BradleyInsights

Background & Philosophy

Grant Making

As the executive director of Major League Baseball's Baseball Tomorrow Fund from 2000-2019, I managed the entire life cycle of the grant making process including developing an application, evaluation criteria, due diligence, grants management, and grant reporting processes. I reviewed approximately 10,000 letters of inquiry and grant applications and administered more than 1,000 grants exceeding $40M.  

While conducting more than 500 site visits around the U.S. and abroad, I advised hundreds of applicants including nonprofits, foundations, youth service agencies, municipal governments, and schools to improve funding requests for programming and capital projects. I developed meeting materials and presented funding recommendations to a Board of Directors, achieving a 90% grant approval rate. 

My goal is to help organizations make their best possible case for funding by offering affordable, effective grant consultation services. I specialize in requests related to equitable access to quality  youth sports, recreation, and fitness programs and facilities; however, my eye for a good grant application can be valuable to any organization or request.  

I offer 20 years of experience and a grant maker's perspective. My philosophy is represented in these "4 C's:"

1. Clear - The proposal has a clear case for support and makes sense to anyone who reads it.

2. Concise - The application does not contain "fluff," jargon, information not requested or irrelevant.

3. Complete - The application provides all of the information and documents requested by the funder.

4. Connected - The purpose and goals of the grant and the proposed program or project addresses the funder's mission and goals.

Corporate and Foundation Fundraising

With hands-on experience on the nonprofit side of the table as a development professional, coaching small, high-performing development teams for high-profile, national nonprofits, and as a Board member, I learn the importance of internal discussion, preparation, and collaboration at all levels and functions of the organization prior to activating a fundraising strategy, especially when pursuing institutional giving. I encourage organizations to take the time to understand donor motivations and mechanisms to develop an effective strategy. 

Event Planning

After more than 25 years working at all levels in the sports industry -- which is essentially continuous, all-hands-on-deck event planning -- I can offer a track record of successfully planning and activating events of all sizes. 

From planning and directing pre-game ceremonies at MLB games, educational and skills clinics, professional workshops and panel discussions, Board meetings, fundraising galas, and more, I use superior planning and organization skills, frequent stakeholder and vendor communication and collaboration, and a broad professional network to ensure results. I constantly seek new ideas and solutions to improve effectiveness, efficiency, and engagement.

Consulting Services

• For Nonprofits

  • Funding Request Review: Pre-submission review of cases for support, concept notes, letters of inquiry, full applications

  • Proposal Evaluation

  • Website Review

  • Funder Prospecting

• For Grant Makers

  • Giving Strategy & Evaluation Criteria 

  • Application Development

  • Due Diligence

  • Proposal Evaluation

• Special Projects

  • Cross-functional Leadership

  • Planning & Activation

  • Marketing & Communications

Selected Clients*

• New York Road Runners

• National Recreation & Parks Association

• Musco Lighting

• Cents Ability

• Teamup

*From 2019-2024

Need Help?

Contact BradleyInsights Consulting at cathy@catherinebradley.com to schedule a chat about your needs.