A local grant writer has transformed her passion for helping others into a small business aimed at helping organizations secure funding.
Kirsten Smith Beasley, founder of Granting Solutions, LLC, said she was inspired to start her business after receiving numerous requests for grant-writing assistance.
“Obviously, it’s something I love to do, but I can’t do it with my full-time job. This was kind of a way where I could go out and dabble into some other sectors and help others out on the side,” Smith-Beasley said.
In her full-time role, Smith-Beasley works as a grant writer for the Martin Tyrrell Washington (MTW) District Health Department in North Carolina. Over the past seven years, she has helped secure more than $10 million in funding.
“I just love it. Once you start and you start getting awards, it’s like you don’t want to stop writing,” she said.
Smith-Beasley specializes in public health and rural communities but also writes grants for nonprofit organizations, the public sector, the criminal justice sector, schools, and, more recently, small businesses.
She registered Granting Solutions last summer but took time to reflect before taking on her first client in November.
“Actually, I’ve gotten a few clients so far already in North Carolina and Virginia,” she said.
Among her clients are a nonprofit assisting individuals and families affected by Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, and another nonprofit providing equine therapy for veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
“Honestly, when I do get a grant, especially when you get the award notification, it’s so much more than just getting money. That is money that is making a true difference in people’s lives and in the communities, and that’s why I do it,” she said.
The Grant Writing Process
Smith-Beasley’s process begins when individuals or organizations contact her with an idea of what type of funding they need.
“I go out into my data systems and start looking for grants that I think would be a good fit. Then I send them that list and say, ‘I am here to help you—I can write it for you, I can do whatever you need me to do, or here’s the resource if you want to do it on your own,’” she said.
For most projects, Smith-Beasley can compile a list of potential grants within a few days. If clients request her assistance in writing an application, the timeline varies based on deadlines, but she can typically complete a grant in one to two weeks.
Once she completes a draft, she reviews it with the client and makes any necessary revisions before submission.
“I’m basically the resource to help make their grants more competitive and stand out,” Smith-Beasley said.
She also helps clients navigate match requirements and budget planning.
“Most of the time, you can use in-kind services and time as a match. That’s always my go-to first instead of cash, leaving more money in organizations’ pockets to use for other needs they may have,” she said.
Affordable and Impact-Driven
Pricing varies based on grant complexity. Local grants typically range from $150 to $350, while state and federal grants, which require more work, range from $750 to $900.
“I just have to estimate my hours. I am not here to break anyone’s bank; it’s my passion, not my livelihood, so I’m extremely affordable. It’s more than the money to me—it’s about making a difference and kind of leaving that legacy behind to show my kids, ‘This is what you’re supposed to do,’” Beasley said.
In her full-time role, she has successfully secured funding for programs such as the District Two Recovery Court, which serves five counties, an infant mortality reduction program providing free education and supplies, a children’s community garden, re-entry programs, and substance abuse prevention initiatives.
Beasley recently met with Patrick County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Rebecca Adcock to discuss reviving the PCVA Business Builders program. She hopes to play a role in securing funding to bring the program back later this year.
“There are some internal changes coming up with retirements at the community college (Patrick & Henry Community College), which is a major partner in the program. After those changes take place and everyone is acclimated, then we are hopeful to bring that back to the forefront of opportunities for our small businesses in PC,” she said.
For more information, visit www.granting-solutions.com or Facebook.com/GrantingSolutions.LLC. Beasley can be reached at Kirsten.smith@granting-solutions.com or (276) 952-8311.
