Nonprofit organizations carry the same funding, compliance and reporting obligations as much larger institutions, usually with a fraction of the administrative capacity. The GERC Nonprofit Discount Program exists to keep professional research, proposal, compliance and organizational support within reach of the organizations doing that work.
Eligible nonprofit organizations receive 20% off qualifying GERC professional services. Discount eligibility may require verification of nonprofit status.
Available nationwide to verified nonprofit organizations.
Partner organizations may share this benefit with their verified nonprofit members. Associations, chambers of commerce, community foundations, capacity-building networks and technology and service partners are welcome to list the Nonprofit Discount Program in their member directories, benefit pages, newsletters and resource guides. There is no cost to the partner organization and no minimum number of referrals.
If you administer a membership or grantee network and would like to extend this benefit, contact us and we will confirm the arrangement in writing, including how your members verify eligibility.
Common reasons nonprofits come to us
Most organizations arrive with a specific problem rather than a general interest in consulting. These are the ones we hear most often:
- “We need a grant writer for our nonprofit but cannot afford agency rates.”
- “We are starting a nonprofit in California and need help with the 501(c)(3) application.”
- “A funder asked for a UEI number and a SAM.gov registration we do not have.”
- “Our SAM.gov registration expired and we need it renewed before a deadline.”
- “We want to bid on a city, county or state contract and need Cal eProcure registration.”
- “An agency asked for a capability statement and we have never written one.”
- “There is an RFP due in three weeks and nobody here has written a proposal.”
- “We are not grant ready and we do not know what is missing.”
- “A funder wants a feasibility study or community needs assessment.”
- “Our board wants a funding strategy and a grant calendar for the year.”
Nonprofit document preparation and legal document assistance
Organizations searching for legal document assistance usually need administrative document preparation rather than legal representation — formation paperwork, bylaws, board and conflict-of-interest policies, organizational charts, program descriptions, budget narratives and the supporting attachments funders and agencies ask for. That preparation and review work is eligible for the nonprofit discount.
An important distinction. GERC is not a law firm and is not a registered California Legal Document Assistant. We do not provide legal advice, legal representation, or document preparation for court proceedings. Where a matter requires an attorney, a registered LDA, a CPA or an enrolled agent, we say so plainly and work alongside the professional you choose — see our referral partners page.
Services eligible for the nonprofit discount
Grant writing and funding support
- Grant opportunity research
- Grant readiness assessments
- Grant application support
- Proposal development
- Funding strategy support
- Supporting document review
Government contracting and procurement support
- SAM.gov registration and renewal support
- UEI and vendor registration assistance
- Cal eProcure registration support
- Public agency vendor registrations
- RFP and solicitation review
- Proposal and bid response support
- Compliance matrices
- Proposal coordination
Nonprofit development and compliance support
- Nonprofit startup guidance
- 501(c)(3) application support
- Organizational document preparation support
- Compliance and renewal support
- Grant readiness preparation
- Program documentation support
Research and strategic support
- Feasibility studies
- Market research
- Economic research
- Community needs research
- Program research
- Strategic planning support
- Data collection and analysis
Capacity-building support
- Proposal development systems
- Grant tracking systems
- Funding calendars
- Compliance tracking
- Organizational readiness assessments
- Staff and leadership training
Who is eligible
The program is intended for eligible nonprofit and charitable organizations, including organizations recognized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and other qualifying nonprofit entities. Organizations may be asked to provide documentation confirming nonprofit status.
How the discount works
Approved organizations receive 20% off GERC’s standard professional service fees for qualifying services. The discount applies to professional service fees only — it does not apply to government filing fees, third-party fees, software costs, travel expenses or other external charges. Certain highly specialized or subcontracted services may be excluded.
Where we work
GERC works with nonprofit organizations nationwide. Our office is in downtown San Bernardino, and we meet in person with organizations across the Inland Empire and Southern California — San Bernardino County, Riverside County, Los Angeles County and Orange County. Everything we do can also be delivered remotely, which is how we serve organizations in other states.
Why GERC offers this program
Nonprofits often operate with limited administrative capacity while managing significant responsibilities across funding, compliance, program delivery, community engagement and reporting. The people who can write the grant are usually the same people running the program.
This program exists so that nonprofit organizations can strengthen their capacity, pursue funding opportunities, stay organized and compliant, and expand their community impact without the cost of that support becoming the obstacle.
Common questions
Which organizations qualify for the nonprofit discount?
Nonprofit and charitable organizations, including those recognized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and other qualifying nonprofit entities. We may ask for documentation confirming your nonprofit status.
How much does a grant writer cost for a small nonprofit?
Fees depend on the scope of the work, not the size of the award. Eligible nonprofits receive 20% off our standard professional service fees, and we quote the discounted fee in writing before any work begins. We do not charge a percentage of grant awards.
Do you help nonprofits outside California?
Yes. GERC works with nonprofit organizations nationwide. Our office is in downtown San Bernardino and we meet in person with organizations across the Inland Empire and Southern California.
Can you help our nonprofit register in SAM.gov and get a UEI number?
Yes. SAM.gov registration, entity validation, UEI assignment and annual renewal are all eligible for the nonprofit discount, whether you are registering to receive federal grants or to bid on contracts.
Can you help with our 501(c)(3) application?
Yes. We provide administrative preparation support for nonprofit formation and 501(c)(3) recognition, including organizational documents and supporting narratives. We are not attorneys and do not provide legal advice.
Do you guarantee we will win the grant?
No, and no honest consultant will. Funding decisions belong to the funder. What we can do is make sure your organization is eligible, prepared, responsive to the criteria and submitted on time.
Does the discount cover government filing fees?
No. It applies to GERC professional service fees only. Government filing fees, third-party fees, software costs, travel and other external charges are not discounted.
Do we need existing funding to work with you?
No. A large share of this work is grant readiness — the preparation that happens before a first award, including registrations, supporting documents and funding strategy.
Are any services excluded?
Certain highly specialized or subcontracted services may fall outside the program. If that applies to what you need, we will tell you before any work begins.
How do we request the nonprofit discount?
Contact us and mention the Nonprofit Discount Program. We will confirm eligibility, discuss what you are working toward, and quote the discounted fee in writing.
Request the nonprofit discount
Tell us what your organization is working toward and we will confirm eligibility and quote the discounted fee in writing. Fifteen minutes is usually enough to work out whether we are the right fit.
Call (909) 454-7076, book a consultation, or use our contact form and include “Nonprofit Discount Program” in your message.
GERC is a woman-led advisory firm led by Dr. Shirley Ayangbah, a PhD legal economist with more than 14 years of experience. Based in downtown San Bernardino, delivering nationwide. CAGE code 11SD2, registered and active in SAM.gov, certified California Small Business (Micro) and for Public Works.
GERC provides consulting, research, administrative, proposal, procurement and organizational support services. GERC does not provide legal representation, tax advice, or services requiring a licensed attorney or certified public accountant unless such services are provided separately by an appropriately licensed professional.