RFP: Contract Grant Writer Pool with Tribal Federal Grant Expertise for the Seneca Nation Community Planning and Development

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Submission Deadline: August 9, 2025

1. Purpose

The Seneca Nation Community Planning and Development Department (CPDD) invites qualified individuals and firms to submit proposals to be considered for inclusion in a Contract Grant Writer Pool. This pool will support the CPDD’s Grant’s Division ongoing efforts to secure competitive federal funding across various initiatives including housing, infrastructure, economic development, education, public health, and environmental protection. Candidates must have experience with tribal entities and federal grants.

2. Scope of Work

Selected contractors will:

  • Review funding announcements, interpret grant requirements, and ensure Seneca Nation department directors understand the guidelines concerning the funding opportunity;

  • Collaborate with Nation departments to develop high-quality, competitive federal grant proposals;

  • Draft clear and compelling materials that highlight the asset-based approach the Seneca Nation will take in addressing community challenges;

  • Coordinate timelines and gather required data, attachments, and documentation;

  • Work under deadline pressures while ensuring compliance with all funder guidelines. Internal deadlines and review are required under Seneca Nation policy prior to submission.

  • Contract writers will work under the direction of the Seneca Nation Grants Manager.

3. Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must:

  • Demonstrate expertise in federal grant writing, with preference for Indian Health Service (IHS), HUD, BIA/BIE, SAMHSA, USDA, EDA, DOE, EPA, DOJ, and HRSA opportunities;

  • Have prior experience writing successful grants for tribal governments

  • Submit at least two references from tribal entities for which grant writing services were provided;

  • Be able to work independently, meet deadlines, and maintain confidentiality;

  • Exhibit strong organizational and communication skills.

  • Be a team player to achieve the goals of the Seneca Nation.

4. Submission Requirements

Interested applicants must submit the following:

  • Letter of Interest summarizing relevant experience and interest in being included in the contract pool;

  • Resume or organizational profile, highlighting tribal federal grant writing experience;

  • At least one sample of a previously submitted federal grant application (redacted if necessary);

  • List of references including tribal clients with contact information;

  • Hourly rate and/or flat project rate structure.

5. Submission Instructions

Please submit all required documents via email to:

Dr. Donielle Heron-Lovell, Director

Seneca Nation

Community Planning and Development

donielle.lovell@sni.org

Subject: Contract Grant Writer Pool with your name/organization

All materials must be received by August 9, 2025 at 5:00 PM EST. Incomplete proposals will not be considered.

6. Terms of Engagement

This is a non-exclusive contract. Inclusion in the pool does not guarantee an award of work. Grant writing assignments will be offered on a project-by-project basis, depending on qualifications, availability, and alignment with the grant opportunity.