Grant Writing Tips for Small Nonprofit
Practical steps to secure your next funder. Learn proven strategies to craft compelling proposals that resonate with grantmakers.
Read MoreRadical Strategy. Real Support.
Rely on us to help fund your mission, so you can focus on the work.
We raise resources today to strengthen organizations for tomorrow.
Radical Strategy. Real Support. Sustainable Impact.
An equity-rooted nonprofit consulting and fundraising firm, helping mission-driven organizations secure resources, strengthen their systems, and tell the story of the change they're creating.
Who we are
Where strategy meets storytelling, evidence, and community.
Founded in Oakland in 2010, SMC Scribes is a multidisciplinary team of strategists, grant writers, researchers, evaluators, storytellers, and technologists working at the intersection of mission, money, evidence, people, and story.
- Thought partners — not consultants who disappear after the report.
- Oakland and Bay Area roots, serving organizations nationally.
- Equity-rooted practice, from fundraising to evaluation to storytelling.
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Listen deeply before trying to solve the problem.
Bringing more than two decades of nonprofit leadership, fund development, and equity-centered strategy to every partnership.
The SMC Philosophy
Fund the work. Strengthen the organization. Prove the impact. Tell the story.
Six connected pillars — each one feeding the next.
What we do
Six practices, one connected strategy.
01
Fundraising
Grant writing, prospect research, development strategy, major donors, and campaigns.
02
Strategy & Leadership
Strategic planning, capacity building, and board & governance support.
03
Evaluation & Learning
Theory of change, logic models, impact measurement, and research.
04
Equity & Community
Language justice, community engagement, and equity-centered fundraising.
05
Storytelling & Communications
Impact stories, annual reports, campaigns, and video storytelling.
06
Digital & Technical
Website strategy, UI/UX, digital reports, and dashboards — see SMC Technical.
Our impact
Resources are a means. Stronger movements are the goal.
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Secured in grant funding since 2020
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Nonprofits supported
2010
Founded in Oakland, working nationally
Let's build what comes next
You know your mission. We help build what it needs to thrive.
Bring us the complicated problem. We'll start by listening.
Start a Conversation
Let's turn complexity into a clear next step.
Redefining Leadership, Reimagining Change
We’re an 80% women-led and LGBTQ-led team—60% first-generation immigrants of color—with a mission to build power, fund equity-driven work, and co-create community-centered strategy. Since 2020, we’ve helped organizations raise over $15 million in funding to sustain movements, shift systems, and tell stories that matter.
Our Approach to Nonprofit Consulting
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all consulting. Our approach is collaborative, intentional, and designed to meet organizations where they are — from small grassroots groups to established nonprofits.
- Listen & Learn – We start by understanding your story, community, and vision.
- Co-Create Strategy – Together, we design equity-centered solutions for long-term growth.
- Partner for Results – We stay engaged to ensure strategies turn into measurable outcomes and lasting impact.
- Build for Tomorrow – Our goal is to leave organizations stronger, more sustainable, and ready for the future.
Free Resources
Resources for Nonprofit Leaders & Changemakers
We believe knowledge builds power. Explore our latest fundraising insights, grant writing tips, and nonprofit resources designed to help you amplify your impact.
Equity in Fundraising
Why justice-centered strategy matters more than ever. Discover how to build inclusive fundraising practices that honor your community.
Read MoreStorytelling for Social Change
Turning community impact into compelling narratives. Master the art of storytelling that moves hearts and opens wallets.
Read MoreResources for Nonprofit Leaders & Changemakers
We believe knowledge builds power. Explore our latest fundraising insights, grant writing tips, and nonprofit resources:
Grant Writing Tips for Small Nonprofit
01
Practical steps to secure your next funder
Equity in Fundraising
02
Why justice-centered strategy matters more than ever
Storytelling for Social Change
03
Turning community impact into compelling narratives
What We Do: Fundraising Strategy & Nonprofit Consulting
We partner with organizations to build sustainability from the inside out. Our core services include:
- Grant Writing & Prospect Research – From identifying the right opportunities to drafting winning proposals that get funded
- Major Donor Cultivation & Development Planning – Strategy and coaching to grow individual giving programs and long-term donor relationships
- Email & Social Media Fundraising Campaigns – From campaign design and copywriting to follow-up and reporting
- Event & Gala Fundraising – Turning community gatherings into successful, mission-centered fundraising experiences
- Capacity-Building & Leadership Support – Ongoing advising to strengthen operations, boards, and staff development
Our Impact in Numbers
Since 2020, we’ve partnered with equity-driven organizations nationwide — with a strong local focus in Oakland and the Bay Area — to help them thrive:
- $15M+ raised in grant funding to power grassroots change
- 50+ nonprofits supported with long-term capacity-building and development planning
- 100% values-aligned partnerships rooted in equity and justice
- National reach combined with deep community knowledge in Oakland and beyond
- Every milestone reflects movements that are stronger, more sustainable, and more resourced.
Our Clients Reviews
Let’s Build Toward Liberation
Looking for a strategy partner, grant writer, or creative collaborator who speaks your language and shares your values? We’d love to hear from you.
- Call us Today: 1 (510) 325-0848
About Us
At SMC, we partner with organizations on the frontlines of change. We’re not consultants who write reports and disappear—we’re embedded thought partners who bring strategy, storytelling, and infrastructure support when it matters most.