How to Locate Grant Writers and Researchers

Summary

In this insightful discussion, the speaker addresses common questions about grant research and writing, emphasizing the importance of setting realistic expectations for funding prospects. They explain that effective grant research can be conducted by anyone knowledgeable in the field, provided they understand the organization’s specific needs. The speaker also differentiates between grant researchers and writers, highlighting that compelling applications require a deep understanding of the organization. Recommendations for finding skilled professionals include networking within the nonprofit sector. Drawing on over 20 years of experience, the speaker encourages organizations to build internal capacity while seeking external support when necessary.

Takeaways

• 😀 It's important to gather comprehensive information about an organization before conducting grant research.
• 😀 Grant researchers can be effective even if they don't have a background in the specific field of the organization they are researching for.
• 😀 Realistic expectations about grant research outcomes are crucial for both researchers and clients.
• 😀 Effective communication between grant writers and organizational leaders is essential for successful grant applications.
• 😀 Not all grant writers are equally qualified; experience and the ability to convey compelling narratives are key.
• 😀 Understanding the nuances of specific grants and funders is critical to successful grant writing.
• 😀 Organizations should consider developing internal grant-writing skills to maintain capacity for future funding.
• 😀 Knowing the specific requirements and goals of a grant application is important for grant writers.
• 😀 Networking with reputable organizations and individuals can help locate skilled grant researchers and writers.
• 😀 Organizations should ask detailed questions to evaluate the qualifications and experience of potential grant writers.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the speaker's discussion?

The speaker focuses on how to locate talented grant researchers and writers, discussing their roles, expectations, and the nuances of grant writing and research.

How does the speaker suggest finding skilled grant researchers?

The speaker recommends looking through reputable nonprofit organizations, local foundations, and training programs for nonprofits to find skilled grant researchers.

What type of information does the speaker gather from organizations seeking grant funding?

The speaker collects information about the organization’s geographic region, service area, target clients, specific funding needs, fiscal year details, and annual operating budget.

What realistic expectations should organizations have regarding grant research?

Organizations should expect to receive about 8-12 strong prospects, but understand that only a portion may express interest in funding their project.

Why is it important for grant writers to understand the organization they are writing for?

Understanding the organization’s history, projects, and needs helps grant writers create compelling and competitive applications that resonate emotionally with reviewers.

Should grant research and writing be performed by the same person?

It depends on the organization and the skill set of the individuals involved. Some roles may require specialization, while others may not.

What should organizations consider when hiring grant writers?

Organizations should clarify what services they need, such as research, application writing, or post-award management, and ensure the writer has relevant experience and a strong success rate.

How does the speaker define 'success rate' in grant writing?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the context of success rates, suggesting that simply having a high percentage of accepted grants may not fully reflect the writer's capabilities or experience.

What training does the speaker recommend for executive directors regarding grant writing?

The speaker recommends that executive directors receive training in grant writing to effectively manage grant writers and understand the process better.

What is the value of having internal skills for grant writing within an organization?

Having internal skills allows organizations to maintain grant writing capacity, enabling them to be self-sufficient and better assess external contractors' work.