Informing your Grant Strategy

McAllister & Quinn is a grant writing and government relations consulting firm based in Washington, DC. For over 20 years, our services have positioned clients to identify, strategically plan for, and pursue competitive grant funding. Our unique approach has helped our clients secure over $1 billion in federal resources!

Our Higher Education practice works colleges and universities to provide the following comprehensive services:

  • Personalized strategic intelligence delivered to you daily regarding federal funding changes and trends in DC that could impact your institution.
  • Access to Grants Intelligence Service: a prospecting database for higher education grant opportunities with grants resources to prepare competitive applications.
  • Grant writing and project management support for federal, foundation, and state grants.
  • Pre- and post-award capacity building support including: faculty workshops, grants office assessments, indirect cost negotiation consultation, and post-award compliance training.
  • Assistance with planning and writing Congressionally Directed Spending/Community Projects (formerly known as earmarks).

We are committed to helping our clients spend less time prospecting and vetting opportunities and more time writing and winning grants that will generate new funding for priority projects on campus.

McAllister & Quinn’s Support for Community Colleges

✔Unlock More Funding – Gain expert insights to identify and win federal grants that align with your institution’s priorities.

✔Save Time & Resources – Provides curated funding opportunities, reducing the burden on staff and increasing efficiency.

✔Stay Competitive – Learn from peer institutions and leverage best practices to maximize grant success.

✔Strengthen Workforce Programs – Secure funding to expand career pathways, STEM initiatives, and workforce development programs.

✔Support Student Success – Access grants that fund scholarships, support services, and innovative teaching strategies.

 

 

$1 Billion in Grant Wins

Secured in federal and nonfederal funding awards for our small and mid-sized college and university clients.

 

 

The Latest Federal Grant News

The Future of Grants: Navigating Federal Changes with Intelligence

 Navigating the world of grants has always been a bit of a rollercoaster. There are a number of benefits—securing funding that powers your mission, expanding your reach, and making a real impact. Grants can also be daunting. Right now one of the biggest challenges facing colleges and universities is the uncertainty around the future of federal funding.
April 8, 2025

Understanding the Department of Education’s (ED) Eligibility Process – Now Open!

 The Department of Education’s (ED) has announced the process for the designation of eligible institutions and waiver applications due April 7, 2025 (link)! Receiving designation makes an institution of higher education (IHE) eligible to apply for specific ED grant programs. These designations are awarded to IHE with a significant number of minority students, students in need of financial assistance, and which expend a significant amount of their institutional budget on core educational expenses. GIS provides curated tools to help small and mid-sized colleges and universities understand the ED Eligibility Matrix. GIS Advisors lead one-on-one sessions with members to explain the ED Eligibility Matrix, assist with the waiver process, and provide recommendations and intelligence on grant programs for eligible applicants.
March 13, 2025

Grant Writing Tips & Techniques: Strategies for Success

 Grant funding plays a critical role in the success of institutions of higher education (IHE): supporting research, student scholarships, program development, and infrastructure improvements. A well-crafted grant proposal not only aligns with a funder’s priorities but also clearly articulates the need, impact, and sustainability of the proposed project. Strong proposals are strategic, data-driven, and structured to enhance competitiveness, helping institutions secure the resources necessary to advance their mission and serve their students effectively.
February 18, 2025

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