When I first became a contract non-profit grant writer, I had no idea I would also become an advisor. I naively thought that a grant writer simply wrote grants.
To be an outstanding grant writer who writes epic grants, you must also be an excellent grant researcher and an advisor.
When I interview prospective clients, I watch out for red flags. One of those warning signs is if the non-profit just wants me to write and they don’t seem to value my extensive expertise in the grant funding space.
As grant writers, we have our fingers on the pulse of the grant community, and as it evolves, we must also evolve. If you work for a non-profit that doesn’t accept your feedback about how to make adjustments to win more grants, you won’t be successful.
Grant Writing Tip of the Day
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What kind of things do I advise my clients about?
Here are a few examples.
- I contracted with a fairly young org that did not have a published DEI policy. Not only was that ethically questionable, but it also prevented us from qualifying for grants. I let them know.
- Certain staff positions can be included in Program Expenses. Readjusting the budget to recategorize these staff members helped us to win more grants.
- Grant funders love to see Annual Impact Reports published on the organization’s website. I let my client know so we would have a better chance of winning grants.
- Grant funders with deadlines in June or later expect me to include audited financials from the previous year. My client didn’t realize this and was able to put a rush on her CPA.
Basically, when I develop a concern that something specific may be holding us back from additional grant funding, I speak up and let my client know.
They trust me to do whatever it takes to meet their grant funding goals and advising them is part of that.
Until next time,
Write Epic Grants
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