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Why and when does it make sense to out-source your grant writing?
In my experience, the majority of nonprofits that choose to outsource grant writing tasks are mid- to small-sized
organizations with few to no staff hours left over for grant writing. By its nature grant writing is a time consuming business
made all the more difficult for staff that might be unfamiliar with the process. An inexperienced grant writer could easily
spend two or three times the hours completing a grant application process and find themselves much less successful than
someone more familiar with the process and expectations of foundations and grant makers in general.
What are the advantages of using a freelance grant writer rather than an in-house one? What can
a freelancer bring to the job?
I would have to assume that if a nonprofit organization’s budget could afford to keep an in-house grant writer employed,
that person would be just as successful as a freelance grant writer when it came to submitting proposals. The key to
writing successful proposals has to more to do with having a solid understanding of the organization applying for funding
combined with grant writing experience, experience that can only be had over time.
Should you use a freelancer for one-time projects, or can you contract with them for ongoing
grant projects?
Freelance grant writers are usually equally available for one-time as well as ongoing projects. However, it behooves an
organization to keep a grant writer whom they may have already developed a successful funding relationship with on their
speed dial for future projects. One of the key elements in achieving favor from funders has to do with a grant writer’s
familiarity with an organization and ability to eloquently and clearly describe and communicate that organizations mission,
projects and goals.
How can you educate a freelance grant writer about your organization so he or she can
communicate your mission and needs effectively to a prospective foundation grantor?
A good grant writer will aggressively work to quickly gain an intimate understanding of an organization’s services,
projects, programs and mission by interviewing staff, board members and even volunteers, and by reading all available
published materials (brochures, annual reports, board minutes, newsletters, news stories, etc.), by visiting an organization’
s website, and by doing additional research as needed. Having this sort of data readily available will make the grant writer’
s job just that much easier.
What should you NOT expect from a freelance grant writer?
An organization should not expect a grant writer to work miracles, although that occasionally does happen. Organizations
need to understand that successful funding is better accomplished when staff and board is equally informed and dedicated
to the project. It is good to keep in mind that the success of a grant is only partially due to the ability of the grant writer.
Having a program and/or organization to write for that has a history of successful endeavors, a solid board of directors,
and a reliable body of volunteers as well as a history of successful management strategies also helps. A grant writer might
be successful in bringing a grant maker to the table, but if the people representing the organization are not prepared to
demonstrate their own merit, more often than not funding will be denied.
What is the best way to fund a freelance grant writer?
Resources need to be readily available to pay for a freelance grant writer in the same way that they are for an
organization’s other employees, although freelance grant writers will usually supply a contract for services prior to
beginning work.
What services do you provide?
We consult with your agency or organization to determine your project funding needs. We research potential funding
sources and match the needs of the agency with a funding source or sources. We compose letters of intent, draft
proposals according to the objectives of your project and what a grantor is seeking to fund. We compose an plan and help
you develop a project budget. We create, proofread and compile all documents necessary for submission to the funding
source(s).
Do you work on contingency or for a percentage of the grant?
Organizations that certify grant writers, grant seekers or fundraising professionals consider it highly unethical to work on
contingency or for a percentage of the grant. Our company will provide your organization with a well-written proposal or
letter of intent which can be adapted to meet the funding guidelines of various philanthropic organizations, saving you
time, money and helping to ensure positive results.
Can you guarantee our organization will be funded?
In the complex world of grant writing and consulting, there are no guarantees. We can guarantee to meet deadlines, and
submit a professional well-written document. Much depends on the submitting organization, and the foundation of
strength and integrity it can present to funders. Some factors including having a solid and effective board of directors, a
professional staff, well-defined programs and a reasonable game plan for meeting new project goals.
Do you help students find grants for college?
No, not at the present time, most of our business is conducted with non-profit organizations.
In my experience, the majority of nonprofits that choose to outsource grant writing tasks are mid- to small-sized
organizations with few to no staff hours left over for grant writing. By its nature grant writing is a time consuming business
made all the more difficult for staff that might be unfamiliar with the process. An inexperienced grant writer could easily
spend two or three times the hours completing a grant application process and find themselves much less successful than
someone more familiar with the process and expectations of foundations and grant makers in general.
What are the advantages of using a freelance grant writer rather than an in-house one? What can
a freelancer bring to the job?
I would have to assume that if a nonprofit organization’s budget could afford to keep an in-house grant writer employed,
that person would be just as successful as a freelance grant writer when it came to submitting proposals. The key to
writing successful proposals has to more to do with having a solid understanding of the organization applying for funding
combined with grant writing experience, experience that can only be had over time.
Should you use a freelancer for one-time projects, or can you contract with them for ongoing
grant projects?
Freelance grant writers are usually equally available for one-time as well as ongoing projects. However, it behooves an
organization to keep a grant writer whom they may have already developed a successful funding relationship with on their
speed dial for future projects. One of the key elements in achieving favor from funders has to do with a grant writer’s
familiarity with an organization and ability to eloquently and clearly describe and communicate that organizations mission,
projects and goals.
How can you educate a freelance grant writer about your organization so he or she can
communicate your mission and needs effectively to a prospective foundation grantor?
A good grant writer will aggressively work to quickly gain an intimate understanding of an organization’s services,
projects, programs and mission by interviewing staff, board members and even volunteers, and by reading all available
published materials (brochures, annual reports, board minutes, newsletters, news stories, etc.), by visiting an organization’
s website, and by doing additional research as needed. Having this sort of data readily available will make the grant writer’
s job just that much easier.
What should you NOT expect from a freelance grant writer?
An organization should not expect a grant writer to work miracles, although that occasionally does happen. Organizations
need to understand that successful funding is better accomplished when staff and board is equally informed and dedicated
to the project. It is good to keep in mind that the success of a grant is only partially due to the ability of the grant writer.
Having a program and/or organization to write for that has a history of successful endeavors, a solid board of directors,
and a reliable body of volunteers as well as a history of successful management strategies also helps. A grant writer might
be successful in bringing a grant maker to the table, but if the people representing the organization are not prepared to
demonstrate their own merit, more often than not funding will be denied.
What is the best way to fund a freelance grant writer?
Resources need to be readily available to pay for a freelance grant writer in the same way that they are for an
organization’s other employees, although freelance grant writers will usually supply a contract for services prior to
beginning work.
What services do you provide?
We consult with your agency or organization to determine your project funding needs. We research potential funding
sources and match the needs of the agency with a funding source or sources. We compose letters of intent, draft
proposals according to the objectives of your project and what a grantor is seeking to fund. We compose an plan and help
you develop a project budget. We create, proofread and compile all documents necessary for submission to the funding
source(s).
Do you work on contingency or for a percentage of the grant?
Organizations that certify grant writers, grant seekers or fundraising professionals consider it highly unethical to work on
contingency or for a percentage of the grant. Our company will provide your organization with a well-written proposal or
letter of intent which can be adapted to meet the funding guidelines of various philanthropic organizations, saving you
time, money and helping to ensure positive results.
Can you guarantee our organization will be funded?
In the complex world of grant writing and consulting, there are no guarantees. We can guarantee to meet deadlines, and
submit a professional well-written document. Much depends on the submitting organization, and the foundation of
strength and integrity it can present to funders. Some factors including having a solid and effective board of directors, a
professional staff, well-defined programs and a reasonable game plan for meeting new project goals.
Do you help students find grants for college?
No, not at the present time, most of our business is conducted with non-profit organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Grant Consultant Services