What is a grant writer and do I need one?
What Grant Writers Do
Grant writers identify potential funders, draft letters of inquiry and full proposals, and sometimes manage reporting. They may work on staff, as freelancers, or through consulting firms. Rates vary widely: freelancers might charge $50 to $150 per hour, or a flat fee per proposal, often $1,000 to $5,000 for a small grant.
Some grant writers also help with case statements, budgets, and donor communications. But they can't guarantee funding—they rely on your organization's programs and data.
- Research and identify matching funders
- Write and edit proposals and letters of inquiry
- Develop budgets and logic models
- Track deadlines and submit applications
- Assist with grant reporting
Do You Need One?
If you have a dedicated staff member with strong writing skills and time to research, you may not need to hire out. But if your team is stretched thin or you're going after larger grants, a grant writer can be worth the investment. Start by assessing your internal capacity and the complexity of the grants you're targeting.
For small, local grants, you might do it yourself. For federal grants or major foundation proposals, a professional can improve your chances. Consider hiring on a contract basis for specific projects rather than a full-time employee.
Common mistakes
- Expecting a grant writer to guarantee funding—they can't, and anyone who promises that is misleading you.
- Hiring a grant writer without having your organizational documents and program data ready.
- Paying for a grant writer when you could train existing staff for less.
