Grant Consulting vs. Grant Writing: What’s Right for You?
- elaine4122
- Sep 26
- 3 min read
If you’ve ever said, “We just need someone to write this grant,” you’re not alone.
But in our experience, that sentence often points to a much deeper need: clarity, strategy, structure, and support. Not just writing.
That’s where the distinction between grant writing and grant consulting becomes critical. While both services can help you secure funding, they serve very different purposes. Knowing which one is right for your organization can save you time, money, and a lot of frustration.
Let’s break it down.
What Is Grant Writing?
Grant writing is what most people think of when they’re up against a deadline and staring at an intimidating RFP. It’s tactical. Task-focused. Deadline-driven.
A grant writer typically supports you by:
Drafting and editing narratives
Formatting attachments and budgets
Packaging and preparing applications
Submitting proposals on your behalf
If your organization already has a clear strategy, a solid funder relationship, and all your documents in order, a skilled grant writer can absolutely help you bring a proposal across the finish line.
But here’s the catch: grant writers usually don’t drive the strategy. They’re focused on what to write, not which grants to pursue or how to position your organization.
That’s where grant consulting comes in.
What Is Grant Consulting?
Grant consulting is more holistic and strategic. Rather than simply writing proposals, a grant consultant partners with your team to strengthen your entire grant development ecosystem.
At Just Look Left, our grant consulting work often includes:
Grant readiness assessments
Development of custom grant calendars
Funder relationship coaching
Narrative coaching and strategic review
Post-award compliance support
Internal capacity-building for teams
Think of a consultant as your thought partner. Someone who helps you step back, look at the bigger picture, and make smart, funder-aligned decisions that position you for long-term success.
Do You Need Coaching, Writing, or Both?
Here’s a quick self-assessment to help you decide what kind of support makes the most sense:
If this sounds like you... | You likely need: |
“We keep applying last-minute and missing deadlines.” | Grant consulting to build a calendar and strategy |
“We’re new to grants and don’t know where to start.” | Grant writing coaching to build foundational skills |
“We know what we want to apply for, but don’t have time to write it.” | Grant writing support |
“Our development person is new to grants and needs guidance.” | Coaching + consulting hybrid model |
Why Grant Consulting Is a Smart Move for Many Nonprofits
If you're new to grants, or looking to build internal skills instead of always outsourcing, grant consulting for nonprofits can be a game-changer.
Here’s what coaching offers that writing alone doesn’t:
🧭 Strategic thinking: Learn how to evaluate opportunities, not just chase them
✍️ Narrative improvement: Strengthen your storytelling and tailor language to funders
📊 Capacity-building: Equip your team to write with more clarity and confidence
🤝 Fundraising alignment: Position grants within your broader development strategy
Grant coaching is perfect for:
Founders who are doing it all and want to learn as they go
Development staff transitioning into grant responsibilities
Program leads writing their first (or second) proposal
Teams that want to grow their capacity without growing their payroll
💬 Want to see if grant coaching is a fit for your team?
Final Thoughts: Choose the Support That Fits Your Stage
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to grant development. Some organizations just need help getting a proposal out the door. Others need a long-term partner to build strategy, clarity, and systems that can grow with them. Someone to walk alongside them, ask the right questions, and help build in-house capacity that lasts.
At Just Look Left, we’re happy to help you figure out which one is right for you.
🧡 Not sure what you need yet? Let’s talk it through.
