Identifying and Securing Grant Writers and Other Consultants
Finding Consultants - Grant Writer and Other Resource Consultants
Screening is critical. Ask for writing samples. Get references and test the relationship by engaging the consultant on a short-term project. Larger nonprofit organizations or groups, such as the United Way, in your area might be able to provide you with referrals to talented local consultants. When faced with budget constraints, consider hiring a local college student majoring in English, Social Work, Public Administration, or other related fields to assist you with editing and/or grant preparation. Graduate students and faculty in these fields also might serve as independent consultants to your organization. Therefore, seek out support from local colleges and universities. There are some organizations that post lists of consultants online. However, these lists often are not endorsements of expertise. They tend to reflect paid membership in an organization. Nonetheless, consider the following sources in your efforts to secure consultants.
(Adapted from http://www.grantproposal.com)
Association of Fundraising Professionals - A State-by-State online directory of consultants and resource partners is found at http://www.afpnet.org. Once at the site, click on Consultants Directory to find your resource from a wide range of specialty areas.
Research Associates - A university-affiliated organization whose staff serves as adjunct professors for several universities, Research Associates has developed numerous products to assist grants development efforts including software, specialty directories, and a newsletter. It also provides training that leads to Grants Specialist certification. To identify Certified Grants Specialists by State, visit the site at http://www.grantexperts.com/national_certification_directory.htm.
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