7 Reasons Why You Should Hire a Professional Grant Writer

Are you staring at another grant application deadline, not sure how to take the next step? Between running the day-to-day operations of your organization and raising the banner of motivation, finding the time (and passion) to write grant proposals and submit applications can feel… overwhelming.

We work with nonprofit leaders across the country every day who face this same scenario. They know that grants could be a game-changer for their organization, but the reality of managing a successful grants program alongside everything else keeps them from moving forward.

After nearly four decades in this field, here’s what we’ve learned: when push comes to shove in funding, a professional grant writer can be your team’s saving grace.

Here are seven reasons why you should hire a professional grant writer for your nonprofit! 

1. Grant Writers are Strategic Problem Solvers: More Than Just Writers

Let's clear up a common misconception right away. A professional grant writer doesn't only “write grants”. 

If that's all you're getting, it’s likely that you’re working with the wrong person.

A true professional grant writer becomes your organization’s strategic funding partner. That means they take the time necessary to learn and understand your mission at its core. 

They dive deep into your programs, your community impact, and your overall financial needs. They then take all of that data and context and craft a compelling narrative that connects your work with funders who share your vision.

Think about the last time you tried to explain your organization's impact to someone new. 

Remember how you lit up talking about the lives you've changed? The problems you're solving, and the difference you're making? 

A skilled grant writer captures that passion and translates it into the language funders need to hear. They know which details matter most and how to present your story in a way that makes funders excited to partner with you.

2. They Build Sustainable Systems That Empower Your Team

Perhaps the greatest value a professional grant writer brings is their ability to build sustainable systems within your organization. 

We've seen too many nonprofits approach grants haphazardly. A professional changes all of that. They create organized systems for all aspects of your grants program, including grant writing, prospecting and vetting, navigating the application creation, document management, submission, and more. 

They’re building systems for tracking deadlines and managing documents, and they’re helping your whole team learn how to better nurture funder relationships. 

These systems create the infrastructure for long-term growth. And that system then empowers your team with knowledge and tools that extend well beyond any single engagement with a grant writer. 

In short, your investment in a professional grant writer today could be one of the greatest long-term decisions you make!

3. Grant Writers Improve Your Success Rates

Professional grant writers bring expertise that directly impacts your bottom line. They understand what makes applications successful because they've studied winning proposals, and they’ve likely learned from both successful selections as well as rejections. 

They bring that experience to bear on how they create and craft compelling narratives, and they can address funder priorities in ways that make your proposal stand out.

But this isn't about guaranteeing success. No ethical professional would make such a promise. 

Instead, it's about significantly improving your odds by presenting your organization in the strongest possible light. When your success rate improves, the investment in professional expertise pays for itself many times over.

4. They Save Your Organization Time and Energy

Each foundation grant application takes an average of 15-20 hours to complete. Some federal grants require 100+ hours of work!

Every hour your nonprofit leader spends writing grants is an hour not spent on other aspects that move the needle: program development and implementation, board cultivation, and strategic planning. Nonprofits thrive with expert leadership and delegation skills – so why not let the experts do the grant writing?

A professional grant writer allows you to focus on what you do best. While you’re hard at work advancing your mission and serving your community, they’re handling the complex, time-intensive process of prospecting and vetting potential funders and applying for the grants. Win-win!

5. Grant Writers Know The Grant World Better Than Anyone

While you're focused on immediate needs, professional grant writers are always thinking ahead. They live and breathe grant writing and funding, so let them lead the way as you plan for the future! 

A great grant writer can identify which foundations align with your work, and they know how to help you build relationships that go far beyond a single grant application.

Best of all, grant writers often know the latest regulatory requirements and how to position your organization competitively. This means you're not just chasing grants randomly, but building a sustainable funding strategy that aligns with your organization's growth plans.

6. They Provide an Emotional Buffer from Rejection

If you’ve ever written a grant proposal, you know well the emotional cost and investment. Grant rejections are personal when you've poured your heart into writing them yourself. 

That disappointment can be crushing, and we’ve worked with plenty of leaders who give up after getting a single rejection!

Here’s the best thing about hiring a professional grant writer: they can absorb much of this emotional burden and still push ahead. They’re experienced professionals and have just enough third-party positioning to keep any result from feeling personal. 

They understand that rejections are part of the process – and they’ve learned how to use feedback to iterate and get better. This emotional buffer allows you to stay focused on your mission while they handle the ups and downs of the funding process.

7. Grant Writers are an Investment That Pays for Itself

Many nonprofit leaders initially resist hiring professional help because they're watching every dollar. 

We understand that. But think about the hidden costs of managing grants internally versus the return on investment from professional expertise.

Every poorly written application that gets rejected represents not just lost time, but a potentially damaged relationship with funders who might have been interested in a better approach. 

The investment in professional expertise often pays for itself with a single successful grant. Plus, you’ll see real value from the systems and guidance that a professional grant writer brings to your table.

Considering Hiring A Grant Writer? Let’s Chat!

Choosing whether or not to hire a professional grant writer usually comes down to a single question: What's the best use of your time and expertise?

You likely became a nonprofit leader because you're passionate about your cause and skilled at advancing your mission. Grant writing – while absolutely important in a nonprofit context – may not be where your talents are best utilized.

So why not give a grant writer a shot? See how much you stand to gain when you bring in an experienced professional who knows your field and can tell your story. Your organization’s future growth will likely thank you in the years to come!

Ready to explore how professional grant writing could transform your organization's funding potential? We'd love to discuss your specific needs and goals. Contact our team at TaylorMade Connections today to learn how we can partner with you for strategic grant management.