Pamela Grow of Pamela's Grantwriting Blog, and the genius behind this article about the myths of grantwriting, asked Melanie R. Negrin, Owner & Managing Director of Merocuné Marketing & Public Relations for her advice to a nonprofit that might be in the market for a professional grant writer. Here is Negrin's reply:
"Often the best place to look for a grant consultant is through your local chapter of the Grant Professionals Association or the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Individuals who belong to these organizations are more likely to be committed to the profession for the long-term and to a specified code of ethics. They also demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional development in the field, offering their clients the most-to-date information available."For those seeking a grant professional in a specific mission focus area, i.e., health care, education or faith-based ministries, nonprofits can turn to the For GrantWriters Only learning community to identify grant professionals with these specialties by searching within "Groups." Additional grant professionals may be a part of the For GrantWriters Only LinkedIn group.
"As they establish policies and practices for working with an outsourced grant professional, board members, volunteers, and other nonprofit personnel may benefit from exploring the For GrantWriters Only learning blog. It is available to help them better define the role of a grant consultant and identify reasonable cost and performance metrics for their fundraising efforts.
"As far as costs go, I would say three models dominate: per hour, per project, and monthly/annual retainer. Often the model chosen has much to do with the range of services offered by the grant consultant, which can include everything from straightforward proposal development to strategic planning, revenue diversification, program development, evaluation, and marketing communications support. Organizations should consider the full range of services they need before selecting a consultant and have some unrestricted funds available to cover the cost of all fundraising efforts."
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