Fueling long-term growth
Sector: Workforce Development
Engagement: Get Grounded Bundle → Perennial Partnership
For more than 30 years, Cares of Washington has supported people with disabilities and low incomes to realize their purpose, potential, and strength.
The Challenge
As the organization continued to grow, leadership saw an opportunity to strengthen its institutional fundraising. While grants were already an important part of the funding mix, the program lacked the structure needed to consistently pursue larger opportunities, cultivate foundation relationships, and plan strategically for the future. Rather than taking a reactive approach to grant funding, Cares wanted to build a sustainable fundraising program that could grow alongside the organization.
Our Solution
We partnered with Cares of Washington in 2022 through our Get Grounded Bundle, creating the foundation for a more intentional and strategic grant program. Together, we:
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Identified and qualified 81 high-fit funding opportunities, prioritizing funders based on organizational alignment, competitiveness, and funding potential
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Developed a strategic 12-month grant calendar, building a roadmap for long-term grant planning and institutional fundraising
As the partnership evolved, Cares transitioned into our Perennial Partnership, where we continue to provide grant writing, prospect research, funder stewardship, annual planning, and strategic fundraising support.
The Results
Our long-term partnership has continued to strengthen Cares' institutional fundraising program year after year. Here’s what our success has looked like by the numbers:
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$629,000+ in grant funding secured
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Annual grant revenue more than doubled, increasing from $101,500 in FY2022 to $232,833 in FY2025
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Exceeded annual fundraising goals for two consecutive years, reaching 225% of goal in FY2024 and 274% in FY2025
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175% increase in proposal volume, growing from 20 proposals to 55 proposals annually
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11 new institutional funders secured
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3 multi-year grant commitments cultivated
Why It Matters
Growth happens by pursuing the right opportunities with a clear strategy. As a result of Bloom’s support, Cares of Washington has a mature grant program built on intentional planning, stronger foundation partnerships, and a diversified pipeline of funding opportunities.
With consistent stewardship and a proactive fundraising strategy, the organization is better positioned to secure the resources needed to help more individuals achieve stable housing, meaningful employment, and greater independence.
Looking Ahead
Our partnership with Cares of Washington continues through our Perennial Partnership. Together, we're expanding the organization's grant portfolio, pursuing larger and more competitive funding opportunities, and strengthening the long-term relationships that drive sustainable fundraising success. With a well-established grant pipeline, a strategic annual funding plan, and growing multi-year support, Cares of Washington is positioned to build on its momentum and continue expanding its impact for years to come.
"Bloom Grant Consulting is a valuable partner to Cares of Washington. Their team consistently delivers high-quality grant proposals, communicates clearly throughout the process, and meets deadlines with professionalism. Bloom takes the time to understand our mission and translates our work into compelling, competitive applications. Their expertise and reliability have strengthened our grant development efforts and made them a trusted extension of our team."
Lars Nowack, CEO
Cares of Washington