Grants are a valuable funding stream for nonprofits, supplying them with much-needed capital to run their worthwhile programs. With the great value nonprofits get through grant funding, it is no wonder that many organizations seek out hiring a grant writer.
However, for many young nonprofits, employing a full-time grant writer is not feasible.
So, what steps should a nonprofit take to secure grant funding?
- Try writing your first grant in-house.
- Hire a contract grant writer.
- Lastly, ask the funding source for the evaluation scoring notes of your grant application.
Try writing your first grant in-house
Before hiring a grant writer, it is always worthwhile to try writing a grant yourself. Writing your first grant gives you valuable insight into the grant writing process. It allows you to gather the necessary documents needed for a grant application. It also allows you to compose some drafts of the organizational history, background, and other sections that need information that only you would know.
GrantWriterTeam has numerous resources to help you, from useful tips on our blog to more comprehensive tutorials. GrantWatch also provides nonprofits, small businesses, and individuals with information for more than 7,000 grants that are currently accepting applications.
Hire a contract grant writer
If you are finding that grant writing is not your thing, GrantWriterTeam is here to help! GrantWriterTeam matches grant seeks with grant writers.
Additionally, here are a few reasons why you should consider hiring a grant writer:
1. Better Chances of Winning a Grant
- Presenting a funding source with a professionally-written grant application greatly increases your chances of winning a grant.
2. Expert Knowledge
- Grant writing is an industry unto itself, full of its own rules, regulations, and terminology. A professional grant writer is already familiar with the grant industry and all of its ins and outs.
3. Professional Research
- One of the greatest challenges of grant writing can be finding the right grant! There are numerous websites that post different grant opportunities in certain categories. GrantWatch reviews funding opportunities from many sources. After vetting these grants, GrantWatch also presents a proprietary-formatted grant detail page and links to the applications. GrantWatch posts currently available grants.
4. Passion
- You want to find a writer that will be as passionate about your project as you are. For example, a good grant writer writes passionately and mirrors your own enthusiasm.
5. Peace of Mind
- You can rest easy knowing that a skilled and experienced professional is on the job helping you win that grant!
The benefit of professional writing cannot be understated. A professional grant writer can, literally, be worth their weight in gold. If you think grant funding is the best option for your organization or project, consider entrusting the process a professional!
Ask the funding source for the evaluation scoring notes of your grant application
Think of a rejection as an opportunity – and not a reason to give up! Reaching out to the grant funder for their notes can help you revise the application and use parts of it again for another funding opportunity.
Call the foundation, not to complain but to get more information. Speak with a program officer and ask:
1. Could we have done something differently in our proposal?
2. May we resubmit the proposal for the next funding cycle?
3. Do you know of any other foundations that might be interested in our project?
Overall, once you learn the ins and outs of grant writing, you will be well on your way to landing the funding your organization needs!
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