The “Full-Time Grant Writer” Myth Debunked (Plus 3 More Myths That Waste Your Nonprofit’s Resources!)

Small and medium nonprofits (those operating on budgets under $5 million) are powerhouses of passion and hard work. Built by small teams with big dreams, they achieve remarkable things on limited resources. However, managing everything—from payroll to social media to programs—often leaves staff stretched thin.

When it comes to grant writing, it’s easy to think the solution lies in hiring a full-time, in-house grant writer. After all, if grants are a major revenue source, why not have someone dedicated entirely to them?

But here’s the truth: hiring a full-time grant writer is often an expensive mistake for small and medium nonprofits. Let’s debunk the myths that might have you thinking otherwise and show why contract grant writers are the better choice.

Myth #1: An in-house grant writer knows our nonprofit better, so they’ll write better applications.

The Truth: Familiarity isn’t always an advantage.

Many nonprofits believe that an in-house grant writer’s familiarity with the organization ensures the best results. The assumption is that they’ll inherently craft stronger applications because they know the mission and programs inside and out.

Familiarity can sometimes be a double-edged sword. In-house staff overlook critical details because they assume everyone understands the organization as well as they do. Foundations and grant reviewers, however, approach your applications as outsiders. Contract grant writers bring a fresh perspective to your programs. Their external viewpoint helps highlight details that in-house staff might miss.

Also, most contract grant writers hire an independent reviewer for their applications as well. This ensures yet another set of eyes on every grant application! Learn about the benefits of an independent reviewer in my blog post: 5 Reasons Why Every Grant Writer Needs an Independent Reviewer.

Myth #2: A full-time grant writer will focus solely on grants, leading to better outcomes.

The Truth: Nonprofit staff often wear too many hats.

Let’s be real—how many employees in your nonprofit stick strictly to their job descriptions? In small and medium nonprofits, roles inevitably blur. That full-time grant writer you hire? They’ll likely end up managing newsletters, social media, or other communications tasks in addition to grants.

In contrast, a contract grant writer’s role is laser-focused: writing and submitting grant applications. They won’t get pulled into unrelated tasks, ensuring that every dollar you spend goes directly toward securing funding.

Myth #3: Grant writing is a steady stream of work, so a full-time hire makes sense.

The Truth: Grant writing is cyclical.

Nonprofits often assume that there’s always enough grant-related work to keep a full-time writer busy. Grant writing has ebbs and flows. There are periods of high demand and quieter times when fewer opportunities arise. With a full-time employee, you’re paying for their downtime as well as their productive hours.

Contract grant writers scale their involvement to meet your needs. They ramp up during busy seasons and step back during quieter periods, saving your nonprofit money without compromising efficiency. Review your grant calendar and see how a flexible approach aligns with your workload.

Why Contract Grant Writers Make Sense

We’ve busted three common myths about hiring full-time grant writers for nonprofits. While it might seem like a dedicated staff member is the best solution, the reality often tells a different story. Contract grant writers offer expertise, focus, and flexibility—all without the financial overhead of a full-time hire.

Recap

• Fresh perspectives: Contract grant writers catch details insiders might miss.

• Focused roles: They stick to grant writing—no blurred job descriptions here.

• Scalable costs: Contractors let you pay for grant writing only when you need it.

If your nonprofit wants to maximize efficiency and make the most of your budget, consider working with a contract grant writer. Ready to explore your options? Contact us today to learn how a contract grant writer can help your organization thrive.