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By Claire Tadych, GPC
In journalism, a story is only as strong as its sources. Skilled reporters rely on trusted sources to produce accurate, polished work. Likewise, a grant professional gathers data, interviews key team members, and weaves this input into a compelling narrative that reflects the nonprofit’s mission.
The goal is a submission that aligns with funder priorities, makes a persuasive case, and stands out to even the most fatigued reviewer. Here’s how you, as a nonprofit leader, can be your grant team’s best source and collaborate to create winning proposals.
Tip 1: Offer Context
Share key materials with your grant writer in advance — annual reports, blog posts, website links, donor communications, and other content that reflects your organization. These sources help your grant professional understand your core messaging, identify gaps in the prospective grant narrative, and prepare for more focused, informed interviews with your team.
Tip 2: Go With The Flow
When your grant professional meets with you in person, the phone, or via videoconferencing, let them guide the conversation. Like a skilled reporter, your grant professional might probe aspects of your work you haven’t previously considered. Following that line of questioning can uncover powerful details that resonate with funders.
Tip 3: Check The Facts
Your grant professional is also your journalistic fact-checker. They might ask you to slow down or clarify details to ensure accuracy. This diligence helps prevent both underselling and overcommitting your organization. By double-checking facts, such as the number of people you serve, program timelines, and budget needs, your grant writer ensures the narrative is precise, credible, and funder-ready. If you’re feeling unsure about the details, it’s best to consult your organization’s records and follow up with accurate information.
Tip 4: Stay In Touch
Amid the many competing everyday priorities of your role, make time to connect with your grant professional. Stick to the timeline your grant professional sets — review drafts promptly and attend scheduled calls to keep the proposal on track for submission.
Tip 5: Be A Connector
Remember that your nonprofit is full of subject-matter experts who can serve as valuable sources for your grant professional. Bringing in teammates with deep knowledge, whether related to client success stories, IT security, or food bank operations, adds depth, accuracy, and credibility to your grant narrative.
Tip 6: Don’t Falter At The Deadline
As the submission deadline approaches, you might be tempted to step into the role of head editor. Wanting to control the final outcome, you could feel inclined to add or revise narrative sections yourself. You know your organization; a grant professional knows how to tell its story. They’ve carefully balanced word counts, funder priorities, and narrative flow. Rather than making direct edits, discuss your ideas with them.
By using these tips, you can work with your grant team like a top source in a newsroom — and create a grant proposal that stands out, aligns with funder interests, and increases your chances of funding.
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Claire Tadych, principal of Ardent Grants in Seattle, Washington, is a certified grant professional with 15 years of experience and $25.7 million in grant wins. She began her career as an editorial intern at Alaska Airlines Magazine. Her email is [email protected]
