Clear. Disciplined. Mission-Driven.
Providing clear, disciplined, mission‑driven grant development
for teams committed to meaningful impact.
About
Leavenworth Consulting is dedicated to strengthening nonprofits, universities, arts organizations, and ministry‑based institutions through clear, disciplined, and highly personalized prospect research and proposal development.
Through the grant development process, clearer workflows, organized systems, and practical tools may emerge — creating the potential for mission‑driven teams to work with greater confidence and capacity.
Our approach is grounded in careful listening, sector‑specific experience, and a commitment to delivering dependable, actionable work that aligns with each organization’s mission and supports long‑term impact.
Services
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A brief review of funding opportunities aligned with the organization’s mission and eligibility.
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A deeper research package identifying curated, high‑fit funders and outlining a recommended application plan.
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A review of an existing proposal to strengthen clarity, alignment, and readability.
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A concise introductory request tailored to funder priorities.
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A mid‑length proposal suitable for funders requesting a narrative shorter than a full application.
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A complete proposal drafted from client‑provided information and aligned with funder requirements.
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A complete proposal drafted and entered directly into the funder’s online portal.
Overview
We take a clear, disciplined approach to supporting mission‑driven organizations. Our goal is to make the work lighter for your team by offering steady, detail‑oriented support that fits your internal workflow. Each step is designed to bring clarity, alignment, and structure to your fundraising efforts.
Prospect Research
We begin with a focused review of foundation opportunities that align with your mission, priorities, and capacity. This includes identifying funders with a demonstrated interest in your sector and clarifying what makes a strong fit. The aim is to provide a grounded, realistic starting point for your development efforts.
Proposal Development
We take a structured approach to proposal development, focusing on alignment, narrative coherence, and a steady drafting process. Our role is to help shape language that reflects your organization’s strengths and priorities while meeting funder expectations. We provide support that includes organizing components, refining clarity and flow, and ensuring consistency across materials.
Communication & Support
Throughout the process, we keep communication simple and transparent. We work at a steady pace, provide clear next steps, and adapt to your internal workflow. The goal is to reduce friction, maintain clarity, and offer support that feels grounded and manageable.
Process
The following process provides a clear, organized framework for shaping and advancing program or project funding requests. Each step is designed to keep the work focused, manageable, and aligned with an institution’s goals, offering a steady path from early conversations through submission.
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This initial stage creates space to understand the institution’s priorities and limitations. It includes a brief conversation, a review of any available collaterals, and a clarification of the immediate need. The goal is simply to establish a shared understanding of where things stand and what the institution hopes to accomplish.
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Here, the work is shaped into a clear, manageable scope. This includes identifying the specific project or program under consideration, outlining the intended goals, objectives, and success requirements. This step ensures that both sides are aligned with what will be examined and what the early direction may look like.
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Before moving deeper, the program or project is assessed for funding readiness. This step helps determine whether the project is ready to pursue funding from external sources and whether additional internal work may be needed. This also helps to determine if a different funding approach might be more appropriate.
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Potential funding opportunities are identified based on the project’s intended goals and target audience. This includes reviewing potential funders’ geographic focus and eligibility criteria. The goal is to surface potential funders that are compatible with the institution’s direction rather than casting a wide or unfocused net.
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Findings from the research and prospecting phase are translated into a practical path forward. This may involve selecting a primary funding opportunity or outlining a submission sequence. This could include beginning with a letter of introduction or intent followed by a full proposal that requires deeper preparation.
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Deliverables are prepared for the selected funding opportunities, including any required supporting documents. The focus is on accuracy, coherence, and presenting the institution’s story in a way that remains true to its mission while meeting the funder’s formatting and submission requirements.
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Final materials are reviewed and submitted. After submission, any light follow‑up—such as confirmations, acknowledgment emails, updates from funders, or simple clarification requests—are handled as needed. This stage closes the loop and gives the institution a clear sense of what to expect as the review process moves forward.
Founder
Russell Leavenworth is the founder of Leavenworth Consulting, a firm providing clear, disciplined, and highly personalized prospect research and proposal development for impact-focused organizations.
His fundraising experience spans more than 15 years and includes employment with the Abilene Philharmonic Association, Hardin‑Simmons University, and Abilene Christian University.
Russell’s approach is grounded in careful listening, sector‑specific insight, and a commitment to delivering work that supports the goals of mission-driven organizations.