Welcome
Secure the Funding Your Mission Deserves
$35M+ secured in funding over 28 years. From prospect research to post-award reporting.
$35M+
In Funding Secured
28
Years of Experience
Hundreds
Of Successful Proposals
Meet John Paterna, LLC.
I'm John Paterna, an independent grant writer and researcher with 28 years of experience securing more than $35 million in competitive funding. I work with K–12 schools, colleges, nonprofits, and community organizations to identify the right opportunities, write compelling proposals, and manage the full grant lifecycle — so you can stay focused on the work that matters.
Services
Whether you need help finding funders, writing a winning proposal, or managing compliance on an existing award — I've done it all. For 28 years.
Research
Writing
Management
Consulting
How We Work Together
Securing grant funding shouldn’t feel overwhelming. My process is structured, transparent, and strategic — designed to guide you from initial consultation through submission and beyond. Each step is intentional, ensuring your organization is positioned for funding success with clarity and confidence.
Initial Consultation
Every engagement begins with a focused conversation about your organization’s mission, funding goals, timeline, and capacity. This allows us to clarify priorities, assess readiness, and determine the most strategic path forward.
Funding Strategy & Research
Once we align on direction, I conduct targeted prospect research to identify the right federal, state, foundation, or corporate funding opportunities. Each recommendation is carefully vetted to ensure alignment with your programs, eligibility, and long‑term goals.
Proposal Development
I develop a clear, compelling proposal tailored precisely to the funder’s guidelines and priorities. From narrative strategy to budget alignment, every component is crafted to present your organization with credibility, clarity, and confidence.
Submission & Reporting Support
My support doesn’t end at submission. I provide post‑award compliance guidance, reporting assistance, and ongoing strategic input to ensure your funding remains secure, compliant, and positioned for future success.
What Clients Say.
John brings unmatched clarity and strategy to the grant process. His ability to align funding opportunities with our mission made all the difference.
"Under John's leadership, we secured over $18 million in government funding that directly expanded academic programs and student support services across our district. His strategic insight, precision, and commitment to compliance made him an indispensable partner."
— Superintendent, K–12 School District
"John helped us raise more than $4 million in competitive foundation grants. His ability to align our mission with funder priorities dramatically increased our award success rate and strengthened our long-term funding strategy."
— Executive Director, Nonprofit Organization
"Managing a complex portfolio of 22 active federal projects, John ensured 100% compliance while improving proposal clarity and submission quality. His expertise gave our institution complete confidence in our grant operations."
— Grants Administrator, Higher Education Institution
Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing the right grant partner is an important decision. Below are answers to common questions about my process, services, timelines, and what you can expect when working together.
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We clarify your current funding goals, discuss your organization’s needs, and identify whether working together makes sense — no pressure and no obligation.
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Pricing varies based on scope and organizational needs. After an initial consultation, we provide a customized quote. Many clients find our strategic planning and proposal support offers strong ROI.
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We provide both strategy and writing. Strategy includes prospect research, funding alignment, and a 12-month roadmap. Writing covers compelling proposals and submissions.
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We specialize in nonprofits, schools, community organizations, and education funding initiatives. We also support private-sector clients pursuing education or workforce development funding.
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We can collaborate with your internal team or take on specific pieces of the process, such as research, proposal development, or compliance reporting.
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Most engagements begin within 1–2 weeks after an initial consultation. Timing depends on current workload and client priorities.
Who I Work With
I partner with mission-driven organizations seeking strategic, long-term funding support, including:
Nonprofit Organizations
K–12 School Districts
Higher Education Institutions
Community-Based Organizations
Is Your Organization Grant Ready?
Grant readiness means your organization has the programs, leadership, and documentation in place to successfully pursue funding.
Download the free Grant Readiness Checklist to find out if your organization is prepared to pursue grant opportunities.
After reviewing the checklist, you're welcome to schedule a free 30‑minute consultation to discuss next steps.
Ready to talk funding?
Let's find out what's possible for your organization.