5 Reasons Why Every Grant Writer Needs an Independent Reviewer

I’m crazy detail-oriented. I make lists inside of lists and double-check my work like it’s my job (because it is). And still, sometimes I mess up. Shocking, I know—a human making mistakes.

When it comes to grant writing, this happens too. There’s always the risk of missing a document, forgetting to update a section, or overlooking a small error. That’s why a good grant writer never works alone. Every strong grant application benefits from an independent reviewer.

Here are five reasons why they’re your secret weapon.

1. They know as little as your funder does.

Your independent reviewer doesn’t know your program as well as you do—and that’s the point. Funders will be just as unfamiliar, so having someone look at your application with fresh eyes is essential. They’ll flag places where you’ve assumed too much or skipped over key details.

When you live and breathe your program, it’s easy to forget that not everyone does. An independent reviewer ensures your application speaks clearly to someone new.

2. They spot clunky sentences you’ve rewritten 20 times.

Ever stare at a sentence so long you can’t tell if it makes sense anymore? That’s where an independent reviewer comes in. They can help smooth out awkward phrases and make sure your voice is clear and professional.

Sometimes you just need someone to tell you, “Yeah, this sounds weird,” or, “This works great.” It’s a lifesaver.

3. They show you patterns in your writing.

If your reviewer consistently flags the same issues—like vague explanations, formatting errors, or weak transitions—it’s time to take note. Patterns in their feedback highlight areas for improvement. This isn’t just about fixing one application; it’s about becoming a better grant writer.

For example, if they always say, “This section doesn’t connect well,” you know to focus on your transitions in the future. It’s like having a coach for your writing.

4. They Reduce Risk—and Stress.

Grant writing is risky business. What if you miss something? What if it’s not clear enough?

Independent reviewers reduce that risk. By the time you submit, your application will have been reviewed by three sets of eyes: yours, your executive director’s, and your reviewer’s. That’s a lot of safety nets, which means less stress for you. Trust me, you’ll feel more confident hitting “submit” knowing your proposal is solid.

5. You’re Human. Mistakes Happen.

Even the best grant writers have off days. Maybe you didn’t sleep well. Maybe you’ve been staring at the same two sections for weeks. Whatever the reason, mistakes happen. That’s why independent reviewers exist—to catch what you missed when you weren’t at your best.

In the immortal words of Hannah Montana, “Everybody makes mistakes. Everybody has those days.”

Conclusion: Find Your Reviewer Today

Call a friend, find a colleague, or even hire someone if you need to. Independent reviewers don’t just make your application better—they make you better. They’ll catch the errors you missed, smooth out your writing, and help you feel confident about what you’re submitting. It’s a small investment for a big payoff.

You won’t regret it. Trust me on this one.