Bridge Over Troubled Water (BOTW) is an emerging nonprofit preparing to launch workforce programming for young adults ages 18–24 in the Richmond region. As we build toward program launch, identifying sustainable funding opportunities will be critical to supporting program delivery, staffing, participant services, and future growth.

BOTW has already begun developing organizational language, program materials, and relationships with potential funders. However, we do not yet have a consistent system for identifying, evaluating, prioritizing, and tracking grant opportunities.

The primary challenge is capacity. Leadership is currently managing program development, partnerships, fundraising, outreach, and organizational operations. We need support building a grant development foundation that will allow BOTW to pursue funding more strategically and efficiently over time.

This project will focus specifically on creating a qualified funding pipeline and reusable grant development materials.

The pro bono consultant will help BOTW build a practical grant development foundation that strengthens our ability to identify and pursue funding after the engagement ends.

The project will focus on two key deliverables:

1. Grant Pipeline and Calendar
Research and organize a prioritized list of funding opportunities that align with BOTW’s mission, workforce programming, target population, and stage of development. The pipeline should include key information such as funder, eligibility, funding range, deadline, alignment, priority level, and recommended next steps. Opportunities will also be organized into a simple grants calendar that BOTW can maintain over time.

2. Reusable Grant Development Toolkit
Create and organize core grant language and templates that can be adapted for future applications. This may include organizational and program descriptions, statement of need, target population, goals and outcomes, partnership and sustainability language, standard application responses, an LOI template, proposal outline, and submission checklist.

Organization Mission

Bridge Over Troubled Water (BOTW) exists to empower opportunity youth aged 18-24 in Richmond, Virginia, by equipping them with the skills, support, and experience needed to secure meaningful, family-sustaining careers. Through comprehensive training, mentorship, strategic partnerships, and work-based learning opportunities, BOTW aims to break cycles of poverty and create pathways to economic stability and personal growth.