White Paper Writing Services

White papers are essential tools for organizations aiming to position themselves as industry leaders and to communicate complex ideas with clarity and authority. At Written Progress, we specialize in white paper writing services that transform your knowledge into persuasive, expertly crafted documents tailored to your goals. 

Why White Papers Matter 

White papers serve as a cornerstone for businesses and nonprofits in the sustainability sector. Whether you aim to educate stakeholders, influence policy, or attract investment, a professionally written white paper lets you strut your stuff. 

For most of our clients, the challenge is to distill years of advanced research and technical expertise into documents accessible to diverse audiences—from technical experts to policymakers. The white papers we develop transform technical descriptions into actionable narratives without diluting any of their robustness. As a result, our clients are able to demonstrate their leadership and be recognized as experts in their field. 

Key Benefits of White Papers

Build Trust

Establish your organization as an authority in your field by sharing innovative ideas and best practices. 

Shape Policy

Provide partners, funders, and policymakers with the insights they need to make informed decisions. 

Engage Stakeholders

Transform complex data and technical concepts into digestible narratives tailored to specific audiences.  

Drive Funding

Utilize white papers as part of a broader strategy to communicate your organization’s value and attract strategic opportunities. 

Our Process: Crafting High-Impact White Papers 

1. Discovery and Strategy 

Every successful white paper begins with a deep understanding of the client’s goals, audience, and subject matter. We typically spent several hours interviewing your team's technical leaders to: 

  • Define the paper’s purpose and primary audience. 
  • Pinpoint key messages and unique value propositions. 
  • Identify supporting data and case studies to strengthen the narrative. 

2. In-Depth Research 

We then dive into the literature to: 

  • Identify and draw on credible sources 
  • Understand what is innovative about your perspective or approach  
  • Build an argument for the unique value and potential of your work 

3. Working Backward from the Main Point 

Our team then begins idea-mapping to: 

  • Identify the main point that needs to 'click' for the reader in order for the document to achieve its goal. 
  • Understand what key messages supported the main point, what context supported those key messages, and so on. 
  • Map a logical information flow, guiding readers seamlessly from problem identification to solution presentation. 

4. Writing and Refinement 

Crafting a compelling white paper requires a balance of storytelling and technical precision. Our process ensured: 

  • Clear, engaging language tailored to both technical and non-technical readers. 
  • Logical organization with intuitive headlines and subheadings. 
  • A consistent tone and style reflecting Green River’s brand identity. 

5. Iterative Review 

We iteratively elicit and incorporate feedback to ensure alignment and refine messaging, including from: 

  • Your organization’s knowledge holders 
  • The ultimate decision maker 
  • Stakeholders, partners, and other contributing voices 

7. Design 

When the drafting is complete, we make your white paper visually captivating and informative by: 

  • Crafting infographics and figures 
  • Designing aesthetics in alignment with your brand 
  • Creating the layout your white paper  


The result? A white paper that not only communicates your vision but inspires action. 

Strategic Grant Assessment
  • Collaborative workshops to evaluate your resources
  • Goal refinement and opportunity identification
  • Elimination of guesswork through systematic approach

Evergreen Content Development

  • Produce a 40+ page application blueprint
  • Create a reusable grant writing template
  • Ensure consistency across future applications
Mission Articulation
  • Develop a clear theory of change
  • Create a detailed project plan
  • Translate your vision into a compelling narrative
  • Targeted Opportunity Mapping

    • Identify high-potential grant opportunities
    • Develop a strategic shortlist
    • Focus resources on best-fit funding sources
    Strategic Grant Assessment
    • Collaborative workshops to evaluate your resources
    • Goal refinement and opportunity identification
    • Elimination of guesswork through systematic approach
    Mission Articulation
  • Develop a clear theory of change
  • Create a detailed project plan
  • Translate your vision into compelling narrative
  • Evergreen Content Development

    • Produce a 40+ page guidance document
    • Create a reusable grant writing template
    • Ensure consistency across future applications

    Targeted Opportunity Mapping

    • Identify high-potential grant opportunities
    • Develop a strategic shortlist
    • Focus resources on best-fit funding sources

    "Great eyes on the white paper to improve quality and distill the key messages." -Ben

    Creating an Effective White Paper

    To maximize the impact of your white paper, first define your objectives and audience before drafting. Ask: 

    • What do we want the reader to learn? 
    • What actions do we want them to take? 

    Use credible sources and incorporate diverse perspectives. Strong data strengthens your argument and builds trust. 

    Readers respond to stories that include individuals with names, backgrounds, and community connections. Engage readers by weaving facts and insights into a narrative that’s compelling and easy to follow. 

    In the most technical portions of the paper, consider if there are any words you can remove from the sentence without changing its meaning. Then, rely on infographics, charts, and imagery to enhance understanding and break up dense text. 

    Finally, use language and examples that resonate with your target readers. For example, policymakers may prioritize regulatory implications, while funders look for ROI. Remember, even though you are passionate about your work, passion and advocacy aren't drivers for everyone. Point toward how aligning with you can help a stakeholder fulfill their responsibilities. 

    Best Practices Checklist

    • Start with a clear purpose.
    • Research thoroughly.
    • Tell a story.
    • Leverage visuals.
    • Tailor to Your Audience.

    Why Choose Written Progress for White Paper Services? 

    Our clients trust us because we deliver measurable results with a personalized approach.

    Proven Expertise

  • $40M+ in funding secured for sustainability initiatives.
  • 60+ years of combined experience.
  • Multilingual team with diverse sustainability expertise
  • Domains spanning climate, ecology, policy, and social equity
  • Tailored Solutions

  • Flexible service packages to fit your budget and goals.
  • Options to build your skills, delegate entirely, or blend the two.
  • Custom deliverables like reusable templates and detailed project plans.
  • Empathy and Communication:

  • Skilled project managers.  
  • Diverse, multilingual team with deep cross-cultural empathy. 
  • At home in remote work environments and managing multiple time zones.
  • Sustainability Expertise

    • More than 10 higher degrees and 60+ years of experience.
    • Domains spanning climate, policy, ecology, health, agriculture, and social justice.
    • We exclusively serve sustainability initiatives. 

    Case Study: Green River’s HIPAA Inspector White Paper 

    Green River Technology, a sustainability-driven enterprise, recruited us to transform their drafts into white papers showcasing their innovative software-based approaches to sustainable public health systems. Having already partnered with us to create a newspaper article and a community participatory action memo, they knew what to expect from Written Progress when they needed white papers.  

    One of the projects we undertook for Green River involved crafting a white paper that detailed their HIPAA Inspector algorithm—a groundbreaking solution for ensuring data privacy compliance in public health reporting. This white paper addressed a critical industry challenge: balancing the need for granular, actionable public health data with stringent privacy regulations. 

    Highlights of the HIPAA Inspector Project: 

    • Audience-Focused Narrative: We aligned the white paper to the needs of public health professionals, policymakers, and technical stakeholders, ensuring clarity without sacrificing depth. 
    • Data-Driven Storytelling: Detailed case studies and examples demonstrated how Green River’s software ensured compliance while enhancing the usability of health data. 
    • Impact: The white paper positioned Green River as a leader in privacy-compliant data solutions, leading to new partnerships and increased visibility in the public health sector. 
    • Imagery: Adding compelling visuals and infographics to the white papers made them more eye-catching and enhanced reader comprehension. These visuals distilled complex data into intuitive graphics, ensuring that key insights were accessible to both technical and non-technical audiences. 

    Results Achieved: 

    • Inclusion in regional health data initiatives. 
    • Strengthened relationships with public health agencies and funders. 
    • Enhanced brand credibility through a compelling and accessible technical narrative. 

    “Your team rocks!” - Michael


    Case Study: BetterMaps White Paper 

    Green River was so satisfied with the results of their first white paper that they were ready to entrust Written Progress with showcasing another of their innovations.  

    Green River’s BetterMaps project exemplifies how white papers can translate complex methodologies into actionable frameworks. This white paper detailed a novel approach to creating anonymized yet granular disease mapping for public health data, addressing the “sliver problem” and other key challenges. 

    Key Features of the BetterMaps White Paper: 

    • Problem-Solution Framework: Highlighted challenges in health data visualization and presented BetterMaps as the ideal solution. 
    • Use Cases: Demonstrated practical applications for public health professionals, improving resource allocation and decision-making. 
    • Visual Aids: Incorporated detailed diagrams and data visualizations to enhance reader comprehension and engagement. 

    Outcomes: 

    • Increased adoption of BetterMaps by public health organizations. 
    • Greater buy-in from users as to the uniqueness and importance of the software 
    • Enhanced recognition of Green River’s technical expertise. 

    Other Success Stories: Real Results From Our Clients 

    Transforming Strategies into Wins

    Written Progress researched and developed a brief for policy makers showcasing the major findings of Ethiopia's coalition of soil scientists and the implications for the country, advocating for key policy changes to better support the country's agricultural economy and biodiversity.

     The brief was featured at a national policy conference, where it made complex information accessible to policymakers and provided actionable recommendations for their use. 

    Boosting Credibility

    Written Progress collaborated with Sustainalytics to research and develop a paper aimed at informing investors about the critical role of climate transition plans in evaluating companies. 

    The document highlighted Sustainalytics' innovative solutions that assist investors in assessing corporate alignment with long-term sustainability goals. This project will improve investor engagement and strengthen Sustainalytics' reputation as a trusted partner in navigating the complexities of sustainable investing. 

    Streamlining Complex Narratives

    Written Progress supported the Carbon Business Council in editing their debut white paper on voluntary carbon markets, which debuted during NYC Climate Week. The collaboration ensured that the document was both authoritative and accessible, drawing significant attention from stakeholders and solidifying the Council's role as a thought leader in carbon market strategies. 

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q: What industries do you specialize in? We focus on sustainability efforts, including renewable energy, public health, policy, gender equality, biodiversity, conservation, agriculture, climate change, ecology, and economic development. 

    Q: How long does it take to complete a white paper? Timelines vary based on the current state of your white paper and your promptness in responding to reviews. Cleaning up and optimizing existing text will only take a few days. If you'd like us to research, draft, finalize, and illustrate your white paper, expect the process to take 6-8 weeks. 

    Q: Can you help with a white paper I haven't started yet? Yes! We have the expertise to conduct original research, write compelling content, and create professional layouts and designs that elevate your white paper from good to exceptional. By combining rigorous research with tailored messaging, we ensure your white paper not only communicates effectively but also stands out visually and strategically. 

    Q: Can you help with a white paper that’s already drafted? Absolutely! Whether you need a critical review, refined messaging, or a polished final version, we can help. Our services include editing for clarity and impact, ensuring alignment with your objectives, and adding visual elements such as charts and infographics to enhance reader engagement. 

    Q: What does a white paper cost? The price of a white paper varies based on the current state of the file and what you'd like to achieve. If you're starting from scratch, the process may take longer and incur a higher cost. However, we also offer special rates for non-profits, start-ups, and organizations willing to share their success stories on our platforms. This ensures that all clients, regardless of size, can benefit from high-quality white papers. 

    What is a grant writing template?

    A grant writing template is a comprehensive resource document that consolidates your organization’s theory of change, project plans, and key messaging into a reusable format.
    This saves hours of work for each grant application and ensures consistent, high-quality submissions.

    Why start with the Custom Grant Writing Template?

    It creates the foundation for success. Without a clear strategy and reusable content, you’re wasting time and resources.
    Our template ensures you’re always prepared with tailored messaging and a proven system.

    How soon can we start?

    We typically begin onboarding within a week of your decision to work with Written Progress.


    Ready to Elevate Your White Papers? 

    Whether you’re starting from scratch or revising a draft, Written Progress is here to help. Our white paper writing services will position your organization as a leader while delivering measurable results. 

    Let’s discuss how we can help you achieve your goals.