The Hidden Costs of DIY Grant Writing (and How Professionals Save You Money)

DIYing a project—like a grant application—can seem like a good way to save money. But it can actually cost you more in the long run, with lower odds of effectiveness.

For Nonprofit Leaders and Board Members Who Are Serious About Funding

In an age of HGTV and YouTube videos, everyone is tempted to think, “Hiring a professional is expensive! I could DIY this.” But if you’ve ever tried to write a grant proposal on your own you know it’s not as easy as it looks. Many nonprofit leaders take the DIY approach to grant writing because it feels cost-effective on the surface. But the truth is, doing it yourself might be costing your organization more than you realize.

Let’s talk about the hidden costs of DIY grant writing, and how working with a professional grant writer can actually save your organization money—and position you for long-term funding success.

1. Lost Time = Lost Opportunities

Your time is valuable. As a leader or board member, your role is to guide the mission, cultivate relationships, and make strategic decisions, not spend hours deciphering grant guidelines or fine-tuning budget narratives.

When grant writing pulls your focus, other areas suffer. Worse yet, opportunities are missed because you missed important deadlines or spaced on the instructions.

2. Unfunded Proposals Are Expensive

Let’s say you spend 20+ hours writing a grant (an easy estimate), but you don’t win it. That’s unpaid labor, and potentially thousands of dollars left on the table. A professional grant writer understands how to tailor proposals to funder priorities, increasing your chances of success—and making every hour count.

3. Compliance Mistakes Can Cost You

From budgets to outcomes, grant proposals have a lot of moving parts, and with more competition for funding than ever, funders are increasingly strict. One misstep can disqualify your entire proposal or put your organization at risk during reporting. Professional grant writers are well-versed in compliance language, formatting, and submission requirements. In this situation, you get what you pay for, and that kind of peace of mind is worth every penny.

Tired of going it alone? Find out how our grant writing services can help you meet your funding goal—without you needing to take time away from your mission.

4. Relationships with Funders Require Strategy

Grants aren’t just about good writing—they’re about building relationships with funders. Professionals bring experience, funder insight, and connections that can help your organization move from “cold application” to “trusted grantee.” Professional grant writers have carefully developed networks

5. You’re Paying for Outcomes, Not Just Words

Hiring a grant writer isn’t about outsourcing busywork—it’s an investment in your organization’s future. A good grant writer helps you:

• Identify the right opportunities and help you get organized to take advantage of them

• Craft compelling narratives by utilizing your data

• Align your budget with funder priorities

• Meet deadlines

• Increase win rates

That’s not a cost—it’s a return on investment.

Take a look at our grant writing packages and see the
many offerings we have for organizations of many sizes and budgets.

Bottom Line: Grant Writing Is Too Important to DIY

Just because you can DIY doesn’t mean you should DIY. As a board member or executive director, your job is to steward your organization’s resources wisely. Though hiring a professional grant writer comes with a price tag, when you hire the right person you know that you are getting a high return on your investment.

Reach out to see how we can help.