Need a grant writer? Or do you actually need a full-scale fundraising strategy?

Written by Caitlin McBride, Senior Fundraising Consultant at Further Together

I was having coffee with an ED recently when she mentioned she needed a grant writer. Curious, I asked her: “How do you know that grants are what you need right now?”

She paused to think. She said didn’t actually know—she just knew that her organization was struggling with fundraising, and she thought that hiring a grant writer is “what you’re supposed to do” in that situation.

But is hiring a grant writer the best fit? Well, sometimes it is! Other times, what you really need is broader fundraising support. Let’s explore both options so you can decide what’s right for your organization.

When to hire a grant writer 

If your organization has a specific project or program you need funding for, a grant writer might be exactly what you need. Grant writers specialize in researching opportunities, writing proposals, and navigating application processes to help secure funding. 

A grant writer can be especially helpful if: 

• You have a clear project that aligns with your mission, and you know where it could fit in with a potential funder’s priorities. 

• You have strong data and outcomes (actual and/or proposed) to include in the application. 

• You’re confident your team can handle the follow-up work, like tracking outcomes, reporting to funders, and stewarding relationships. 

Grants can provide significant funding, but they’re not without challenges. To succeed, you need systems to measure your program’s success and someone who can build and maintain relationships with funders. If you don’t have these pieces in place, hiring a grant writer might feel like putting the cart before the horse.  If you have them in place already, then a grant writer may be a perfect fit! 

Also, grant writing isn’t a sprint—it’s a marathon. If you’re looking for a get-rich-quick strategy, this isn’t it. Granting bodies have their own boards, timelines, decision makers, and processes that your new grant writer will have to acclimate and adhere to. If you need to build these relationships, a grant writer may be a long-term investment. 

When to find broader fundraising support 

If your organization needs to grow its fundraising capacity, broader fundraising support might be the better option. A professional fundraiser with a generalist skillset can help you establish systems, diversify revenue streams, and create a sustainable strategy for long-term success. 

Broader fundraising support might be right for you if: 

• You’re not sure where to start with fundraising or need help creating a comprehensive plan. 

• You don’t want to be reliant on grants and want to make sure your revenue includes other streams, like individual donations or corporate sponsorships. 

• You need help setting up systems to track donors, measure impact, and communicate effectively with supporters. 

Depending on your starting point, this approach can take time to show results. However, if you have the basics in place (a CRM, a website, and donor communications), you can speed up the time it takes to get results. This option helps your organization build a foundation for growth. It’s particularly valuable if you’re trying to balance immediate needs with long-term sustainability. 

How to decide what you need 

Here are some steps to figure out the best option for your organization: 

• Look at Your Goals: If you’re focused on funding one specific project, a grant writer might be the way to go. If your goal is to grow your overall fundraising capacity, broader support is probably a better fit. 

• Assess Your Systems: Do you have the tools to track your programs’ impact, handle donor data, and follow up with funders? If not, you may need broader support to set up these systems before hiring a specialist. 

• Consider Your Resources: Grant writers should be paid for their time and expertise, regardless of whether the grant is successful (commission-based contracts are against the AFP Code of Ethics). Make sure your organization can invest in this without sacrificing other priorities. 

What’s next? 

If you think a grant writer is the right fit, take time to prepare before hiring. Get clear about what you are applying for and understand who might want to fund it, ensure you have data to include in proposals, and plan for the work required if you receive the funding. 

If broader support seems like a better match, look for someone with the skills to help you create systems, diversify income streams, and build sustainable growth. For smaller organizations, hiring a fractional fundraiser can be a great way to access expertise without the cost of a full-time hire. Fractional fundraisers also work on a retainer rather than an hourly rate, so organizations don’t have to worry about an additional cost if a new opportunity comes along or the work takes longer than expected. 

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to fundraising. By taking the time to evaluate your goals, systems, and resources, you can make the choice that best supports your mission. Whether you hire a grant writer, invest in broader support, or do both, the key is to focus on what will help your organization thrive now and into the future.