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When soliciting new grant writers, make sure to ask for references and work samples. These are probably the best indicator of how successful your new grant writer will be. While certain types of projects can be completed by a fledgling grant writer (e.g., funding for a small community organization), a proven track record is important for more complex, technical work. You will want to review the prospective grant writer's previous grant applications if at all possible. If you plan to apply for federal grants, it will be very helpful if your new hire has experience drafting proposals specifically in the federal context. The government has a complex and resource-intensive process that must be completed if your organization wishes to receive federal money. Most grant applications are long, detail-oriented, and exceedingly complex, requiring many pages detailing your organization's specific objectives and how it intends to meet them. Make sure the grant writer has the ability to write clearly, concisely, and articulately, and that their work is free of any grammatical or proofreading errors. You will want to hire someone that takes pride in their written product. A writer who has previously drafted grant applications in a similar field to the one your organizations occupies will need less time to get up to speed. After you have narrowed down the pool or prospective grant writers, you will want to sit down with each of them and assess whether or not they truly meet your organization's needs. Since you will have already vetted the writer on paper, make sure the questions you ask during the interview address the more intangible aspects of what makes a good grant writer. Try to gauge the grant writer's enthusiasm and passion for the project at hand. A writer who cares about your organization's goals will be able to write that much more compellingly to secure the funding you desire than a writer who views this as simple mercenary work. Pay attention to the questions the grant writer asks you. The more they know about your organization and the grant-writing process as a whole, the less time you will need to devote to managing them. When you have chosen the best grant writer from the bunch, take time to draft a contract that details the responsibilities of both you and the grant writer. Be sure to include timelines to establish deadlines for what needs to be done and when it needs to be done. Also be sure to outline what information you will need to provide to the grant writer and how long it will take him or her to learn about and understand your organization. Once expectations have been set on both sides, the grant writer can begin the contract for which you hired them. Best of luck in the application process!
Select a number of potential candidates to interview. Pay attention to the writer's style. Consider the writer's education and experience. Set up and conduct interviews with potential candidates. Select a candidate and begin the grant-application process.