Take Your Organization to the Next Level

Grant Writing for Nonprofits and Artists | Polis Consulting

Take Your Organization to the Next Level

banner-5-shorter.jpg
banner-5-mobile.jpg

With over 30 years of experience in nonprofits and museums, I am an organized and enthusiastic problem solver. I meet clients where they are and provide customized help for individual artists and organizations.


AREAS OF PRACTICE


GRANT WRITING

Let me steward your nonprofit, school or arts-related business through the grant proposal process, from research to final submission. Proofreading services also available.


DEVELOPMENT

Let’s create annual appeals, membership drives, social media and crowdfunding campaigns. I can help you improve your donor management.


BOOKKEEPING

Need help with your books? I am proficient in Quickbooks and Quicken and skilled at creating budgets and financial reports.


 

CONTACT


Crystal A. Polis

crystal@polis-consulting.com

301-943-1887

Mural by Shepard Fairey in Denver’s RiNo District created as part of the CRUSH Festival. If you share my passion for art as social change, we can make a great team. Photo by Julie Livermore Photography.

Mural by Shepard Fairey in Denver’s RiNo District created as part of the CRUSH Festival. If you share my passion for art as social change, we can make a great team. Photo by Julie Livermore Photography.

ABOUT ME

  • B.A. The College of William and Mary, English and History
  • M.A. The George Washington University, American Civilization

My experience comes from large and small institutions and includes grant writing, development, exhibitions, collections management, and historical research. I have worked in museums and arts organizations in Philadelphia (American Swedish Historical Museum), Cleveland (Artists Archives of the Western Reserve) and Washington, DC (Smithsonian Institution and US Navy Art Collection).  From 2014 -2020, I was the Communications Director and Bookkeeper for Boulder County Arts Alliance which afforded me a front row seat to the Arts and Culture scene on the Front Range.

In 2020, I decided to start my own business because I want to help creative people thrive. I have written successful grant applications for the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District, National Endowment for the Arts, Colorado Creative Industries, Boulder Arts Commission, Boulder County Arts Alliance, Denver Foundation, Redline Contemporary Art Center, Next50 Foundation and more.


“Crystal has worked diligently to understand our organization and programs. She continues to research new grant opportunities and has helped us cultivate numerous new sources of funding. Her understanding of the grant process and requirements results in a very high success rate. Crystal has changed my life as an Executive Director.”
— Beth Merckel, Executive Director, Boulder Metalsmithing Association
“Crystal has helped me track deadlines, maintain relationships with grantors and other organizations, and keep an eye on new opportunities as they arise - above and beyond her stellar writing. We’ve seen a track record of excellence, and been able to grow so many of our programs because of her efforts. My favorite part of working with Crystal is that she really listens to my ideas and remembers priorities and initiatives we’ve already put in place.”
— Michelle Bernier, Executive Director, Sans Souci Festival of Dance Cinema
“Working with Crystal is a delight. Not only is she thorough and thoughtful, she empowers us at Recovery Cafe Longmont to offer our expertise as well. We have fun together, delighting in the work of grant writing (I know, right?) while she leads us through what might otherwise feel daunting. Crystal is a gift to the Cafe and to the wider community.””
— Jennifer Jepsen, Executive Director, Recovery Cafe Longmont
 

Let's Chat.

Use the form below to contact me regarding your organization’s needs. You may also email or call me to make an appointment.

 
 
banner-ladder-2000px.jpg

That’s me on the ladder, adding some blue to Rafael López’s inspiring mural on 13th Street in Boulder, Colorado. Contact me to find out how I can help you take your organization to the next level.