clear timelines, and strategic goals, ensuring it is accurate, relevant, and actionable.
Q: What is the timeline after reaching out to your firm for services?
A: To get started, complete our inquiry form. Once submitted, our team will review your information and reach out within 1–2 business days to determine whether your business or organization is aligned with the type of clients we serve. If there is alignment, we will contact you to schedule a discovery call. During that call, we learn more about your goals, programs, and needs, and you’ll learn more about our approach. If there is a clear fit or a defined need, we will then send a proposal for services outlining scope, timeline, and next steps.
Q: How do you communicate with our team about the services provided?
A: Communication is completed through email, video conferencing, or through our project management tool for active clients.
Q: What if I’m not satisfied with the support provided by your consulting firm?
A: We strive for excellence and consistent communication, but if there's any concern, we have a feedback mechanism and are committed to making necessary adjustments to ensure satisfaction for both the firm and our clients.
Q: What kind of organizations have you worked with in the past?
A: Vraiment Co. has collaborated and partnered with various organizations, universities, grassroots nonprofits, large-scale institutions, and government agencies. Our experience spans multiple sectors and industries, allowing us to secure $43M+ in grant awards and $9 million in donations, which enhances our ability to serve each client effectively.
Q: How does Vraiment Co. stay updated on changes within the industry and market?
A: Our team continuously learns through seminars, training sessions, conferences, one-on-one coaching, and workshops. We are also members of several nationally recognized professional associations and have a dedicated research team that monitors industry developments, ensuring we always offer the most current strategies.
Q: How does Vraiment Co. ensure the confidentiality and security of our information?
A: Protecting your information is paramount to us. We employ robust security measures and protocols, both digitally and physically, to safeguard all client data. Additionally, all our staff members adhere to strict confidentiality agreements.
Q: Can Vraiment Co. assist in training our in-house team for future services?
A: Certainly! We believe in empowering organizations. Upon request, we can provide training sessions, workshops, and resources to enhance your team's operations support, management skills, and knowledge.
Q: How long has Vraiment Co. been in the consulting industry?
A: Vraiment Co. has been a trusted name in the consulting industry for 7 years, with 15 years of professional experience. Our longevity is a testament to our consistent performance and our clients’ trust in us.