Nonprofits (like yours) understand that securing grants can significantly impact their ability to make a difference in their communities. Grant writing can often feel like an intimidating and time-consuming endeavor. But, with the right resources at your disposal, it doesn’t have to be.
Thankfully, there are free grant writing services that can help you navigate this challenge. These services tend to fall into two categories: do-it-yourself (DIY) and do-it-for-you (DIFY). Let’s explore both types and discuss how they can aid your nonprofit’s grant writing endeavors.
DIY services empower your organization by providing tools and resources to streamline the grant writing process. These services often include templates, training materials, and AI-based tools. Here are a few options to consider:
Grantboost
Grantboost, a freemium grant writing software, uses advanced AI to speed up the grant writing process. Powered by the state-of-the-art language model, ChatGPT, Grantboost is designed to streamline and expedite grant proposal creation. With it, you can generate professionally structured grant proposals in a fraction of the usual time. Not only does Grantboost provide an intuitive interface and easy-to-use features, but it also offers customizable templates for various types of grants. It’s a DIY service that helps ensure your content is clear and concise.
Grant Training Center
The Grant Training Center offers a wealth of free resources to support DIY grant writers. These include webinars, proposal templates, and guides that break down the grant writing process into manageable steps. The Grant Training Center is a fantastic resource for honing your grant writing skills and crafting compelling proposals that catch the attention of funders.
Grants.gov Workspace
The Workspace platform on Grants.gov is a free service that helps you manage your federal grant applications. It allows multiple team members to work on an application, with a built-in validation feature to ensure all necessary fields are filled out.
Grant Writing Templates
There are numerous websites that offer free grant writing templates. These provide a structure for your proposals, highlighting what information to include and where to place it. Templates can be a great starting point for nonprofits new to grant writing. Here’s an guide on how to structure your grant proposal templates.
While DIFY services aren’t as common in the free category, some organizations and platforms do offer such assistance. These services involve professionals writing grant proposals on your behalf. Here are some noteworthy options:
VolunteerMatch
Volunteer Match is a platform where you can find volunteers to help with various tasks, including grant writing. You’ll find professionals willing to offer their grant writing services to nonprofits free of charge. While this isn’t a traditional DIFY service, it’s a viable option for nonprofits with limited resources.
Regional Nonprofit Support Centers Many regions have nonprofit support centers that offer free or low-cost grant writing services to local organizations. These centers often have experienced grant writers on staff who can either write your proposals for you or provide significant assistance in the process. Check if such a center exists in your region and inquire about their services.
Choosing between DIY and DIFY services depends largely on your organization’s resources and needs. DIY services, like Grantboost, are a fantastic option if you have some time to devote to the process and want to retain control over the narrative and voice of your proposals. They can also be a great way to build your organization’s grant writing skills for the long term.
On the other hand, DIFY services can be a lifesaver if you’re short on time or feel out of your depth with grant writing. While they might require a bit more of a hands-off approach, they can often deliver high-quality proposals that stand a good chance of securing funding.
In the evolving landscape of grant writing, both DIY and DIFY services offer invaluable assistance. By understanding your organization’s needs, capacity, and resources, you can leverage these free services to your advantage. Whether you’re writing your own compelling narratives with Grantboost or partnering with a volunteer on Volunteer Match , the goal remains the same: securing the funding that propels your nonprofit’s mission forward.
Good luck. 🙂