Over the past few months, I have been casually asking my nonprofit ED friends what stands out when they are hiring grant professionals. The responses may not be what you expect.
Nonprofit organizations don’t hire grant professionals just because they can write well.
Strong writing matters.
But it is only one part of the job.
Organizations also need grant professionals who can:
- Understand the mission and program model
- Translate complex work into clear language
- Ask thoughtful questions
- Recognize when information is missing
- Build realistic budgets
- Manage deadlines and competing priorities
- Work well with program and finance staff
- Follow detailed instructions
- Communicate challenges early
- Understand compliance and reporting requirements
- Distinguish between a good opportunity and an available one
Nonprofits are also looking for discernment.
Can you tell them when a grant is not a good fit?
Can you identify when the organization is not ready to apply?
Can you push back when the proposed outcomes are unrealistic?
Can you explain why a budget does not support the program design?
Can you help leadership understand what the grant will require after the award?
These skills are just as important as the final narrative.
In many organizations, grant professionals are working with incomplete information, limited time, changing priorities, and significant pressure to generate revenue.
The ability to bring structure and clarity to that environment is valuable.
So if you are positioning yourself for a grant role or consulting opportunity, do not describe yourself only as a writer.
Talk about your ability to research, strategize, organize, manage relationships, analyze requirements, support compliance, and help organizations make sound funding decisions.
Nonprofits need people who can help them pursue funding responsibly, not simply submit more applications.
That is what makes a grant professional an asset to the entire organization.
Until next time,
Write Epic Grants