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.
Do you want to take your grant writing skills from good to GREAT?
Join our GrantCraft Pro Course! During the 6-week course, we teach you the skills and techniques used by professional grant writers to obtain 5-, 6-, and 7-figure grants for nonprofits.
Our instructor, Beckie, will teach 12 LIVE workshops, and participants get lifetime access to the course material.
