Grant Writing & Consulting

Your mission
deserves
funding.

West Virginia–based grant writing and readiness consulting with a proven record of securing over $4 million across behavioral health, workforce development, economic development, agriculture, and beyond.

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$4M+ Awarded
17+ Funders
6+ Sectors
5 Years
What we bring to your proposal

"I understand the WV funding landscape — the funders, the priorities, and the challenges of doing this work in a rural state."

Cheryl Laws · CWL Consulting · South Charleston, WV
ARC · WV First Foundation · Benedum · GKVF
Truist · Huntington Banks · United Way · ARP
Pallottine · United Healthcare · SOR · and more
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Cheryl Laws, CWL Consulting

Projects brought to life

Pollen8
Reintegr8
Appalachian Behavioral Healthcare Center
Café Appalachia
Café Catering
Café Downtown
Cultiv8
$4M+
Grants Secured
About

Writing grants that
build real things

I'm Cheryl Laws, founder of CWL Consulting and CEO of Pollen8, Inc. in South Charleston, WV. My path here wasn't a straight line — and that's exactly what makes me good at this work.

I went back to school at 42, earned my RBA with a minor in Sociology in 2014, and immediately pursued my MA in Appalachian Studies at Appalachian State University, graduating in 2016. My thesis wasn't just an academic exercise — it was the business plan for Pollen8, which I founded and have led ever since. Over the past five years, I've secured more than $4 million in grants through Pollen8 that created a 30-bed treatment center, two cafés, a catering business, agricultural programs, and multiple initiatives built entirely from scratch.

I've been an entrepreneur most of my adult life, and I found my true passion later — helping people make their dreams come true and get second chances, just as I did. I bring to every client the full range of my experience as a Project Manager, Executive, Published Writer, Economic Developer, and Curriculum Creator. I understand West Virginia's funding landscape from the inside, and I know what it takes to connect a compelling mission to the right funders.

"I went back to school at 42 and wrote a thesis that became a real business. If I can help build that — I can help build yours."

RBA · WV State University MA Appalachian Studies Published Writer Project Manager Economic Developer Curriculum Creator
Work With Me
Track Record

Proven results
across WV communities

Grant writing is only as good as the outcomes it produces. Every dollar I've secured through Pollen8 has gone toward real, lasting change in West Virginia — from treatment beds and food businesses to workforce programs and farm operations.

$4M+
Total grant awards secured in 5 years
17+
Funders engaged across federal, state, corporate & private
6+
Sectors funded including health, workforce, ag & business
30
Treatment beds created through grant-funded center
30-bed treatment center
2 cafés launched
Catering business created
Agricultural programs funded
Workforce development programs
Multiple new programs built from scratch
Start-up ventures funded
Economic development initiatives
Services

What I do — and what I don't

I write compelling grant narratives and help organizations prepare to win. You bring the opportunity; I bring the words.

✍️
Grant Writing

Full narrative development for foundation, corporate, state, and federal grants. From first draft to final submission-ready document, including budget narratives and required attachments.

Flat-fee pricing
🎯
Grant Readiness Assessment

A structured review of your organization's readiness to apply — financials, program data, outcomes tracking, board engagement, and narrative positioning. Delivered as a written report with clear next steps.

Flat-fee package
💡
Strategic Consulting

Advisory support on grant strategy, narrative review of client-drafted proposals, logic model development, evaluation planning, and capacity-building guidance. Available hourly or as a monthly retainer.

Hourly & retainer
🔄
Renewal & Continuation

Continuation and renewal applications require a different kind of writing — demonstrating impact while making the case for more. I specialize in renewal narratives that build on your track record.

Flat-fee pricing
📝
Narrative Editing

Already have a draft? I'll review, restructure, and sharpen your narrative to align with funder priorities, strengthen your case for funding, and meet application requirements.

Flat-fee pricing
📅
Monthly Retainer

Ongoing writing partnership for organizations with regular grant cycles. I'll manage deadlines and handle 1–2 applications per month. You identify the funders; I handle the writing.

3-month minimum
Not included in any service tier: Grant prospecting, funder identification, and grant database research. Client is responsible for identifying the funding opportunity and providing application guidelines before work begins. I write — you bring the opportunity.
Funder Portfolio

Organizations I've successfully secured funding from

Appalachian Regional Commission (INSPIRE)
Ryan Brown Funding / DHS
WV First Foundation
Pallottine Foundation
Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation
Benedum Foundation
Milan Pushkar Foundation
Glotfelty Foundation
Truist Foundation
Huntington Banks Foundation
Encova Foundation
McDonough Foundation
CC Dickinson Family Giving Circle
American Rescue Plan (ARP)
United Way
State Opioid Response (SOR)
United Healthcare
Get Started

Let's talk about
your funding goals

Before any paid engagement, I offer a free 30-minute grant readiness consultation. Tell me about your organization and what you're trying to fund — and let's figure out if we're a good fit.

✦ No commitment required
Free 30-Minute Grant Readiness Consultation

Available to West Virginia nonprofits. I'll reach out within 1–2 business days to schedule your call.

By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by Cheryl Laws at CWL Consulting. Your information will never be shared with third parties.

✓ Thank you! I'll be in touch within 1–2 business days to schedule your free consultation.