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3 Skills Your Grant Writer Must Have

Writer's picture: Bria  ArlineBria Arline

The top grant writers all have a few skills in common. Keep reading to know what skills to add to your “grant writer job description.” 


What Type of Grant Writer Do You Need?


Before we can jump into the skills your grant writer should have, you have to know what type of grant writer your organization needs. 


For instance, if your organization is new to grants and seeking relatively few and simple grants, your grant writer should have strong communication skills, some knowledge of fundraising and basic knowledge of budgets.


If your organization is seeking federal grants, you’ll want more specialized skills and experience. Based on the type of grants you need, you may want to consider hiring a consultant. The type of grants you need will also help you determine how much you should pay your grant writer


Skill #1. Industry-Specific Experience 


Often, we are taught to ask for a grant writer’s win rate. This is often a misleading question.


For instance, a grant writer may have success writing for healthcare. But, if they’ve never written for education, they won’t know the funding opportunities, program best practices or other specialized knowledge that’ll help you win funding as an education organization. 


Skill #2. Strategic Planning


Strategic planning skills play a big role in asking the right questions for and crafting successful grant proposals. 


For example, most grants require setting specific strategic goals.


A seasoned grant writer will also understand the strengths and weaknesses of your program design through a SWOT, helping you plug any gaps when possible or writing in such a way that highlights your strengths as opposed to any weaknesses. 


Skill #3. Basic Accounting


While your grant writer doesn’t need a master’s degree in finance and accounting, they do need to have a basic understanding of budgeting, financial projections and nonprofit accounting, allowing them to work synergistically with your finance department to create accurate, grant-focused budgets. 


Some reviewers only review the grant budget and budget narrative. It’s important that the grant writer knows how to create compelling, logical project budgets that support your case and know the expenses that the funder is most likely to cover. 


Sometimes, funders will require an organizational budget. Your grant writer should be able to format these expenses and revenues in a way that is easy for the funder to grasp quickly and that focuses their attention on the details that highlight your organization’s strength.


Other Skills to Consider


While it goes without saying, a grant writer should possess excellent communication and persuasive writing skills. For instance, your grant writer should know how to apply behavioral economics to grants, such as including power words in the narrative. 


In today’s ever-changing landscape, your grant writer should be up-to-date on technology that can streamline the grant writing and research process.


Conclusion


Finding the grant writer who can help you win grants to fuel your mission takes time. But following these tips can help you find an invaluable partner.  


Do you need help securing grant funding? Reach out to us today for a free consultation.

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