5 Facts About Hiring a Professional Grant Writer
Hiring a grant writer is a big decision. Here is some information to help you think it through.
Securing funding through grants can transform your organization — but writing winning proposals takes strategy, skill, and time. If you're considering hiring a professional grant writer, you're already taking a smart step toward building sustainable funding.
But before you make the leap, there are a few key things to know. Whether you’re new to the grant world or just looking to improve your chances of success, here are 5 facts about hiring a professional grant writer.
1. They Do More Than Just Write
Yes, grant writers write — but the job involves a lot more than stringing words together. A skilled professional will help you:
Research and vet funding opportunities
Align your project with funder priorities
Develop a compelling case for support
Build out budgets and evaluation plans
Guide you through submission requirements
Think of them as part strategist, part storyteller, part translator — helping turn your vision into fundable language.
2. They Don’t Work on Commission (and Here’s Why)
It might sound appealing to pay a grant writer only if you win a grant, but most reputable professionals don’t work on commission — and for good reason.
According to the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and other ethical fundraising organizations, commission-based pay:
Violates grant-making guidelines
Puts the writer’s interests ahead of the organization’s mission
Can lead to rushed or lower-quality work
Instead, grant writers charge hourly, per-project, or retainer fees, depending on your needs and budget.
3. Hiring Early Saves Time (and Money)
Many organizations wait until the last minute to hire a grant writer — sometimes days before a deadline. But good proposals take time to craft, and rushed work rarely delivers great results.
Hiring early gives your writer time to:
Understand your organization and goals
Gather necessary documentation
Build a thoughtful, strategic proposal
Planning ahead means better proposals, less stress, and potentially higher success rates.
4. The Best Fit Is About More Than Just Experience
Experience matters — but so does alignment with your mission and communication style. When hiring a grant writer, consider:
Have they worked with similar organizations or sectors?
Do they understand your audience or population?
Are they collaborative, flexible, and communicative?
The right writer should feel like an extension of your team, not just a contractor.
5. A Good Grant Writer Is an Investment, Not a Cost
Hiring a professional grant writer can feel like a big upfront expense — but the ROI can be huge. A single successful grant can fund months (or years) of work. Beyond the money, you also gain:
Stronger, reusable proposal content
A deeper understanding of funder expectations
Systems and tools you can use long after the project ends
The value isn’t just in the grant won — it’s in building long-term capacity and confidence around fundraising.
Last Thought
Hiring a professional grant writer can be a game-changer — if you know what to expect and how to choose the right person. Think of it as an investment in your growth, your mission, and your ability to secure the resources you need to make a bigger impact.
If you're thinking about bringing in a pro, don’t wait until you're overwhelmed or under deadline. The sooner you start the conversation, the stronger your proposal (and outcome) will be.
If you want to know more about hiring a grant writer, reach out and we are happy to walk you through our process.