10 Tips for Hiring a Professional Grant Writer

With more than one million 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations in the United States, the competition for grant funding is extremely competitive. Typically, due to limited budgets and resources, the task of applying for grant funding falls on the Executive Director or other staffing within the organization. Could your nonprofit organization benefit from hiring an independent grant writer? Maybe? Maybe not.

• Is the Executive Director or organization staff able to secure the necessary funding?
• Is the organization's Board of Directors 100% giving?
• Does the organization's Board of Directors accept their responsibility to help raise funds?
• Does the organization have existing staff and/or volunteers equipped with basic grant writing skills and knowledge?

If you answered no to the above questions, hiring an independent grant writer may be an option. WAIT...NOT SO FAST! Before signing on the dotted line, it is important to understand the grant writing profession and ask pertinent questions.   

10 Tips for Hiring a Professional Grant Writer

Contracts

Professional grant writers operate within the confines of a detailed contract outlining expectations. A contract protects both the organization and grant writer. 

For Profit

Professional grant writing is a For Profit business. Industry ethical standards state grant writers cannot be paid on contingency, percentage of grant amount or from grant award proceeds. Organizations should expect to pay a grant writer as part of their operating budget.

No Guarantees

Grant funding awards are the sole decision of the grantor. A professional grant writer’s job is to ensure the application has the best opportunity for funding consideration. Matching an organization's mission to the mission of a potential grantor, is critical. A qualified grant writer will first identify what type of funding the organization is seeking and whether or not they are eligible for grant funding. This information is gathered at the time of an initial consultation where the grant writer will ask detailed questions about the organization.

Certifications

Professional grant writers often hold certifications such as CGC (Certified Grant Consultant) or CGW (Certified Grant Writer); others do not. Certifications are great indicators of a grant writer's dedication to their profession but are not a requirement.

Experience

Number of years serving as a professional grant writer, research techniques, certifications, specialty type (Federal and/or 501(c)3), and the number of clients they work with during any given season. 

Preparedness

Interviewing independent grant writers can help ensure the best fit for your organization. Prospective grant writers should have a list of prepared questions to ask you, have examples of previous grant applications showcasing their expertise, and should be familiar with your organization's mission, and services. 

References

References are great, but not always possible due to confidentiality agreements. If references are not available, ask a prospective grant writer about their personal process from strategy and research to writing and application submission. 

Payment Expectations

Hourly, Per Application, or Retainer. Payment may be expected up front, divided out, or upon submission. Again, this will be spelled out in the contract. 

Documentation

Be prepared to provide organization information such as, tax forms, mission and vision statement, non-discriminatory policy, and operating budget during the initial consultation. 

Grant Speak 

Prospective grant writers should be able to define their approach concerning LOI's (Letter of Inquiry), Inputs, Outputs, Outcomes and Measurements, and Area's of Interest.  

Tammie Tuley is a Certified Grant Consultant (on a limited basis), former professional grant writer and author of GRANT WRITING BOOTCAMP - BACK TO THE BASICS. Follow at tatuley.com or click on the social media icons below.