GRANT WRITER COMMENT

I couldn't agree more. Hiring an outside grant writer might make sense --- in very limited situations, but is rarely the right approach and almost never the best long term solution. It's all about relationships and the wise nonprofit takes grant writing as an opportunity to build upon ... the secret to writing good grants: READ THE GUIDELINES AND FOLLOW THEM. Then, keep these two things in mind: 1) guidelines are written for applicants and not donors. You have to follow them but the donor doesn't and; 2) grant making is personal. People give to people, not to causes. So, a well written grant simply earns you the opportunity to start building that relationship.
Posted by David Zemel