One year after its June 2021 launch, Renne Public Policy Group’s (RPPG) nascent grant writing service, helmed by Manager of Grant Writing and Research Jake Whitaker, has worked to secure over $29 million in funding for clients in this first year, including the City of Bakersfield, City of Redwood City, and San Bernardino Community College District. During its first full year of operation, RPPG’s grant writing service built a portfolio of eleven clients. This exponential growth was punctuated with the recent onboard of the City of San Bernardino, one of the largest urban population centers in California.
“RPPG prioritizes customized client service and strategic planning in our approach to grant-seeking,” said Jake, an experienced grant writer and trained project manager. “We work hard to develop strong working relationships with our clients and proactively identify funding opportunities based on careful study of the needs of each client we are privileged to serve.”
For the City of Bakersfield, RPPG has helped secure two major awards: over $5.3 million from California Volunteers, a state office that mobilizes Californians to volunteer and serve in their communities, and $1.49 million from Caltrans. The funds will support the City’s Garces Memorial Circle Enhancement Project, which includes public art, landscaping, lighting, and enhanced bicycle and pedestrian facilities including sidewalks, curb ramps, crosswalks, and signage. An important historic corridor, the circle connects medical facilities, schools, employment centers, and residential zones with public transit.
The City of Redwood City will receive $1.8 million from the Homeless Coordinating and Finance Council to support their Two-Year Homeless Initiatives Work Plan, which will fund expanded encampment outreach and waste management services, facilitate access to transitional and supportive housing, and restore encampment sites to their intended use.
With RPPG’s help, the San Bernardino Community College District (SBCCD) obtained over $9 million in grant funds from the California Department of Finance, California Volunteers, and other sources. These funds will support student housing projects, expanded workforce development programming in the building and fire trades, improve the delivery of calculus curriculum, and provide college fellowships that will fund students’ participation in community service projects.
RPPG also worked with several clients on federal appropriations requests through the Community Project Funding (CPF) process. The City of Redwood City, City of Mountain View, and City of Corona had a combined total of over $10 million in appropriations requests that were supported by their congressional representatives for the FY 23 budget development process. These projects include rehabilitation of a pump station, renovation of a hotel into supportive housing, and transportation infrastructure improvements.
Dane Hutchings, RPPG Managing Director, credits Jake, who joined RPLG from California Consulting, one of the largest grant writing firms in the state of California, for the firm’s robust success in this new service area.
“When Jake joined our team, we knew that he possessed not only a proven track record of securing millions in state and federal resources for local agencies but also a passion for public service,” said Dane. “His success in building this practice proves that we made the right choice for our clients and their communities.”
RPPG’s Funding Opportunities Catalog, a comprehensive document resulting from an exhaustive effort to identify federal and state funding programs across a wide range of topics, keeps clients appraised of the most current and comprehensive information on upcoming grants. The resource is updated and distributed monthly to RPPG clients.
Jake is expanding RPPG’s grant writing services by bringing on additional writers as subcontractors to expand capacity. He also is recruiting for a full-time Grant Writing Associate position, looking for a qualified candidate whose values will align with RPPG’s tailored client service and commitment to improving California communities.
“Grant-writing is my calling,” said Jake. “It has opened avenues for me to grow as a professional and to make a positive impact on communities throughout California. That’s why I’m excited to continue to grow with this firm, whose drive and commitment to local government matches my own.”
If you would like to discuss potential funding or employment opportunities with a professional grant writer, please reach out to RPPG at (916) 974-9270 or contact the Manager of Grant Writing and Research directly via email at jwhitaker@publicpolicygroup.com.
Renne Public Policy Group (RPPG) is a full-service lobbying and consulting practice that strives to advance the interests of public agencies and companies that align with public entities. As a division of Renne Public Law Group (RPLG), RPPG provides clients with full wraparound services informed by a keen understanding of California’s evolving legislative and political landscape.