FAQ

Clear Answers. Trusted Support.
Have questions about timelines, tools, pricing, or how this all fits together? We’ve gathered the most common ones below to make your decision making easier. If you don’t see what you need, just ask. We’re happy to help.
Looking for information on payments, currency, or international support?
See the Service Fit, Pricing & Packages, and Payments, Currency & Policies sections below.

Service Fit

Q: I only need support once in a while. Can I still work with you?

Absolutely. We offer hourly options for short-term or occasional tasks, so you don’t need a retainer to get help when you need it.

 

Q: Can I get help with just one piece of a project, like organizing files or tracking a grant budget?

Absolutely. We can jump in for targeted needs or bundle services into a customized plan based on your priorities.

 

Q: Do you work with international clients?

Yes. We regularly support clients across the EU, UK, and globally. Whether you're running a nonprofit, academic team, or international project, we’re experienced with remote collaboration, cross-border workflows, and time zone coordination. Wherever you're based, we aim to make working together seamless.

 

General & Onboarding

Q: How do we get started?

We begin with a complimentary 30-minute discovery call to discuss your goals, timeline, and priorities and ensure we’re a good fit.

Afterward:

  • You’ll be invited to book a 45-minute Strategy Session.

  • When you book, you’ll fill out a brief intake questionnaire to help us hit the ground running.

  • Our partnership kicks off with a Service Agreement and Statement of Work (SOW).

For retainer clients, we offer a trial month at the retainer rate to confirm mutual benefit before transitioning to longer term (3, 6, or 12 months).

 

Q: What information do you need from me at kickoff?

At project start, we’ll ask for:

  • Key materials and existing workflows
  • Brand or grant guidelines
  • Access credentials
  • Preferred communication channels

This lets us set up a clear roadmap and avoid delays.

 

Scope & Change Management

Q: How do you handle scope changes or additional requests?

If new needs arise, we’ll assess time and budget impact, then issue a simple change order. Work won’t proceed until we both agree on the updated plan.

 

Q: What if I need more hours than planned?

Options include:

  • Upgrading your retainer tier
  • Purchasing block-hour bundles at the current rate

We monitor usage and flag you before you hit your limit.

 

Turnaround & Availability

Q: How quickly can you start once we book something?

Typical turnaround for hourly support is 2–4 business days. For retainer and project clients, we’ll establish scheduling together based on scope and urgency.

 

Q: Do you take last-minute requests or rush projects?

We try to accommodate urgent requests when possible. Reach out and we’ll let you know what’s realistic based on current availability.

 

Pricing & Packages

Q: What are your payment terms?

Invoices are issued monthly and due within 15 days (Net 15), which helps keep projects moving smoothly.

Need something different? We're happy to discuss alternate timelines for longer-term projects or funder-specific requirements.

 

Q: Can I change packages later if my needs shift?

Definitely. Quarterly check-ins are built into retainer plans to adjust scope. You can also switch tiers or explore a custom option anytime.

 

Q: Do unused retainer hours roll over?

Unused hours roll into the next month to give you some wiggle room. Beyond that, we’ll reassess together, so your plan stays aligned.

 

Q: Do you offer discounts or referral perks?

Yes! We offer thank-you perks for referrals. You can find more details in the Payments & Policies section.

 

Q: Do you offer discounted rates for nonprofits or organizations with limited budgets?

In select cases, we offer mission-aligned flexibility for organizations doing meaningful work, particularly those operating under funder-imposed budget caps. If you believe we’d be a strong fit but you're working within financial constraints, feel free to reach out, we’re happy to explore what’s possible.

 

PAYMENTS, CURRENCY & POLICIES

All payment terms are shared up front, no hidden fees, no surprises.

Q: What payment methods do you accept?

I accept:

  • ACH (bank transfer preferred)
  • Zelle
  • Credit card via Stripe
  • International transfers through Wise

 

How do you accept international payments?

We accept international payments via Wise or bank transfer. If your finance system requires something different, just let us know we’re happy to accommodate when possible.

 

What currencies do you accept?

We currently offer pricing in USD, EUR, and GBP, depending on your location. Each pricing page reflects the corresponding currency and rate.

 

Will VAT or sales tax be added to your invoice?

No. We are a U.S.-based LLC and do not charge VAT, sales tax, or GST. Invoices are issued without added tax unless required for your funder documentation or reporting purposes.

 

Q: Do you require a deposit to begin work?

We tailor deposit requests by project size:

  • Under $500: 10% due upfront
  • $500–$5,000: 20% due at kickoff
  • Above $5,000: 30% due at kickoff

No work will commence until the deposit clears. The remaining balance is invoiced Net 15 as agreed to in our service agreement.

 

Q: Do you offer referral incentives?

Referrals are the highest compliment we can receive, and we’re truly grateful when people spread the word about us. Whether you’re a current client, a potential client, or simply someone who knows us, if a person you refer books with us, you’ll receive a thank-you payment. The new client will also receive a discount on their first invoice. Clients and potential clients can choose to take their thank-you as a credit toward their own invoice or as an online payment. Just have your referral mention your name when they reach out, and we’ll take care of the rest.

 

Communication

Q: How often will we meet or get progress updates?

Typical check-ins are weekly or biweekly, depending on project pace. You’ll also receive brief status reports via email or your preferred project-management tool.

 

Q: Which project management tools do you use?

We’re fluent in tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet, and we’ve supported projects using platforms like Trello, Basecamp, and others. We’re quick to learn new systems and happy to work within whatever setup you already use.

 

Confidentiality & Data Handling

Q: How do you handle sensitive data?

Your privacy and security matter. Here’s how we keep your information safe, secure, and only where it needs to be.

At-a-Glance: How we protect your data

Detailed explanations linked here:

  • Encrypted storage and communication (TLS, AES-256)
  • Secure Microsoft 365 cloud with two-factor authentication
  • Optional encrypted messaging via Signal
  • Access controls and activity logs
  • Secure file deletion using industry-standard tools
  • Encrypted backups via OneDrive + IDrive Inc
  • Practices aligned with GDPR/CCPA principles
  • You control your data (export, correction, deletion upon request)

 How we protect your information

  • All data is encrypted in transit (TLS/HTTPS) and at rest (AES-256 encryption).
  • Client files are stored in Microsoft 365 Business / OneDrive, a secure, compliant cloud platform with two-factor authentication and role-based access.
  • Communications occur over encrypted channels. We use Microsoft 365 Outlook with TLS encryption enabled, and additional secure messaging (e.g., Signal) is available upon request.
  • We use Microsoft SharePoint to share deliverables and files. It’s part of my Microsoft 365 Business Standard subscription and offers secure, permission-based access. We can set expiration dates on links, limit who can view or download, and track access. If you ever want us to revoke access early, just ask!
  • For clients who prefer end-to-end encrypted messaging, we are available on Signal (Please request this method in advance so we can ensure communication stays streamlined and secure.)

 Access control and file security

  • Access to your files is limited to our team and any pre-approved subcontractors, and only as needed to complete your work.
  • We perform regular security audits and log all access attempts.
  • Old versions and deleted files are securely wiped using secure deletion protocols to prevent data remnants.

 Backups and incident response

  • Work files backed up continuously via OneDrive and IDrive Inc with encrypted, geographically distinct redundancy.
  • In the unlikely event of a breach, we’ll notify you within 72 hours with remediation steps.

Your data, your control

We’ll never share your files or information without your explicit consent. You can request data deletion, correction, or transfer at any time. While based in the U.S., we aim to align with global privacy standards, including principles from GDPR and CCPA, to protect your rights and data.

 

Q: How do you protect sensitive financial and grant data?

We follow strict confidentiality practices, use encrypted channels, and can establish NDAs at project start.

 

Q: What is your data retention policy?

At Virtual Antidote Solutions, your data is handled with care, compliance, and intention. We follow clear retention timelines, use secure deletion tools, and align with both U.S. and international privacy standards (like GDPR and FERPA).


Download Full Data Retention Policy


Grant & Budget Support

Q: Do you help with grant writing, or just post-award support?

Our focus is post-award: budgeting, reporting, compliance, and funder communications once a grant is awarded.

 

Q: Will you work with our accountant or finance team?

Absolutely. We collaborate with internal or external finance pros to ensure alignment across systems and reports.

 

Quality & Satisfaction

Q: What if I’m not happy with the deliverables?

Your satisfaction is our priority. Every engagement includes two rounds of revisions at no extra cost. If, after those revisions, the work still doesn’t meet our agreed expectations, you’re eligible for a prorated refund for any unperformed services.

How the prorated refund works:

  • We confirm which deliverables or milestones you’ve approved.
  • We total the fees earned for that completed work.
  • We subtract any non-refundable expenses already incurred (software licenses, subcontractors, etc.).
  • We issue the remaining balance back to you within 7–14 days of project termination.

This way you only pay for the work delivered and costs already spent, no surprises, no jargon.

 

Industry & Expertise

Q: Which industries or sectors do you specialize in?

We’ve supported nonprofits, educational institutions, startups, and small businesses across professional services, tech, and social impact sectors. Our focus is post-award grant management and operations.

 

Q: Have you worked with nonprofits or educational institutions before?

Yes. Our experience includes managing budgets, compliance reports, and funder communications for foundations, universities, and NGOs. This work has given us a strong understanding of the unique requirements and reporting standards that nonprofits and educational institutions must meet.

 

Insurance

Q: Do you carry business insurance?

Yes. Professional Liability Errors & Omissions and Cyber Risk/Digital Media Liability Insurance coverage are maintained as part of my commitment to responsible service.

 

Still Have Questions?

Your work isn’t one-size-fits-all, and neither are your questions. If you’re wondering how support might look for your team, what plan fits your pace, or just want to talk it through, we’d love to hear what you’re building.
Book a complimentary 30-minute consultation
© 2025 Virtual Antidote Solutions LLC

Disclaimer: Services provided by Virtual Antidote Solutions LLC are for informational and operational support. No legal, financial, or tax advice is provided. Results may vary. View full disclaimer

Privacy Policy: No personal data is shared or sold. Read our full policy


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