Helping human services nonprofits move from grant writing overwhelm to a reliable funding pipeline
Grants. Minus the grind.
At Shortlist Studio, we believe nonprofit leaders’ time is best spent delivering community impact, not researching funders, writing grant applications, and reacting to last-minute deadlines.
That’s why we manage the grant process from start to finish to help you secure consistent funding without adding more work for you and your team.
STEP 1: GRANT RESEARCH
We do the deep dive so you don’t have to.
We scan hundreds of grant opportunities and dig into the details (eligibility, 990s, past awards) to uncover grants that truly fit your mission. From there, we create your custom shortlist of funders that align with your intended impact and offer the strongest opportunity for success.
STEP 2: PROJECT PLANNING
Turning good ideas into fundable ones. Together, we refine your goals, budget, and timeline through a funder’s lens. Then we distill it all into a 1-page prospectus, your blueprint for every future grant application. This document keeps your team aligned, reduces confusion, and helps funders immediately see why your project deserves support.
STEP 3: GRANT WRITING
Now for the fun part. (Yes, really.) With the research and planning complete, we turn your outcomes into a compelling case for funding. We practice ethical storytelling, align proposals with funder priorities, manage submissions from start to finish, and help your team pursue grants without adding more work to an already full plate.
Ready to build a stronger funding pipeline? Let’s chat.
Natalie is an outstanding grant writer and develops an excellent roadmap to highlight the support available to your organization.
- Kurt Norris, then Board President, Central Illinois Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Natalie Menke is an exceptional grant writer — organized, meticulous, and a true wordsmith. Her attention to detail ensures every proposal is clear, compelling, and aligned with funder priorities. Working with her brings confidence that nothing will be overlooked and every word will count.
- Abby Brighton, Development Director, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois
Natalie is a true professional. She is organized, concise and focused. She did a great job understanding our organization and telling our story. I would highly recommend her for any grant applications.
- Patti Gratton, Executive Director, Community Workshop & Training Center
We are so fortunate to have connected with Natalie. Her research and presentation helped us focus on opportunities with the greatest potential for time invested. Truly a professional!
- Richard Taylor, Board President, Elmwood Community Foundation
At Shortlist Studio, we help human services nonprofits build sustainable funding without adding more workload.
About
Founder Natalie Menke discovered her passion for grant writing while securing funding to support her neurodivergent son. Along the way, she saw firsthand how access to funding can open doors, expand opportunities, and create meaningful change.
That experience sparked a new direction. After more than a decade writing proposals in the corporate world, Natalie realized those skills could help nonprofit organizations secure the resources they need to serve their communities.
She launched Shortlist Studio to help human services nonprofits build sustainable funding without adding more work to already stretched teams.
Foundation grants quickly became her specialty. Natalie enjoys the blend of research, relationship-building, and storytelling required to connect organizations with funders that share their vision for impact.
In just two years, she has helped clients secure more than $890,500 in funding.
Natalie is a Certified Grant Writer through the Global Grant Writers Collective and a member of its 5% Mastermind, a network responsible for more than $600 million in awarded grants worldwide. Through this community, she collaborates with experienced grant writers and funding strategists, giving clients access to a depth of expertise that extends far beyond a single consultant.
Ready to build your funding pipeline? Contact Natalie to learn more.
Let’s get you on that funder’s shortlist!
