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Do I really need a grant writer?

Do I really need a grant writer? How do I know that I have selected the right grant writer? If you have considered applying for any large grants lately, you have undoubtedly asked yourself these two questions. The truth, of course, is that there is no magic in grant writing. Anyone with good basic writing skills and a clear understanding of both the grant criteria and the proposed plan can be successful. So, why would you hire a grant writer? Here are a few reasons:

  • Time. Let's face it. School and non-profit administrators are very busy people. I have met some excellent grant writers who have been very successful in acquiring funds for their organizations who have just become too busy to write. While using a grant writer will not totally absolve you of all time commitment in the grant process (at minimum, there are still signatures and data to gather and a vision to develop), it can often make the difference between having the time to submit a proposal or having to let an opportunity get away. Anyone who has formerly written their own grants and then used a good grant writer can attest to the difference that the extra help can make.
  • Skill. Just as we have met many skilled writers out there who can write their own grants effectively, we have met many more administrators who struggle with writing. Some have a flawless vision and are exemplary leaders, but they are just not capable of making their vision come alive on paper within the confines of a grant's scoring criteria. There is no doubt about it - grant writing is a skill. If you don't have it, you'll need to find someone who does. Maybe that someone already works in your district. If not, you may want to look for a consultant.
  • Experience. Professional grant writers have experience with many different types of programs and funding sources. They can see how your program design might benefit from a few changes. Also, they are extremely familiar with scoring criteria for most state and federal grants. In many cases, they have worked as grant readers, so they know exactly what the funding source is looking for. The experience of a successful professional grant writer translates into higher funding rates, knowledge of many funding sources that you may not know about, and a level of technical assistance and expertise that you probably did not know even existed.

So, you've made the decision that you would like to try working with a grant writer. What do you look for? How do you make a selection? Here are a few things you should ask about when speaking with a prospective grant writer:

  • Success rate. A professional grant writer who takes her work seriously will be able to quote her success rate. But, you don't just want to know about overall funding rates, you'll need to ask about her success rate with the kind of grant you are seeking.
  • Fee structure. Does the writer charge a flat fee or a contingency fee or a combination of both? A flat fee means that you pay the writer (usually when the grant is submitted) and the writer keeps that money whether or not you are funded. If this is the arrangement, ask if there is any sort of guarantee. Will the writer rewrite and resubmit the proposal next year if it is not funded this year for no additional fee? If there would be an additional fee, what would that fee be? A writer who will work on contingency will charge a percentage of the amount you are funded. If you are not funded, you do not pay anything. However, you still need to be careful of this option. Some grants will not allow you to pay for grant writing out of the grant itself. That means that even if you get the grant you may still have to find another source of funds to pay the writer. Also, pay attention to how high the percentage is and if it is a percentage of the first year's funding amount or a percentage of the entire amount received over the life of the grant. For example, 8% may not seem like much, but if it is 8% of $1,000,000 that translates to $80,000. That's quite a fee. It might be entirely justified, but it might be excessive, depending on the actual job performed by the writer. Also, if that is a five-year grant and the contingency is based on the first year's funding amount, that 8% would translate to $16,000. Do you see why it is important to pay attention to your agreement?
  • Contract. Make sure your contract is very specific about what the grant writer will do. Will she come to your site for vision and planning meetings? How many? Will she allow you to edit a rough draft? How far in advance of the due date will she provide you with a draft to review? What will be required of you in the process? If the grant is not funded, what happens next?
  • Philosophy. This is not as esoteric as it sounds. You need to know if the grant writer is interested at all in your vision for education, your cause or your community. If not, he or she will probably not be able to effectively communicate your vision in writing. Also, if he or she is not interested in your vision, you could end up with someone who will write anything just to make sure you get funded-and then you are stuck with a grant that has little to do with your real plans. You'll have to explain the meaning of this grant to your board, to your staff, and to your community. Now, you don't want that, do you? Honesty is not only the best policy in life, but it makes a grant more successful - from funding all the way through implementation. Does your prospective grant writer understand this? Any reputable and honest grant writer understands this very clearly and that understanding enriches her writing.