Grant Writers for Nonprofits: Find Funding Success
Grant Writers for Nonprofits : Your Secret Weapon for Winning Grants
Running a nonprofit isn’t easy. You have a worthwhile mission, people relying on the work you do, and gosh only knows what else scratching at your door to be funded. The fact of the matter is, as passionate as you are, passion alone does not = money (or pay your bills). This is the magic of grants for nonprofits, they provide you with the funds that can help sustain and grow your programs.
You must win grants….and ….winning grants is tough. Fundraisers are overwhelmed by applications, and only the most developed proposals are going to make it top. That is where nonprofit grant writers come into play. They know how to take your mission, write it in terms funders will respond to, and can substantially increase their chance of being awarded.
Here we go through everything you need to:
- The Necessity of Grants For Nonprofits
- The reason why grant writing is difficult for most organizations
- Perspective on Hiring a Grant Writer (or NOT)
- Where Can You Find Non-Profit Grants
- How platforms like NonprofitFreelancers can connect you with the right experts
Why Grants Matter So Much
Funding is the lifeblood of nonprofits. Donations and fundraising are awesome, however — they can be unpredictable. A bad month and all of a sudden you are preparing to pay the bills by selling your assets. They offer a grounding force that grants do not.
- Why Your Life Could ChangeThese things are absolute game changers in here.
- More resources: One grant can cover your whole year of project.
- Additional credibility: When other donors see that you’ve won a grant, it legitimizes your organization in their eyes.
- Growth space: At this stage of funding, you are not only thinking about keeping the lights on but long term impact.
The problem? The competition is fierce. Funders need to feel confident that the nonprofits they are giving money to are competent, organized and getting things done. It should sparkle and pop, your proposal.
Why Grant Writing Feels Overwhelming
I mean, let’s face it; most nonprofit leaders didn’t start their organizations because they spend so much time dreaming of all the paperwork they could complete. You got started in your cause because you wanted to make a difference. Grant writing is however something else entirely.
Among the challenges they see:
- Proposals — Researching, writing, editing (often weeks later)
- Business expertises: Funders expect data, measurable outcomes and budgets in their language.
- Strategy: Deciding which grants to apply for (and which are a complete waste of time) isn’t always straightforward.
How many nonprofits never wind up applying or, if they actually do apply, submit a weak proposal and are rejected. It is indeed a discouraging cycle but it does not have to remain so.
The Case for Hiring Grant Writers for Nonprofits
And this is where professional grant writers save the day. Their work is not to actually write an application. They are to prepare your nonprofit for success.
But here is a unique value that they provide.
- Knowledge of funder behavior: They can device what the reviewers want to hear and what will get a ‘pass’ straight off
- AttachemntListsResearch, Drafting and Edting as you focus on running programsTime savings
- Greater chances of success — A well-crafted persuasive application just gets funded more often.
- Long term planning – Many grant writers help you build a pipeline so that you are not chasing one grant at a time.
Think about it like this: hiring a grant writer is not spending money — it’s an investment. One winning proposal ≠ dozens of times their fee.
Where to Look for Grants for Nonprofits
So, you are convinced and ready to chase some grants. Where do you even start?
Here are some common sources:
- Government grants: Grants from federal and state funds that focus on health, education and community development.
- Private foundationsThe generosity of family and charitable foundation also comes with the recognition that their support goes to those non-profit organizations that share in their belief system.
- Corporate grants: Corporations often allocate funding for social good through CSR initiatives.
- Community foundations: These are beneficial for small, local grants that tend to be more accessible.
👉 Pro tip: If your nonprofit is still brand new, you’ll want to make sure your foundation documents are in place. Funders will often ask for things like bylaws before approving funding. If you need a head start, check out this Sample Nonprofit Bylaws Template Free.
What If You’re Starting with No Money?
I hear so many nonprofit founders ask, “Can I even start if I don’t have money in the bank?” The answer is yes—you can. It takes creativity and a little know how. While early-stage grants might help you get off the ground, you must also prove that your organization is income-generating and mission-aligned.
If you want to know more about setting it up from scratch, here is a guide on How You Can Start A Nonprofit Organization With No Money
Don’t Forget About Protection
For example, many grant applications ask whether your nonprofit carries liability insurance. Having coverage not only protects your organization but also makes you look more credible to funders. If you’re unsure where to start, here’s a simple breakdown: Nonprofit Liability Insurance: Simple Guide to Costs & Coverage.
How NonprofitFreelancers Fits In
But where the heck are you supposed to find nonprofit grant writers who deliver results — and without costing a fortune?
This is exactly why we created NonprofitFreelancers.
It is not like other freelance marketplaces that anybody who is expert in anything come here… all professionals of noprocentasion are nonprofit-centric. The result is you are not wasting time with lengthy explanations of what a 501(c)(3) or why grant funding must be used here. Rather, you get connected directly to experts who understand.
On our platform, you can:
- Hire experienced grant writers
- Access resources for Research and Funding strategies
- Join Nonprofit Compliance Experts
- Develop a roster of freelancers who are on-board with your vision
Whether you have someone write your very first grant application for you or need a partner to manage your grant pipeline of the year, NonprofitFreelancers will find the right match.
Wrapping It Up
At the end of the day, this is what every nonprofit has in common — how do we close the funding gap and continue to make a difference? But grants are a lifeline… or they should be, providing your proposals stand out from the crowd.
It is why using grant writers for nonprofits being more than just a good idea but many times the difference between plateau and growth.
So, do not stay away from full grant writing because of its complexity. You have the support you need.
👉 Want to talk with experienced consultants who can help you secure the grants your nonprofit deserves?
Visit NonprofitFreelancers to see the full scope of its offerings, and build your team now.
