Grant Writing vs. Grant Consulting: which service does your organization need?
When your organization needs funding, you'll likely encounter two main types of professional services: grant writing and grant consulting. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they represent distinct approaches to securing grants, each with unique benefits and considerations. Understanding the difference can help you make the right choice for your organization's specific needs and budget.
What Is Grant Writing?
Grant writing is the process of researching, preparing, and submitting grant applications on behalf of your organization. A grant writer focuses primarily on the technical aspects of proposal creation, including:
Core Grant Writing Services:
Researching funding opportunities that align with your organization's mission
Writing compelling narratives that address funder requirements
Developing project budgets and timelines
Ensuring compliance with application guidelines
Submitting proposals within deadlines
Basic follow-up communication with funders
Grant writers typically work project-by-project, charging either a flat fee per proposal or an hourly rate. They excel at translating your organization's vision into persuasive, well-structured proposals that meet specific funder criteria.
What Is Grant Consulting?
Grant consulting takes a more comprehensive, strategic approach to your organization's entire funding landscape. Grant consultants provide ongoing guidance and support beyond individual proposal writing, including:
Comprehensive Grant Consulting Services:
Developing long-term fundraising strategies
Conducting organizational capacity assessments
Creating sustainable funding pipelines
Providing staff training and development
Establishing grant management systems
Building relationships with program officers
Post-award compliance and reporting guidance
Strategic planning for future funding cycles
Grant consultants often work on retainer or long-term contracts, serving as an extension of your development team. They focus on building your organization's overall grant-seeking capacity rather than just writing individual proposals.
Key Differences at a Glance
Scope of Work
Grant Writing: Focuses on specific proposals and immediate funding needs Grant Consulting: Addresses comprehensive funding strategy and organizational development
Timeline
Grant Writing: Project-based, typically 2-6 weeks per proposal Grant Consulting: Ongoing relationship, often 6 months to multiple years
Cost Structure
Grant Writing: Per-project fees ranging from $1,000-$2,000+ depending on complexity Grant Consulting: Monthly retainers or hourly rates, typically $5,000-$20,000+ annually (at Y& we take a more bespoke approach to pricing)
Expertise Level
Grant Writing: Strong writing skills and knowledge of funder requirements
Grant Consulting: Strategic thinking, organizational development, and relationship building
When to Choose Grant Writing Services
Grant writing is ideal when your organization:
Has a specific funding opportunity with a clear deadline
Lacks internal writing capacity but has strong project management
Needs help with technical proposal components like budgets or evaluation plans
Has a one-time funding need rather than ongoing requirements
Wants to maintain control over funder relationships and strategy
Many smaller nonprofits or organizations with limited budgets find grant writing services more accessible and cost-effective for immediate needs.
When to Choose Grant Consulting Services
Grant consulting makes sense when your organization:
Seeks to build long-term, sustainable funding streams
Needs help developing overall fundraising capacity
Wants to improve internal grant management processes
Requires training for staff members who will write future proposals
Has multiple funding priorities requiring strategic coordination
Needs ongoing support for compliance and reporting requirements
Larger organizations or those with ambitious growth plans often benefit most from the comprehensive approach of grant consulting.
Hybrid Approaches: Getting the Best of Both Worlds
Many organizations find success with hybrid models that combine elements of both services:
Phased Approach: Start with grant writing for immediate needs, then transition to consulting for long-term strategy development.
Collaborative Model: Work with a grant writer for proposal development while engaging a consultant for strategic planning and capacity building.
Training Plus Writing: Hire a consultant to train your team while also providing writing support during the learning process.
Questions to Help You Decide
Before choosing between grant writing and consulting services, consider these key questions:
What's your timeline? Immediate funding needs may require grant writing, while long-term goals benefit from consulting.
What's your budget? Grant writing typically requires lower upfront investment, while consulting may provide better long-term value.
What's your internal capacity? Organizations with strong project management may only need writing support, while those needing comprehensive development benefit from consulting.
What are your funding goals? One-time projects may need only writing services, while ongoing programs require strategic consulting.
How important is knowledge transfer? If you want to build internal capacity, consulting provides more training and development opportunities.
Making the Right Choice for Your Organization
The decision between grant writing and grant consulting isn't always either/or. The best choice depends on your organization's current needs, resources, and long-term goals. Consider starting with a needs assessment to identify gaps in your current grant-seeking capacity.
Whether you choose grant writing services for immediate proposal support or grant consulting for comprehensive strategy development, the key is finding a professional who understands your organization's mission and can help you achieve your funding goals effectively.
Remember that successful grant seeking is about more than just writing compelling proposals—it's about building sustainable funding relationships that support your organization's mission for years to come. The right service provider will help you not just secure funding, but build the capacity to continue securing funding independently in the future.
Ready to Get Started?
If you're still unsure which approach is right for your organization, consider scheduling a consultation to discuss your specific needs. A qualified grant professional can help you assess your current situation and recommend the most effective path forward for your funding goals.
Need help determining whether grant writing or consulting services are right for your organization? Contact YesAndGrants.com today for a free consultation and let us help you develop a funding strategy that works.