In a world where securing grant funding can feel like a competitive race, Grants Plus stands out as a strategic partner that not only helps nonprofits win the race, but also build lasting relationships with funders. Founded in 2007 by Lauren Steiner, Grants Plus offers a comprehensive suite of services, including grantwriting, research, and guidance, with a particular focus on federal and philanthropic grants. With a mission to provide nonprofits with the tools they need to thrive, Grants Plus takes a holistic approach to grantseeking, empowering organizations to grow and build sustainable funding relationships.
Lauren’s path to founding Grants Plus was deeply rooted in a desire to create meaningful work and a positive company culture. Before starting the firm, she worked in the legal field. However, she quickly realized that she didn’t feel fulfilled by the work and began searching for a way to make her career more meaningful.
Her turning point came when she volunteered at a homeless shelter, providing legal intake services. This experience opened her eyes to the possibility of working in the nonprofit sector, where she could make a tangible difference. Lauren went on to work as the first paid fundraiser for the shelter, where she discovered her passion for grantwriting, describing it as "the perfect mix of head and heart."
After gaining grantseeking experience, Lauren created Grants Plus to prioritize flexibility and work-life balance. She envisioned a company where staff could thrive personally and professionally, working remotely and at their own pace while doing meaningful, mission-driven work. This core value has remained central since the company's founding.
Grants Plus started as a one-woman operation but grew rapidly after the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. As nonprofits sought federal funding, many turned to Grants Plus for guidance. Lauren and her team adapted quickly, mastering federal grant applications and helping organizations secure critical funds during this pivotal time.
As the firm grew, its staff expanded to 38 full-time professionals. A key differentiator is its focus on internal processes and maintaining high-quality, consistent work. Unlike many firms that rely on contractors, Grants Plus prides itself on its experienced full-time team, offering clients deeper expertise and greater consistency in deliverables.
Grants Plus works with a diverse range of organizations, but Lauren especially enjoys partnering with community-based human services nonprofits. She finds fulfillment in helping these groups secure funding for vital services in workforce development, healthcare, and education. Additionally, the firm collaborates with higher education institutions, museums, and cultural organizations on innovative projects pushing the boundaries of social and cultural change.
Grantseeking is highly competitive, and managing expectations is a challenge at Grants Plus. With no insight into other applicants, predicting success is difficult. Grant funding often takes time, and clients may not see immediate results. Success requires patience and perseverance, as the true value of a funding relationship often unfolds over years.
Despite these challenges, the most rewarding part of their work is seeing clients build lasting, meaningful relationships with funders. Lauren emphasizes that grant funding is not just about securing one grant; it’s about developing strategic, long-term relationships that can result in major funding down the line.
"When we can help a client build relationships that result in major funding, that’s a big win for us," Lauren says.
What sets Grants Plus apart is its focus on customization and collaboration. Unlike other firms, it tailors strategies to each client’s unique needs and goals. Lauren and her team take time to understand each organization’s grantseeking journey and success criteria, ensuring they are positioned for long-term growth.
With over 300 years of combined experience, the Grants Plus team offers extensive expertise on every project. Clients benefit from the collective knowledge of the entire team, ensuring a comprehensive and highly effective approach to any challenge, rather than just the experience of a single grantwriter.
As technology evolves, Grants Plus embraces AI tools to enhance grantwriting services, using them for drafts, research, and administrative tasks. However, Lauren emphasizes that AI cannot replace the nuanced approach of human grantwriters, who bring valuable insight and expertise to the process beyond what technology can provide.
"AI is part of the future of our field, but it doesn’t replace the nuanced approach of human intervention," Lauren says. “The funding environment is competitive, and organizations need to demonstrate alignment with funders’ priorities, high-quality programs, and a deep understanding of the broader social context.”