The Difference Between a Good Grant Writer and a Great Grant Writer
When employing a grant writer, it’s important to understand the skills that distinguish a good grant writer from a GREAT grant writer. Winning proposals and scaling a grant seeking program requires a lot more than being a “good writer.”
If you already have an in-house grant writer, the following will help you identify areas where you can mentor and nurture their skill set. And if you are looking to hire a grant writer, definitely check out the information below so you know what to look for in a candidate.
Research Skills
Good: Can find and utilize basic funding opportunities.
Great: Identifies niche opportunities, understands funder priorities deeply, and uncovers hidden grants that align perfectly with the organization's mission.
Writing and Communication
Good: Writes clear and concise proposals.
Great: Crafts compelling narratives that tell a story, engages the reader, and connects emotionally with the funder's mission.
Understanding Funders
Good: Knows basic requirements and guidelines of funders.
Great: Builds relationships with funders, understands their motivations, and tailors proposals to align with their specific interests and goals.
Project Planning and Management
Good: Outlines project plans and timelines adequately.
Great: Creates detailed, realistic, and innovative project plans that demonstrate thorough preparation and feasibility, and can anticipate potential challenges.
Budgeting
Good: Prepares accurate and clear budgets.
Great: Develops strategic, comprehensive budgets that clearly justify all expenses and show a deep understanding of cost-effectiveness and funder priorities.
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Attention to Detail
Good: Minimizes errors in proposals and meets deadlines.
Great: Ensures every detail is meticulously reviewed, all requirements are exceeded, and submissions are timely.
Storytelling
Good: Describes the project and its objectives clearly.
Great: Weaves a compelling narrative that highlights the project's impact, urgency, and relevance, making the proposal memorable and persuasive.
Evaluation and Impact Measurement
Good: Includes basic evaluation methods.
Great: Designs evaluation frameworks that clearly demonstrate measurable outcomes and impact, aligning with funder expectations and showing accountability.
Strategic Thinking
Good: Understands the basics of aligning proposals with the organization's goals.
Great: Integrates strategic thinking to align the proposal with long-term organizational goals and funder priorities, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach.
Adaptability and Problem Solving
Good: Can adjust proposals based on feedback.
Great: Proactively anticipates potential issues, offers innovative solutions, and adapts quickly to changing requirements or feedback.
Collaboration and Networking
Good: Works well with internal teams.
Great: Builds strong external networks, collaborates effectively with stakeholders, and leverages partnerships to strengthen proposals.
Continuous Learning
Good: Keeps up with basic trends in grant writing.
Great: Constantly seeks professional development, stays ahead of industry trends, and continuously improves their skills and knowledge base.
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