Securing funding is critical for non-profits, yet the process is anything but simple. Grants are out there—abundant, even—but managing the labyrinth of applications, deadlines, and requirements? That’s a challenge most organizations aren’t equipped to handle alone. This is where hiring a grant writer becomes less of an option and more of a necessity. Finding a skilled non-profit grant writer can be daunting. But done right, it’s transformative.
Why Hiring a Non-Profit Grant Writer is Essential
Mistakes cost opportunities, and in this world, lost opportunities mean lost funding. So, why hire a professional?
Specialized Expertise
Grant writers know exactly how to decode funders’ expectations. They speak the language of grants—fluent in guidelines, fluent in outcomes.
Increased Success Rates
A professional knows how to align your mission with a funder’s priorities, significantly improving your chances of approval.
More Time for Your Team
Let your staff focus on what they do best—your mission. Leave the tedious, high-stakes grant-writing work to someone who lives and breathes it.
What to Look For in a Non-Profit Grant Writer
This isn’t about hiring someone who can string sentences together. It’s about bringing on a strategist—a professional who understands the stakes and delivers results. Here’s what separates the best from the rest:
Relevant Experience
Not all grant writers are created equal. Your organization’s needs are unique, and so is your industry. Look for someone with a proven track record in your specific field. A grant writer who’s helped arts organizations won’t necessarily excel with healthcare funding.
Research Savvy
A good grant writer doesn’t just write; they hunt. The right candidate will identify the best opportunities for your organization—grants you didn’t even know existed.
Impeccable Writing Skills
Clarity is everything. Grant proposals must be compelling without being verbose, technical without being confusing. Mediocrity won’t cut it here.
Attention to Detail
This is non-negotiable. The best grant writers ensure every “i” is dotted, every “t” is crossed, and every guideline is followed to the letter.
References and Results
Don’t settle for vague claims. Insist on concrete examples of success—proposals they’ve written, funding they’ve secured.
How to Find the Right Grant Writer for Your Organization
The process of finding a grant writer for a non-profit organization can feel overwhelming, especially when so much hinges on getting it right. Here’s how to cut through the noise and zero in on the right fit:
Start with Clarity
Before you begin the search, be clear on what you need. Are you looking for someone to handle the entire process—researching, writing, submitting? Or do you need someone to focus solely on drafting applications?
Know Where to Look
There are a lot of websites that offer professional grant writers, but not all of them are worth your time. Here are some good places to begin:
- Networks of Professionals: Ask other non-profits for leads.
- Industry Groups: The American Grant Writers’ Association is a great place to find information.
- Freelance Platforms: Sites like Upwork and LinkedIn can help you find skilled workers, but you should be ready to do a lot of research on the possibilities.
It can save you time to find a non-profit grant writer if you know where to look. And that’s valuable time that could be better spent on what your organization needs.
Conduct Thorough Interviews
More than a hiring decision, you’re interviewing to form a partnership. Ask detailed questions about their process, experience, and success rates. Pay attention to how well they understand your organization’s mission and goals.
Evaluate Samples and References
Don’t take anyone at their word. Review samples of their work and follow up with references to ensure their claims align with reality.
Choose the Right Payment Structure
Grant writers charge in various ways—by the hour, per project, or on a retainer. Avoid commission-based arrangements, which are often unethical and can jeopardize your funding.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
If you hire the wrong grant writer, it can hurt your organization in more ways than one. Keep an eye out for these things:
Inexperience in Non-Profit Do Your Job
Writing a grant proposal isn’t the same as drafting marketing copy. When making grants for non-profits, you need to know how funders set their goals.
Overpromising Results
Be wary of people who guarantee you funding. A good grant writer can help your chances, but they can’t change what funders decide.
Lack of Collaboration
The best grant writers don’t work alone. They will have to work closely with your team to get information and make sure that the proposals they make are in line with your goals.
Making the Most of Your Grant Writer Partnership

The first step is hiring a grant writer. You also need to build a good relationship that lasts. So you want to make sure you do these things:
- Give Your Grant Writer Access to Important Documents: They will need financial records, descriptions of programs, and information about the background of the group. Get these out there for everyone.
- Pick a Point Person: Choose someone on your team to be the writer’s main point of contact. This speeds up conversation and makes sure that everything is consistent.
- Be Clear About What You Expect: Agree on due dates, tasks, and metrics for success. If this isn’t aligned right, it can make both parties frustrated.
- Stay Involved: Even if you have a grant writer, what you say still matters. During the entire process, be ready to answer questions and give feedback.
Hiring a non-profit grant writer isn’t the same as outsourcing work; it’s more like adding a specialist who helps you do better. In the same way that The Quantify Group makes your financial tasks clear and precise, a skilled grant writer makes your funding efforts strategic and on track. All of these things work together to build a solid base for long-term growth.
The Stakes Are High in Non-Profit Work
Every dollar counts, every resource matters, and every decision impacts your mission. Hiring a grant writer is a strategic move—one that positions your organization for success in a competitive funding landscape.
At The Quantify Group, we’re here to help you build a solid financial foundation that complements your funding efforts. Let’s work together to ensure your non-profit is not just surviving but thriving.