Start a Conversation

A 30-minute call is all it takes to find out what grant opportunities might already be available for your district — and whether Springboard is the right fit to pursue them.

No commitment required

The best first step is a short conversation. Tell us what your district is working toward — a new program, a budget gap, an equity initiative — and we'll share what we know about the funding landscape and whether we're positioned to help.

Most districts we work with find that there are more relevant grant opportunities than they expected. The question is usually capacity to pursue them, not lack of opportunity.

📍 St. Paul, Minnesota
⏱️ Typical response within 24 hours

What to expect

After you reach out, we'll set up a 30-minute call to learn about your district, your current programs, and what you're hoping to fund. From there, we'll share a short summary of relevant opportunities and a clear picture of what working together would look like — including timing, scope, and cost.

Good fits for Springboard:
  • Districts with equity goals and no dedicated grant staff
  • Schools building new CTE, AP, or college-readiness programs
  • Districts facing budget pressure looking to offset costs through grants
  • Schools serving students of color, students with IEPs, or EL populations
  • Districts interested in native language, cultural, or community programming

Send a Message

Fill out the form below and Miles will respond within one business day.

Or email directly: miles.c.lawson@gmail.com

What people usually ask first

Do you only work with School District 197?

No. Springboard Funding Group is an independent consulting firm. School District 197 is where our founder currently works, and their grant outcomes demonstrate what's possible — but we serve any Minnesota public school, charter school, or educational cooperative.

How do retainer contracts work?

Retainer clients pay a flat monthly fee and receive ongoing grant support — scanning, writing, submitting, and reporting. Contracts are typically structured in 6 or 12-month terms with a 30-day exit clause. No hourly billing, no per-grant surcharges.

Do you guarantee awards?

No — and you should be skeptical of anyone who does. Grant writing has a win rate. We pursue the most competitive opportunities for your district and write the strongest possible proposals. Our track record — including high scores on non-awarded grants — speaks to the quality of our work even when market conditions don't go our way.

Can a grant pay for the retainer itself?

Often yes — grant budgets can include line items for grant administration and consulting support. We'll help you structure budgets that legitimately cover our fees as part of the grant, so the investment becomes cost-neutral for your district.

How quickly can you get started?

Once we agree on scope and sign a contract, we can typically begin within one to two weeks. If you have an urgent deadline, let us know up front — we'll tell you honestly whether it's achievable.