Are You Working with the Right Grant Consultant?

Five years into working as a grant consultant, I still have to stop and pinch myself sometimes. I’ve gotten to meet incredible people, contribute to amazing causes, and do it all while taking care of my kids (thanks to everyone who’s been patient during those moments with a screaming child in the background).

I’m also struck by how much the field has changed in that time. When I started this work, “artificial intelligence” sounded more like a bad sci-fi plot than a practical tool for fundraisers. We’ve also navigated significant economic challenges, disruptions to federal grantmaking, and major shifts in the fundraising job market.

We’ve all had to adapt quickly, and that’s not changing anytime soon. Lately, I’ve been hearing from a lot of people who are reassessing how they approach grant development, including how they engage with grant consultants.

Finding the right fit matters. Here are five questions to ask when evaluating an outside grant partner:

1. Are They a Strategic Partner, Not Just a Writer?

I describe myself as a grant consultant rather than a grant writer because writing is only one component of the job, and more often than not, it’s the most straightforward part. An effective partner handles the burden of writing but also serves as a strategic advisor, helping you identify the right funding partners, build funder relationships, and align your programs with what funders are looking for.

In a climate where grantmaking is in flux and competition for grant dollars is higher than ever, having a partner who can help you understand the landscape, pivot quickly, and take advantage of new opportunities is critical.

2. How Do They Approach New Technology?

AI is one of the most talked-about topics in fundraising and grant development right now. A good grant consultant doesn’t avoid emerging tools; they use every resource available to deliver strong results. At the same time, AI needs to be used thoughtfully. Strong processes should be in place to protect your organization’s privacy and to carefully review AI-generated content before it goes anywhere near a funder. Ask any prospective partner about their approach, and make sure it aligns with your own.

3. Do They Understand How Grants Fit Into Your Broader Fundraising Strategy?

Grants are an important revenue stream, but the healthiest nonprofits diversify their funding and engage a wide range of donors. A strong grant partner is a fundraiser at their core. They should recognize when a grant win can open doors with individual donors, corporate partners, and others, and they should see grants as complementary to, not competing with, your other fundraising channels.

4. Can They Adapt Quickly and Help You Find New Opportunities?

One of the most common problems I see in grant programs is autopilot mode: going after the same funders with the same proposals, year after year. A tried-and-true approach can feel safe, but it leaves new funder relationships and revenue streams on the table. A good grant consultant should always have a finger on the pulse of the local and national funding landscape and help your organization expand its reach where it can.

5. Do They Communicate With You Clearly and Consistently?

This one seems obvious, but it’s a surprisingly common issue. When nonprofits and their grant consultants aren’t on the same page, the result is proposals that don’t align well with funders or funding awards with outcome targets that are difficult to meet. Both scenarios can do lasting damage to funder relationships. A strong grant consultant does everything possible to stay fully aligned with your organization before anything goes out the door.

As the nonprofit world continues to evolve, these are questions worth revisiting regularly, not just when you’re bringing on a new partner. If your grant program feels stuck, use these questions as a starting point for an honest conversation about where things can improve.

If you’re ready to evaluate your grant program or are looking for a new grant consultant,

Team Kat & Mouse love to connect.