From Seed to Success: Bloom Grant Consulting’s 5-Year Journey
We are excited to share that Bloom Grant Consulting is celebrating its 5th anniversary this August! What began as a one-person endeavor during the pandemic has grown into a small but mighty team dedicated to helping nonprofits and businesses thrive.
Over the past five years, we’ve helped raise an average of $2.65 million each year for our incredible nonprofit partners. I’m so proud of the meaningful impact we’ve made together and deeply grateful for the trust our clients have placed in us.
Bloom Grant Consulting’s mission is to help nonprofits harness their grant potential. We are inspired by nature’s purposeful and healing solutions to changing landscapes. We offer a range of services to meet organizations where they are, from Perennial Partnership, which provides full-service grant support, to our Blossom and Get Grounded Bundles, offering grant strategy, prospect research, and grant management tools.
I’m an active member of the Puget Sound Grantwriters Association, the Grant Professionals Association, the Nonprofit Association of Washington, the Nonprofit Association of Oregon, and of course, the GSBA. These connections keep me grounded in the sector’s evolving needs and help me advocate for the resources and relationships nonprofits need to thrive. Personally, I enjoy volunteering at organizations such as Capitol Hill Community Lunch.
I feel incredibly fortunate that my day-to-day work at Bloom Grant Consulting allows me to support nonprofit organizations making an impact across the Seattle community and beyond. Our work touches a wide range of focus areas, including housing and homelessness, youth development, intellectual and developmental disabilities, workforce development, LGBTQ+ rights, animal welfare, mental health, and anti-trafficking efforts.
As an allied, women-owned business with a background in providing strategic support services to nonprofits and mission-driven organizations, joining GSBA felt like a natural step. I’ve always been inspired by GSBA’s commitment to equity, economic empowerment, and building a thriving LGBTQ+ business community. I joined GSBA to connect with other purpose-driven business owners and be part of a network that actively uplifts diverse voices and leads with intention.
The Bloom Guide to Grants: Q&A with Jacquee
Who/What is Bloom Grant Consulting? What services do you provide?
My name is Jacquee Kurdas, and I’m the Founder & Principal Consultant of Bloom Grant Consulting. Our mission is to help nonprofits harness their grant potential. I am inspired by fireweed, the plant native to this area, because it serves as nature’s purposeful solution to changing landscapes. I believe grants can be adaptive in the same way. Our grant writing services are designed to meet organizations where they are, from full-service grant support to our Bundles, which offer foundational tools and skill-building options.
Do grants even exist for small businesses, or are they only for non-profits?
Yes! Grants exist for small businesses. While the vast majority of grant opportunities are for non-profit entities, there are a few corporations, smaller foundations, or special interest organizations, as well as government entities that offer business grants.
I think I’ve found a grant I’d like to apply to. What should I do next?
In my consulting work, my recommendation is that you begin with a relationship. Ideally, you’d make an effort to connect with the funder, whether through a mutual connection on the board or your own connections. I often consult clients to reach out through cold connect; you never know when a conversation will turn into an award! Apart from the relationship-building aspect of grant writing, a successful grant application begins with a defined mission, vision, and goals. A grant award is an investment in your organization, so help the funder understand why your solution is the best and most relevant investment option.
My business/organization doesn’t have the time or budget for a full-time grant writer. Is it more cost-effective to hire a consultant like Bloom?
Hiring a grant consultant can be a cost-effective option for organizations, as it reduces overhead and benefits costs while maintaining flexibility. Additionally, our team brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise across the nonprofit sector, offering access to in-depth research tools, extensive experience with a wide range of funders, and efficient writing capabilities.
I think my business/organization needs a grant writing consultant. How do I convince our leadership that it will be worth the cost?
Hiring a grant writing consultant isn’t just an expense; it’s a smart investment in your organization’s growth. They bring the strategy, capacity, and expertise to turn your mission into fundable stories, freeing staff to focus on what they do best: relationship building, program delivery, and advocacy. With access to new funding opportunities and systems that streamline future applications, a good consultant can quickly pay for themselves, often many times over, while helping you reach your long-term goals faster.
How does Bloom Consulting embody LGBTQ+ allyship?
For us, securing funding isn’t just about dollars; it’s about fueling movements for justice, visibility, and lasting change. In the nonprofit sector, allyship is inseparable from the work itself, and at Bloom Grant Consulting, we embrace that by partnering with and learning from organizations led by and serving LGBTQ+ & BIPOC communities. We ensure their voices are elevated and their impact clearly seen in every grant we write through asset-based narratives.
I’ve applied to a bunch of grants, but can’t seem to secure an award. What am I doing wrong?
Insufficient research, lack of alignment with the funder’s mission, and limited relationship-building are some of the most common mistakes we see. It’s not just about finding a grant that fits on paper; you need to ensure your project truly resonates with the funder’s values, carefully read the guidelines, follow instructions to the letter, and present a clear, compelling proposal. Just as importantly, take time to connect with funders before you apply to ask questions, share your work, and start building a rapport. Strong relationships can make your application stand out long before it’s even submitted.
I’m interested in working with Bloom Consulting! How do I set up a consultation?
You can get started by completing the contact form on our website to help our team learn more about your organization and goals.
My non-profit’s mission and programs are rooted in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. With Trump’s new executive order banning the use of federal funding for programs like mine, how do I find funders who are willing to support our important work?
Focus on funders already in your corner; these relationships will become increasingly important as some foundations and corporations may pull back, as we’ve already seen with LGBTQ+ organizations. That said, we’ve also seen many foundations, especially in our generous and more progressive region, double down on their support for LGBTQ+ communities and DEI initiatives. With federal funding disappearing, it’s important to recognize that no amount of private funding can fully replace it. While this presents challenges, it’s also an opportunity to consolidate resources, strengthen partnerships with other organizations, and diversify support, including through individual donors, who have shown consistent and even increased giving trends during times of crisis.
How does Bloom Consulting set us up for long-term grant success, after a single consulting session/contract has ended?
We are passionate about helping nonprofits develop sustainable solutions and lasting relationships. We view ourselves as a temporary solution for organizations seeking to enhance their fundraising capacity. We work closely with our clients to develop tools that increase their efficiency and effectiveness, and provide guidance that empowers them to confidently engage funders in impact-focused conversations.
What Next?
Visit Bloom’s website, to sign up for Grant Advice directly to your inbox or follow them on LinkedIn to stay connected and see what they’re working on next.
