What It’s Like to Work with a Grant Consultant
Until I launched my consulting business, grants were a “bonus” part of many of my previous positions. As in, “Oh, that whole list of your job responsibilities? Make sure you also prepare and submit all our grant applications and reports.” That includes when I was running a nonprofit—as a result of pandemic-related layoffs, the grant program had fallen to me, in addition to all the other hats I had as Executive Director.
So I understand just how overwhelming grants can feel. Every funder is a unique flower, with their different portals and compliance requirements, and that’s without even getting into character limits and support material requirements and and and… And I’m a detail person! But I had too many other details to worry over, and I felt like I was losing what free time I did have to grants.
Knowing that feeling, I went into business with the goal to take grants off my clients’ plates so they could get back to the important work of supporting their communities. In this post, I’m shedding light on what it’s like to work with a grant consultant. Working with me means you don’t have to go it alone: you gain a thought partner, strategist and writer. Want to come along for the journey? The named services I mention below can all be found on the Services page of my website.
Getting to know each other
Before we can work together, we need to get to know each other. I’m a firm believer that successful fundraising is all about relationships, and that starts with me understanding your nonprofit and your team. In an intro call, I’ll find out where you’ve been, where you are now, and where you want to go—both in terms of your nonprofit’s mission and your grant program. I spend this time listening, then I offer my insight on how I can help you accomplish your goals.
If we seem to be a good fit, we’ll discuss your timing and budget, then agree on a specific scope of services and payment schedule. We may also complete a brief grant readiness assessment (Pack Your Bags) to be sure you have all the materials you need to pursue grants.
Building your grant strategy with a consultant
When I first work with a new nonprofit client, I like to begin with a funding strategy (Plan Your Stops). Grant proposals require too much time and effort to apply to ones that aren’t a great fit. And no program will be successful if you’re chasing from one deadline to the next. Using information you provide about your current grant pipeline, I dig into grant databases to build a tailored roadmap of opportunities, supported by a timeline and steps you need to take before applying.
For other clients who may not want to commit to hiring a consultant for the long term, we might start with an audit of your grant workflow (Increase Your Mileage). I’ll spend time getting to know your grant program and team, then deliver a streamlined workflow, clear standard operating procedures, and the peace of mind that you’re set up to efficiently and effectively manage your grant program with your current team.
Grant writing and management services
In addition to strategy and research, my services also include grant writing and management (Your Grant Co-Pilot). Some clients find they just need editing on a grant application they’ve already prepared (which means I can whip out my red pen!!), while others need my assistance from the very beginning with a specific grant or set of grants.
Grant management is the whole kit and kaboodle, where I provide ongoing support for applications, compliance, and reports, helping you manage deadlines and funder relationships, and completing ongoing prospect research. Reviewing your grant pipeline, we agree on a scope of services (often on a retainer basis), and I take it from there. My goal is to help you build a sustainable, strategic grant program that supports your organization year after year.
Collaborative work and specialization
As your grant consultant, I see myself as a translator and storyteller. You and your team provide the data, client stories, and program details, and I shape compelling applications that stay true to your voice. Using a detailed project timeline, I ensure we stay on track with internal and external deadlines. We work together in real time on drafts, with your approval being critical at every step of the way.
We each have our expertise in this work: you and your team are the subject matter experts, while my specialization in grants means I have additional education and resources: subscriptions to databases like Instrumentl (affiliate link), relationships with grant professionals across the country, and dedicated training opportunities. I also maintain a Grant Professional Certified (GPC) credential, a nationally recognized accreditation for grant professionals.
What to ask yourself before hiring a grant consultant
If you’re considering hiring a grant consultant (whether me or one of my excellent colleagues around the country), consider a few questions.
What is prompting you to bring on a grant consultant now? Has your organization missed grant application or report deadlines? Do you have a deadline coming up that you’re concerned you won’t be able to meet without help?
Does your grant program have a strategic direction? If not, why?
How much time do you and your staff currently devote to your grant program?
Have you worked with a fundraising consultant or other external consultant in the past? If so, what worked or didn’t work about that relationship? How could you structure a successful consultant relationship in the future?
Who is the decision maker in your organization? What buy-in do you need from your board or executive committee?
Do you have the budget to hire a consultant? To what extent will the consultant be involved in your grant program? For instance, are there applications you’ll continue to handle in-house?
Let’s hit the road together!
Grants don’t have to feel like a detour from your mission. With a clear map and a trusted co-pilot, your grant program can become a reliable, strategic source of funding rather than a last-minute scramble.
If this sounds like the kind of support your nonprofit needs, I’d love to connect. Schedule an intro call, and let’s talk about how we can lighten your grant load and get you back to the work you care about most.