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THE GRANT WRITING CONSULTANT:

Setting Expectations and Achieving Results

Every non-profit organization knows that they want – and need – a great grant writer in order to get the funding
they seek. The problem is, few can afford this service, which can make it difficult for those who do land a
paying grant writing job. The fact is, non-profit’s budgets are scarce and when they finally do decide to foot the
bill for a professional grant writer, they often expect far more than the writer realizes, or can deliver. That’s
why it is so very important to have a clear understanding of your client’s expectations from the start and be
completely honest and upfront about what they can – and should – expect from you.

Some of the things that you should be especially careful to discuss prior to taking on any grant writing job
include:

 Expected Results. Let’s be clear here: no grant writer, no matter how experienced, can guarantee that
their work will offer any results. That can be a scary thing for a grant writer to admit. After all, who
will want to hire you, let alone pay your rate, if they aren’t guaranteed a grant award in the end? While
that may be true, the best you can offer are solid statistics. Remember: the best grant writers (who, by
the way garner the highest rates) must write approximately six grants before landing one. That means
that those with less experience will take even longer to strike success. Many clients don’t like hearing
those odds, but that’s the truth of today’s grant writing business.

 The Deadline. Most grant writers must work with several clients at a time in order to make a decent
living. That means being honest about deadlines. Sure, it may only take 40 hours to put together a
grant, but it may take you 4 or 5 weeks to get it done because of your workload. Make sure that your
clients understand your time restrictions so they don’t feel as if their project is being set aside for
someone else’s. Another thing to remember about deadlines is helping your client’s understand that
their failure to gather the information you need in time to meet an application deadline may result in a
missed grant opportunity.

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 Responsibilities. Some grant writers write the grant only, while others research possible funders,
handle in-person interviews and site visits and even do any follow-up work necessary for a set fee. What
services you offer is up to you. Just be sure that your clients know what they are getting – and not
getting – for the price quoted.

 Working Conditions. Some freelancers work independently from their own home office, while others
find it easier to work on sight during part or all of the project. Make sure that your client understands
where you will be working (and when), and what kind of space and equipment you require if working in
their offices. It isn’t uncommon for freelancers to be shoved in any available corner with limited access
to photocopiers, computers and even phone service. If you require these items and more space to work
at peak efficiency, be sure to request it upfront.

 Payment Schedules. There are a lot of ways to be paid when you are a freelance writer. Some
freelancers require payment upfront; while others only require a deposit. Some will even wait to be paid
after the job is completed. A few grant writers even offer their services on a commission basis,
dependant on their ability to get the grant monies they seek. Be sure to clearly outline the client’s
payment responsibilities including important milestone and payment dates prior to starting work. Keep
in mind that many non-profit groups are slow to pay, so you must stay on top of the billing department,
no mater how uncomfortable it may be.

 Setting Revision Limitations. Nothing’s worse than thinking that you’re done with a project and move
onto your next one, only to pick up the phone and hear the first client asking for changes again and again
and again. The simple fact is, some clients are never satisfied. When offering a client an initial quote
for a grant writing project, be sure to include the number of revisions you will do for the set price.

While following these simple guidelines won’t ensure that you won’t run into an issue with a client, it will help
to alleviate some of the major questions and concerns that arise during any freelance writing project. The main
things every freelance grant writer must watch out for is being required to give the client more time, work and
creative energy than they signed on for – or are being paid for. This requires being as upfront and honest as you
can at the beginning of the project in order to make sure that the client ends up feeling satisfied and you don’t
end up feeling taken advantage of.

2010 Copyrighted material. Please seek permission before reprinting.


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