Not every client is a good fit, and sometimes it’s better to walk away than to take on a project that could harm your reputation, waste your time, or cause unnecessary stress. Freelance grant writers are no different. They are working for a client.
When to Say No as a Freelance Grant Writer
Professional freelance grant writers must train themselves to stay keen on recognizing warning signs that a client may be difficult, unethical, or simply not a good fit. Ethical organizations value honesty, compliance, and transparency. For example, do not let yourself be undervalued or abused. Below are common red flags:
Unverified Grant Eligibility – Ensure potential clients have their nonprofit status, mission clarity, and financial records before taking on a new grant writing client.
Expectations are Unrealistic – It is best to walk away from a grant-seeker who is demanding a guaranteed grant award or expecting results overnight.
Payment Delays – If a potential client hesitates in signing contracts, delays payments, or refuses to pay upfront deposits, you should see this as a sign to walk away.
Requests Are Unethical – If potential clients ask you to fabricate data or write grants they are not eligible for, do not take on this client.
Unprofessional Communication – When a client is constantly making last-minute changes, dismissing your expertise, or not valuing boundaries, it is best not to work with them on future projects.
When to Say Yes as a Freelance Grant Writer
As a freelance grant writer, knowing when to walk away is important. However, identifying stellar clients is vital. First, always find causes that are aligned with your skills. The best client relationships come when the organization and the freelance grant writer are aligned in vision, readiness, and respect. Below are green flags to look out for to ensure grant-seekers are a good fit.
Mission Alignment – Grant writers who write with passion submit the strongest grant proposals. Because of this, working with causes that resonate with your personal interests will allow your writing to shine through, helping your grant proposals stand out.
Organizational Readiness – Align with grant-seekers who are organized and prepared. Once a grant-seeker has secured nonprofit status, financials and program information should be readily available. A grant writer’s focus should be on writing compelling proposals for grant-seekers, rather than wasting valuable time repeatedly asking grant-seekers for missing details.
Professional Integrity – Ethical grant-seekers will do their part to ensure grant proposals reflect reality, not wishful thinking. Work with ethical grant seekers to align your work with meaningful and sustainable causes.
Healthy Communication – A strong client relationship is built on respect. If they respond on time, give constructive feedback, and treat you like a partner, it’s a sign they’ll be a pleasure to work with.
Fair Compensation – Clients who promptly pay deposits or retainers value and respect your expertise. When a client is ready to sign a contract and pay fairly for your expertise, you know you have found a good fit. Know what you bring to the table.
The Freelance Grant Writer: Expected Takeaway
As a freelance grant writer, protecting your time, energy, and professional integrity is just as important as securing new clients. To illustrate, saying “no” to the wrong client can open the door for aligned opportunities. When you focus your energy on working with grant-seekers who respect your professional integrity, you will cultivate relationships that align with your goals.
About GrantWriterTeam
Are you a nonprofit or small business in need of some help? If you are searching for grants but are feeling overwhelmed, hiring a grant writer may be the perfect choice for you! Grant writers thoughtfully grant opportunities and consider the pros and cons of applying and the chance of success. Consider your writer an extension of your organization. They will coach you throughout the entire process and curate the project to fit your needs. Your grant-seeking success is our priority at GrantWriterTeam.
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