If a self-proclaimed ‘expert’ wants to teach you ‘grantwriting,’ you might want to question whether they really know what they are doing. Could you be wasting your time and money?
You want grant funding, right? You’re doing vital, exemplary work in your community and you need more money to carry on. Somebody claims they’ll help you get a grant. Buyer beware if the ‘grantwriting expert’ is uninformed about these basics:
“Grantwriting” is a misnomer. Grants are awarded by grantmakers, funders who ‘write’ the grant. Are you a funder? Probably not. Probably you’re seeking a grant, so you’re a grant proposal writer, a grant developer, a grant professional, or simply, a grantseeker. But you’re not going to be ‘writing a grant’ to get a grant. You’ll be creating and submitting a proposal or an application. So, the basic terminology is off base.
More dangerous though is the false thinking that fuels this misnomer. Writing is almost the last step in the process to get grants. Writing can flow logically, beautifully, and easily but only after the planning—the thinking—has been tackled, vetted, collaborated upon, poked with a stick, tires kicked. Without planning, there’s nothing of substance to write about. The most valuable skill you can develop is ‘grant thinking’ so that ultimately your grant proposal writing is solid and successful.
The term ‘grantwriting’ insidiously encourages chasing the money—running after the elusive grant, waving a big net of words, hoping you’ll get lucky. With grant thinking you make your own luck as you deliberately pursue outcomes and impact, not just money.
It’s not magic—no special incantation, secret handshake, or lucky charm manifests grant money. It’s roll-up-your-sleeves, along with a dedicated team, work. But, when done right, it’s also empowering, connecting, validating, joyful, exciting—and successful!
The real experts are at your elbow—invite them in, get their thoughts, their wisdom, their guidance, their criticism, their support, their ‘buy-in.’ Ask countless questions, then listen. Stakeholders really have a claim in your work. Collaborations build strength and success. When your clients, your program staff, Board, and yes, the funders, help animate your vision and your plan, well then, you’re getting ‘grant ready’ to make an authentic contribution to your community. And that might seem like magic, because your focused energy can and will attract funders.
The Grantsmanship Center is not the only good source for grant training. We are the original, and the leader. For 53 years, we’ve trained 150,000+ alumni—social activists who are brilliant, ethical, and successfully making the world better. And one of them could be the perfect fit to help you. Ask lots of questions before you commit your budget. Don’t settle for somebody waving a red flag.
