Grant Writing Consultants

Grant writing consulting firms empower organizations to achieve maximum funding success
By Kristen McClung

Over $450 billion in grants will be awarded this year. Many of these will be small business grants. To successfully obtain grant funding, utilize the services of a professional grant consultant. Grant writing consultants provide writing, research and related services to make your grant proposal stand out from the competition and achieve winning results.

Grant writing experts are invaluable when your organization needs writing and research talent not available on your staff, or when you are on a tight grant submission deadline. Grant writing consultants understand how foundations award grants and are skilled in creating detailed, informative and compelling grant proposals.

Before beginning your search for grant writing specialists, it is important to define your grant writing needs. Clearly identify the goal of your services, including project scope, time frame and budget. This information will help you select the best grant writer to meet your needs.

When selecting grant writing companies, research each firm and evaluate the following:

1. What kind of experience do the grant consultants offer to maximize funding opportunities for your business or organization?

2. What services do the grant writing firms provide to differentiate your proposal in the competitive funding selection process?

3. How much should my organization invest in consultant grant writing services?

Hire grant writing consultants that specialize in your industry

Select grant writing experts who are seasoned professionals with extensive experience in your business or industry. Ask to see a list of past and present clients, and request references.
Try: 

ProposalWriter.com has experience in grant writing services for non-government grants. Research Associates focuses on proposal development for school districts and large, private, nonprofit youth organizations. ChristianGrants.com specializes in funding opportunities for Christian-based programs and organizations.

Choose grant writing companies with proven skills

Review the grant writing work of each consulting firm. Ask about value-added services each firm offers above and beyond standard grant writing and research. Request sample proposals similar in scope to your projected grant proposal submissions.
Try: 

Resource Development Associates provides examples of recent grant consultant projects, including grants, plans, presentations, workshops, data mapping, surveys and focus groups. Seliger + Associates offers comprehensive grant writing and related services, including nonprofit incorporation documentation and contract service provider program plans. Advancement Ink features an online portfolio highlighting example projects including funding proposals and cost studies.

Select grant writing consulting firms that meet your budget

Many grant writing businesses operate on an hourly billing structure. Some grant writing companies contract a flat negotiated fee for long-term client relationships. Your grant consultant cost will depend upon the scope of your services.
Try: 

Allied Grant Writers offers four grant writing proposal packages at a flat rate and guarantees a winning proposal or they will rewrite the proposal up to three times. Full Funding Services operates through project-based fees for grant writing assignments, which range from $3,500 - $10,000 depending on the proposal complexity and lead time. Rozen Consulting and Design charges an hourly fee for grant writing and research services.

• Before signing a contract with a grant writing consulting firm, ask about the firm's success rate for the type of grant your organization is pursuing. Reputable grant writing firms will provide not only the number of grants submitted, but also the percentage of grants won.
• Beware of grant writing companies that work on commission or for a percentage of the project value. Such companies rarely have the best interest of their clients in mind.