Elliot Cartledge and Mark Smith are renowned problem solvers, experienced in aiding not-for-profit and private sector organisations and navigating all tiers of government.
We identify opportunities and achieve better outcomes for organisations requiring funding, advocacy, report writing, copy editing and proofreading, policy, program reviews, staff satisfaction and retention, client experience measurement, workshops and more.
What we offer
Grant writing
Local, state and federal grants. Funding alerts, grant writing, reviewing and processing of applications. We will never seek a percentage of a successful outcome.
Copy editing and proofing
From business cases to strategic plans, annual reports to tenders, our editing and proofreading service is first rate and punctual. Any project, large or small!
Program reviews and evaluations
If one or more of your programs is lagging in terms of outcomes and measurement, we can review, analyse, report and make substantive recommendations.
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Policy review and development
If your organisation is experiencing challenges in formulating policy responses or requires an up-to-date quality assurance review, get in touch.
Client experience
Talk to us today about analysing and measuring client experience, e.g. NDIS programs, using effective frameworks for client feedback and capture. This can include participants, families and carers.
Other services
Issues with staff retention? Annual report deadline is pressing? Workforce needs a writing refresher? Talk to us; your interaction will always be a collaboration.
How we do it
We invest in your organisation and our process is simple:
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Free, no obligation initial consultation
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Understand your environment and needs
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Receive your briefing and agree on timeframe
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Maintain communication with your key contact(s)
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Project delivery and review
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Our hourly rate is reflective of our expertise and value and ultra-competitive.
Organisation audit
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Did you recently miss out on a grant application?
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Learn of grant and funding opportunities too late?
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Are there issues with staff retention?
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Could comms, reports and board papers be improved?
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Are your quality and policy documents up to scratch?
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Are programs falling behind in terms of outcomes?
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Could staff benefit from a writing and comms workshop?
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What is your next step in terms of organisational structure?
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Is your current service model meeting org. needs?
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Could the quality of reporting and acquittals be improved?
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If so, contact us for an obligation free consultation
Who we are
Mark Smith has contributed to the not-for-profit sector for over 30 years. His experience includes senior management and board roles with the likes of Southern Mental Health Association, VICSERV [now Mental Health Victoria], Prahran Mission, Council for Homeless Persons, Mentis Assist and the Department of Health.
Elliot Cartledge is an award-winning author, editor and feature writer who helps numerous not-for-profit, government, regional development and corporate clients bolster their communications, media, report writing and grant submissions.
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We have:
â–ª A demonstrable track record
â–ª Vast industry experience
â–ª Meaningful and ethical interaction
â–ª Passion for business and organisational improvement
â–ª High standards and superior attention to detail
Types of organisations we have worked with include:
â–ª Local government
â–ª Hospitals
â–ª Allied Health care
â–ª Tertiary education providers
â–ª Mental health – individual and group
â–ª NDIS agencies
â–ª Regional development bodies
â–ª Corporate tender managers
â–ª Volunteer peak bodies
â–ª Community housing
â–ª Workforce development
â–ª Publishers
â–ª Aged care providers
â–ª Health services
â–ª Carer programs
â–ª Sporting clubs
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Ask how we can assist you
What we've done
Agency gets boost despite funding climate
As the service and funding model changed from PDRS to NDIS, against a backdrop of agency consolidation and finite resources, Mark was charged with ensuring one such agency, with an extensive history, survived. With a state government tender and a tight timeline to respond to, Mark liaised with councils, researched evidence of need, identified gaps in the system, gathered data and certification and, ultimately, put together a comprehensive and compelling case. The result was a $5m five-year contract for the agency.
Battle for funds in win for country hospital
A regional hospital wanted Elliot to assist with a ‘long shot’ attempt to secure $6m in Regional Health Infrastructure funding. Over two intense weeks, he toured the facility, researched policy, guidelines and potential outcomes, worked closely with key executive staff, drafted and redrafted multi-part template responses and delivered the final application ahead of the due date. The ‘long shot’ paid off, with the Victorian Government announcing the application was successful. The outcome was a triumph for the facility and the local community it served.
Community drop-in rebuild against headwind
With some of the most disadvantaged and marginalised people facing imminent closures of drop-in centres, Mark drove a sustained effort to refurbish an inner city facility. Bringing together stakeholders with differing views and goals, Mark sourced funds from multiple entities, authored grant applications, brought council on board and, ultimately, convinced all parties to back the project. The result was a $2.5m funded facility rebuild which today feeds 100+ people and significantly alleviates pressure from nearby agencies and hospitals.
Media coverage a boon for Australian uni
With a major overseas event looming, one that would showcase its students’ research and tech abilities, a university hired Elliot to provide media coverage. He travelled with the group, provided day-to-day updates, liaised with the university and media outlets, stood in for audio / visual duties and conducted interviews. The event was a significant success for the uni – with some of Elliot’s footage ending up on ABC News – and the organisation in the aftermath commissioned him to write a book.
On-site writing workshop boosts staff
A peak body wanted its staff to perform research, interviews and write ups for a particular project. Elliot was asked to design a two-hour writing workshop and deliver it on-site to boost knowledge. With a mix of group work, coaching, one-on-one practice, editing exercises and short presentations, the workshop was successfully delivered. Feedback was uniformly positive, with the participants loving the upbeat, quick-paced format. They then launched the organisation’s project with added skills and know-how.
Local response to shifting national priorities
Responding to the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System, Mark oversaw the formal partnership of three local entities to address the acute problem of people falling through the gaps. Liaising with and coordinating multiple community stakeholders – consumers, drug and alcohol agencies, public and private hospitals and psychiatrists – Mark successfully elicited expertise and buy in. This was despite funding only going to the parties named in the proposed partnership.
Contact
Mob. 0407 755 451
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Mob. 0402 165 500
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ABN: 94174902953
Melbourne VIC
Regional VIC
Sydney NSW
Regional NSW
Adelaide SA
Regional SA
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and elsewhere!