What does it mean to be grant-proposal-ready? Is your organization grant-proposal-ready?

Hiring a grant proposal Writer does not guarantee that your grant-proposal-ready. For example, you wouldn't apply for college without transcripts, SAT scores, a financial plan, right? But, for the sake of argument, let's say that you did do just that. Would you expect an admissions counselor to handle all of that for you? Preposterous!

Grant-ready checklist

Similarly, your grant proposal Writer needs building blocks to construct the proposals. For a list of necessary documents, follow this link.

I am not to say that you can't hire a grant proposal writer in the early stages of your readiness. However, this will require vulnerability and absolute transparency on your part. You have to listen to feedback on what you don't have and take advice on how to get it.

What's your grant writer budget?

Do you have a figure in mind per hour? Or is your organization looking to hire a full-time/part-time grant writer on staff? If you don't have a budget for a grant writer and cannot afford one, I suggest approaching a college professor who teaches grant writing and proposing it as extra credit for five bucks an hour. At least you will have a credible authority (the professor) reviewing your materials.

You are ready to apply for grants.

How do I know which grants to apply for, you may ask?

You don't have to. Research is part of your grant writer's job. As long as you communicate your mission and the projects you want to raise funds for, the grant writer should do hunting for you.

Remember, always keep the communications lines open. You have to give your grant writer all the tools they need to be successful. The grant writing approval rate depends on your grant writer and you as well.