Spark the Fire

Grant Writing Blog

Skills, ideas, and sometimes contrarian views for grant writers and freelance consultants who want to get better at the work, not just get through it. Centering purpose, not hustle.

Category Navigation

Filter posts by topic: click any category below.

Proposal craft, funder psychology, and the positioning choices that win.

Pricing, contracts, scope, and running a sustainable practice.

Prospecting, due diligence, and reading the fine print before you write a word.

Or search by keyword to find a specific post →

Credentialing, career moves, and staying sharp in the field.

How to Hire a Grant Writer (And What to Look For Once You Do)
Professional Growth Allison Welch Professional Growth Allison Welch

How to Hire a Grant Writer (And What to Look For Once You Do)

Most articles about hiring a grant writer are written for the people doing the hiring. This one starts with a confession: if you're a grant professional reading it, it's not for you, it's for the executive director Googling "how to hire a grant writer" at 11 p.m. with an empty pipeline and three months left in the fiscal year. Inside: the credentials that actually matter, how to read a writing sample if you've never written one, interview questions that reveal real red flags, and why win rate is the wrong way to measure performance.

Read More