The Silent Saboteurs: Hiring Unqualified Grant Writers

This week’s Big Mama’s Playbook is filled with grant funding

opportunities available for individuals and organizations!

However, when you do not have a thorough understanding of

grant writing, you are more likely to hire grant writers who are

not truly qualified. This was clearly evident by the quality of

grant proposals I recently reviewed for the federal government.

As a grant reviewer, it is frustrating and sometimes excruciating

to read, digest, and provide feedback on a proposal wrought

with problems, especially one that you know, just from

experience, was written by an unqualified writer or even by

someone running a scam. All that glitters just ain’t gold… Would you believe that during one of my federal grant review experiences, my panel was assigned two grants from the same state that were undoubtedly written by the same writer. How did we know? Multiple paragraphs describing the scope of both grant proposals read EXACTLY the same, with few exceptions; it was like the writer simply used the “find and replace” tool to change the city and name of the organization and other information specific to the applicant.

Neither one was funded, yet the “writer” was probably compensated for writing

the application on behalf of both organizations, which we noted in our feedback to the

applicants, citing actual examples from our shocking discovery. And in another grant review

instance, the applicant’s resume included with the required application materials, prominently declared in very large font, that one of their skills was an “experienced” grant writer. Well okay, maybe they had grant writing experience, but NOT at the level and quality needed to submit a federal grant proposal for millions of dollars! Sadly, other individuals and agencies were identified as partnering in this applicant’s endeavor. Did they read the proposal content BEFORE it was submitted? Filled with errors and inconsistencies, clearly not fundable!

The Impact of Poor Grant Writing

Hiring unqualified (or unethical) grant writers can have severe consequences for

nonprofits. Poorly written grant proposals are less likely to be funded, which can result in

missed opportunities for crucial funding. This can hinder the organization's ability to carry out its mission and serve its community. Additionally, repeated failures in securing grants can damage the organization's reputation with funders, making it even more challenging to obtain funding in the future. This can happen for several reasons:

1. Limited Networks and Resources: From my experience, small and start-up nonprofits,

   particularly in rural areas or those led by people of color often operate in environments with limited access to professional networks and resources.
   

2. Budget Constraints: Many nonprofits operate on shoestring budgets and cannot afford to hire a top-tier (or honestly, ANY) grant writers. They may opt for less expensive options, who often turn out to be less experienced or skilled.
   

3. Misrepresentation and Lack of Standards: The field of grant writing is not uniformly

   regulated, and there are no universally accepted qualifications or certifications for grant writers. This lack of standardization means that anyone can call themselves a grant writer (like the one I mentioned earlier) regardless of their experience or skill level. Train wreck.

Building Capacity for Effective Grant Writing

To address these challenges, here are a few strategies to consider:

1. Training and Education: Investing in grant writing training for staff and board members can be a valuable long-term investment. Through Lead Like Big Mama, this grant writing series offers readers a valuable resource, along with workshops and online courses in grant writing! You can also find organizations offering courses along with certification programs. Developing in-house expertise reduces your reliance on external grant writers and improves the quality of your proposals. Grant writing can be a lucrative business.
   

2. Partnerships and Collaborations: Partnering with other nonprofits, especially those with more experience in grant writing, can provide valuable insights and mentorship. Collaborative efforts can also increase the chances of securing funding by pooling resources and expertise. Do your homework and don’t simply “attach” your name and reputation just to chase a dollar.
   

3. Utilizing Grant Writing Services with Caution: If hiring an external grant writer is

   necessary, take the time to thoroughly vet potential candidates. This includes checking references, reviewing previous work, and ensuring the grant writer has a proven track record. A potential grant writer may have limited experience yet can offer lower rates and helps to build their track record. It’s also helpful if the grant writer shares a passion for your mission and/or your community.
   

4. Leveraging Technology and Resources: Numerous online resources and tools can assist nonprofits in the grant writing process. Websites like GrantStation and Candid offer databases of grant opportunities, sample proposals, trainings, and tips for writing successful grants.

In conclusion, the lack of knowledge in grant writing poses a significant challenge for

nonprofits led by people of color and those in rural communities. By investing in training,

building partnerships, and carefully vetting grant writers, you can enhance your capacity to

secure funding and continue the vital work in our communities.

Finally, my friends, thanks to those interested in the August master class series, I need to

postpone it for another time. Life has shifts too…

In the meantime, don’t forget to check out Big Mama’s Playbook featuring MANY new grants! Feel free to forward this resource to others involved in supporting nonprofits!

Weekly wisdom, in their own words:

“Only a man who knows what it is like to be defeated can reach down to the bottom of his soul and come up with the extra ounce of power it takes to win when the match is even....”

— Muhammad Ali (1942 - 2016)