nonprofit consulting

From Grant Writer to Nonprofit Consultant: Expanding Your Services to Serve the Whole Client

 
 

A few years ago, I was working with a grant writing client who clearly needed help with fundraising beyond grants. His direct mail appeals weren't working, and from time to time I'd give him pointers—pro bono, just because I could see the gap.

Eventually, he asked me directly: "Can your company provide fundraising services too?"

We couldn't. Not then. We didn't have the capacity or the expertise to take that on responsibly.

But the question stayed with me. Here was a client I understood deeply—his mission, his challenges, his community. I was already analyzing his organizational capacity for every grant proposal. I could see what he needed. And I had to send him elsewhere to get it.

I know you've been there.

You're midway through a grant proposal when you realize something: this organization needs more than grant writing help. Maybe their strategic plan is five years old and gathering dust. Maybe they're entirely grant-dependent with no individual donor program to speak of. Maybe their board doesn't understand their fundraising role—or worse, their governance role.

You see the gap. You could refer them to another consultant. But what if you could fill that gap yourself?

This is the quiet career evolution happening across our profession. Grant writers are becoming nonprofit consultants—not by abandoning grant writing, but by expanding around it. The logic is simple: we already understand these organizations deeply. Every needs statement requires us to analyze root causes. Every proposal forces us to assess organizational capacity. Every budget reveals financial health (or lack thereof).

We're already doing organizational analysis. We just don't always name it that way.

The question isn't whether you can expand your services. It's how to do it responsibly and well.

Why Grant Writers Are Uniquely Positioned for Nonprofit Consulting

Grant writing is fundamentally an analytical profession. To write a compelling proposal, you must understand:

  • Mission alignment: How programs connect to organizational purpose

  • Community insight statement: The root causes behind the problems your client addresses

  • Organizational capacity: Whether the nonprofit can actually deliver what it promises

  • Financial sustainability: How the budget reflects true costs and long-term viability

  • Outcomes and evaluation: What success looks like and how to measure it

These same competencies form the foundation of nonprofit consulting. The grant professional who can assess whether an organization is ready for a federal grant has already evaluated governance, financial systems, and programmatic capacity. The leap to offering those assessments as standalone services is shorter than it appears.

And here's what I've observed through years of hosting expert panelists in webinars: consulting firms that provide an array of services tend to perform better than those offering grant writing alone. But there's an important nuance—they typically accomplish this by hiring or partnering with experts in other areas, not by one person trying to learn everything themselves.

This points to a different model than "become an expert in everything." It might mean partnering with a strategic planning facilitator and cross-training each other. It might mean building a referral network where you can serve clients holistically through trusted colleagues. Organizations like Funding for Good have built successful models around this kind of collaborative approach.

The solopreneur who tries to master strategic planning, fund development, board governance, evaluation, and financial management all at once may be setting themselves up for mediocrity in everything rather than excellence in a few things.

The AI Factor: What Remains Uniquely Human

Let's name something that's shaping this conversation: AI is changing grant writing. Tools can now draft proposals, summarize RFPs, and generate boilerplate language faster than any human.

So what remains uniquely human in our work?

Understanding the complexities of nonprofits and meeting them where they are.

As a consultant, I've come to see my role as becoming part of each client's journey for a while. My goal is to elevate their work as best I can during our time together. I know I'm not going to be with them forever—and I don't think I should be. Part of serving clients well is knowing when to move out of the way so someone else can take them to the next level, whether that's because of my own capacity limitations, my expertise boundaries, or sometimes simply because the nonprofit needs to hear something from a fresh voice.

This relationship-based consulting—the facilitation, the organizational understanding, the ability to read a room and know what a board needs to hear—is precisely what AI cannot automate. The strategic thinking that synthesizes mission, community context, organizational culture, and funder priorities into a coherent path forward requires human judgment and human relationship.

Expanding into consulting services isn't just a business diversification strategy. It's a way to lean into what makes our work meaningful and irreplaceable.

That said, understanding AI is also valuable. Grant professionals who want to leverage AI tools effectively while maintaining the human elements that matter most might consider programs like Kellogg Executive Education's AI Portfolio at Northwestern University.

Common Client Needs That Go Beyond Grant Writing

If you've been writing grants for any length of time, you've encountered these situations:

Strategic Planning Gaps

You see the need when: The client can't articulate priorities. Everything is urgent. Programs don't connect to a cohesive mission. The strategic plan—if one exists—bears no relationship to what the organization actually does.

The service opportunity: Strategic planning facilitation, mission clarification, theory of change development, and program alignment consulting.

Fund Development Deficiencies

You see the need when: The client treats grants as their entire fundraising strategy. No individual donors. No major gift prospects. No annual fund. Just a desperate scramble from grant deadline to grant deadline.

The service opportunity: Fund development planning, fundraising diversification strategy, donor cultivation systems, and case statement development.

Board Development Challenges

You see the need when: The board is disengaged or confused about their role. They don't fundraise. They don't govern. They show up to meetings (sometimes) and approve whatever staff puts in front of them.

The service opportunity: Board governance training, board recruitment strategy, fundraising role clarity, and board self-assessment facilitation.

Evaluation and Outcomes Measurement Weaknesses

You see the need when: The client can't answer "what difference did you make?" They have no outcomes data, no evaluation system, no way to demonstrate impact beyond anecdotes.

The service opportunity: Logic model development, outcomes measurement system design, evaluation planning, and impact reporting frameworks.

Nonprofit Financial Management Issues

You see the need when: Budgets don't make sense. The client doesn't understand indirect costs. Cash flow is a mystery. They're not sure how much programs actually cost to run. The program budgets aren't itemized, but rather just a percentage of the organizational budget.

The service opportunity: Financial sustainability planning, true cost analysis, budget development training, and cash flow management consulting.

How to Build Skills for Expanded Nonprofit Consulting Services

Here's the honest truth: seeing a need and being qualified to address it are two different things. The grant writing profession has a credentialing system for a reason. If you're going to expand your services, you need to invest in building genuine competence.

Training for Strategic Planning Facilitation

The skill here isn't just knowing what goes in a strategic plan—it's facilitation. You need to learn how to guide a group through a process, manage competing voices, and help an organization reach decisions that will actually stick.

Where to get trained:

How to build experience:

  • Shadow an experienced facilitator on two or three engagements

  • Co-facilitate with a seasoned consultant who can mentor you

  • Volunteer to facilitate planning for a small nonprofit to build your skills before charging for them

Training for Fund Development Planning

This is about understanding how all the fundraising pieces fit together—grants, individual donors, major gifts, events, planned giving—and helping an organization build a realistic, diversified strategy.

Where to get trained:

Training for Board Development

Nothing teaches board dynamics like serving on boards yourself. Beyond personal experience, formal training helps you guide others.

Where to get trained:

How to build experience:

  • Serve on nonprofit boards yourself (this is invaluable firsthand experience)

  • Observe board meetings as a consultant to understand different governance styles

Training for Program Evaluation

This is increasingly essential as funders demand evidence of impact and grant proposals require stronger evaluation plans.

Where to get trained:

How to build experience:

  • Partner with an experienced evaluator on a project to learn the craft

  • Start by strengthening evaluation sections of your grant proposals, then expand from there

Training for Nonprofit Financial Management

The goal isn't to become a CPA—it's to understand nonprofit finance well enough to help organizations make better decisions and write stronger grant budgets.

Where to get trained:

When Expanding Isn't Right for You

Here's something most "grow your business" articles won't tell you: not every grant writer should become a nonprofit consultant.

Facilitation is an art in its own right, just like public speaking. An introvert who thrives behind the scenes crafting compelling narratives may not be the best person to stand in front of a board and guide them through a contentious strategic conversation. And that's okay.

Some grant professionals love the craft of writing—the research, the synthesis, the satisfaction of a well-constructed proposal. They don't want to facilitate retreats or coach executive directors or navigate board dynamics. That's a valid choice, not a limitation.

If you recognize yourself in this description, the answer isn't to force yourself into consulting. The answer is to build a strong referral network of trusted colleagues who do that work well. When your client needs strategic planning help, you connect them with your facilitator colleague. When they need board development, you know exactly who to call.

This serves your clients just as well—maybe better—than trying to do everything yourself at a mediocre level. And it keeps you doing work that energizes rather than drains you.

The grant writing profession needs excellent writers who stay excellent writers. Don't let anyone convince you that expansion is the only path to professional growth.

Ethical Considerations When Expanding Your Grant Writing Practice

For those who do want to expand, here's what keeps me up at night about this trend: how do you ethically provide a service you're still learning?

I don't have a perfect answer, but I have guidelines that have served me well.

Be Transparent About Your Experience Level

If you're building competence in a new area, tell your client. "I've facilitated three strategic planning processes, and here's what I learned" is very different from "I'm an expert in strategic planning." Clients deserve to know what they're getting.

Price Your Services Accordingly

If you're still learning, your fees should reflect that. A pilot rate while you build your portfolio is fair to everyone. As your experience grows, your rates can grow with it.

Know When to Partner or Refer

There's no shame in saying "I can help with pieces of this, but I'd like to bring in a colleague who specializes in this area." Subcontracting or partnering with experts while you learn is smart, not weak. And sometimes the most ethical choice is a referral to someone better qualified.

Start with Lower-Stakes Engagements

The complexity of a 50-person organization with a $5 million budget is very different from a startup nonprofit with a volunteer board. Build your skills where the stakes are lower before taking on high-complexity clients.

Stay in Your Lane Until You're Ready

If you've never facilitated a strategic planning process, don't pitch one to your biggest client. That's not fair to them or to you. Build competence intentionally before expanding your service offerings.

Meaningful Grant Writing and Meaningful Consulting

At Spark the Fire, we talk about meaningful grant writing—work that goes beyond mechanics to genuine impact, that serves community needs rather than just organizational budgets, that treats grant seeking as mission fulfillment rather than money chasing.

The same philosophy applies to consulting. Meaningful nonprofit consulting isn't about padding your revenue streams. It's about recognizing that the organizations we serve have interconnected needs, and that addressing root causes creates more lasting change than treating symptoms.

When you help a client develop a real strategic plan—one they actually use—you're not just adding a service line. You're helping them become the kind of organization that funders want to invest in, that staff want to work for, that communities trust to deliver on promises.

When you help a board understand their governance role, you're not just running a training. You're strengthening the foundation that everything else rests on.

This is what it means to serve the whole client. Not because it's profitable (though it can be), but because it's what nonprofits actually need to thrive.

The Business Case for Becoming a Nonprofit Consultant

Beyond the mission-driven reasons, expanding from grant writing to nonprofit consulting offers practical benefits for your career:

Diversified revenue streams: Grant writing is often project-based. Consulting services like strategic planning, board retreats, and fund development planning provide additional revenue opportunities that aren't tied to grant cycles.

Deeper client relationships: When you serve multiple needs, you become a trusted advisor rather than a vendor. This leads to longer engagements, more referrals, and more sustainable income.

Professional growth: Learning new skills keeps your work interesting and positions you as a thought leader in the nonprofit sector.

Greater impact: When you can address the root causes of organizational dysfunction—not just write a grant despite them—you help nonprofits become genuinely stronger.

Comprehensive Nonprofit Management Certificates

If you're considering a broader foundation in nonprofit management—or want a credential that signals competence across multiple areas—these university certificate programs offer comprehensive training:

Prestigious/Executive Programs

Graduate-Level Certificates

Accessible/Professional Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I call myself a nonprofit consultant without a specific credential?

Yes. Unlike "CPA" or "attorney," "nonprofit consultant" isn't a protected title. However, specific credentials like GPC (Grant Professional Certified), CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive), or CNP (Certified Nonprofit Professional) signal competence in particular areas and build client trust.

How do I price consulting services versus grant writing?

Consulting services like strategic planning facilitation, board retreats, and fund development planning are typically priced as flat project fees or daily rates rather than hourly. Research market rates in your region and price according to your experience level.

Should I stop offering grant writing services when I expand into consulting?

Not necessarily. Many consultants find that grant writing remains their core service, with consulting offerings complementing it. The grant writing work often surfaces the consulting needs.

How long does it take to build competence in a new service area?

This varies by service and your learning approach. Expect to invest one to two years of intentional skill-building—through training, shadowing, and lower-stakes engagements—before offering a new service confidently.

Is it better to learn new skills myself or partner with other experts?

Both models work. Firms that offer an array of services often succeed by hiring or partnering with specialists rather than having one person master everything. Consider building partnerships where you cross-train each other—you teach grant writing fundamentals, they teach facilitation techniques. This collaborative model may serve clients better than the solo generalist approach.

Moving Forward: Your Path from Grant Writer to Nonprofit Consultant

Grant writers are uniquely positioned to serve nonprofits holistically. We already understand mission, programs, finances, and capacity. We already know how to ask hard questions and synthesize complex information. We already care deeply about these organizations succeeding.

The path from grant writer to nonprofit consultant isn't about abandoning our craft. It's about recognizing that our craft has prepared us to offer more—and then doing the work to offer that "more" responsibly.

Whether you expand your own skills, build partnerships with complementary experts, or strengthen your referral network to serve clients through trusted colleagues, the goal is the same: meeting nonprofits where they are and helping them get where they need to go.

Your clients are already showing you what they need. The question is whether you're ready to meet them there.

Join the Conversation

We'd love to hear from you. What training programs or resources have helped you level up beyond grant writing? Or does the idea of branching into consulting feel scarier than exciting right now? Whether you're already offering expanded services, still building skills, or happily staying in your grant writing lane, your perspective matters. Share your experience in the comments.

How Grant Consultants Can Give Constructive Criticism Without Losing Trust

 
A man participating in a trust-building exercise, symbolizing how grant consultants strengthen client relationships and build trust in the grant writing process.

As grant consultants, we often face a delicate challenge: we see organizational gaps right away—websites that don’t inspire credibility, outreach that misses whole audiences, or budgets that simply don’t add up. But how do you tell a client this without sounding critical of their “baby”?

Constructive criticism is part of our job. Yet it can feel risky, especially when working with founders or leaders deeply attached to their work. The solution isn’t about softening the truth—it’s about changing how we deliver it.

Two Common Scenarios Consultants Face

Imagine this: You’re working with a founder who started a nonprofit after the tragic death of their child. In the early years, that story was central to the organization’s mission, and it remains deeply personal for the founder. But now, a decade later, the nonprofit has grown and is making a significant impact in its field—an impact no longer directly tied to that original story. The organizational description, however, still leans heavily on the founder’s personal tragedy. As a consultant, you can see the disconnect right away: funders want to understand the organization’s current reach and measurable results, not just its origin story. But how do you say that without diminishing the founder’s grief, or the powerful legacy they’ve built?

Or here’s another example: An organization calls you up for help, and you go to their website to learn more. Immediately, you notice that the homepage is all about how to donate—but there’s almost nothing about what the organization actually does. You know funders will be frustrated by this lack of clarity, but telling the organization flat-out could raise their defenses rather than helping them move toward providing a clearer picture of the value of the organization.

Two powerful frameworks can help: motivational interviewing and appreciative inquiry. These approaches help clients discover their own insights, making feedback feel like a partnership instead of judgment. They also position you as an ally and thought-partner rather than the enemy, which is critical in the early weeks of a consulting relationship. Establishing yourself this way signals that you’re not just there to take orders or nod along—you’re there to bring expertise, perspective, and candor in service of the organization’s growth. In other words, you want to show up as a consultant and thought leader, not as a lackey or yes-person.

Why Feedback Feels So Hard in Grant Consulting

Most of us have been there: a new client is excited about funding opportunities, but within minutes you notice red flags—an unclear mission, no evaluation plan, or communication channels that exclude whole populations. You know these issues will block them from winning grants, but blurting that out can backfire.

The tension is real:

·       Clients are proud of their organizations.

·       Funders expect professionalism and readiness.

·       Consultants are caught in the middle.

That’s why techniques that focus on curiosity, reflection, and respect are so valuable. Instead of “criticizing,” we can invite clients to think differently about grant readiness and their communication with funders.

Motivational Interviewing in Grant Consulting: Moving Through Ambivalence

Motivational interviewing was developed in the 1980s by psychologists William R. Miller and Stephen Rollnick, initially as a counseling approach for addiction treatment. Since then, it has been widely adapted for health, education, leadership, and coaching—anywhere people face resistance to change.

In fact, motivational interviewing has made its way into the business and leadership shelves of major bookstores. Miller and Rollnick’s Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change (a perennial bestseller in psychology and coaching) lays the foundation. Other leadership-oriented works, like John Whitmore’s Coaching for Performance and Michael Bungay Stanier’s The Coaching Habit, echo motivational interviewing’s emphasis on open-ended questions and drawing out solutions rather than prescribing them.

In leadership contexts, motivational interviewing has been used to help executives navigate resistance to change, build teams’ intrinsic motivation, and align personal values with organizational goals.

For grant consultants, the lesson is clear: we can borrow from these proven leadership practices. Instead of telling clients what’s wrong, we invite them to reflect on what they want funders to see, how their current systems measure up, and what changes they’re willing to make.

Core Principles of Motivational Interviewing

Motivational interviewing rests on four core principles that translate beautifully into consulting. At its heart, it is about expressing empathy—listening without judgment so clients feel heard rather than corrected. It also emphasizes developing discrepancy, or what I like to call dissonance -- gently helping people see the gap between where they are and where they want to be. Rather than confronting resistance, motivational interviewing encourages us to roll with it, treating pushback as a signal to explore further rather than to argue. Finally, it underscores the importance of supporting self-efficacy, reinforcing the client’s belief that they are capable of making meaningful changes.

The OARS Technique

One of the most practical ways to put these principles into action is through what practitioners call the “OARS” technique:

  • Open-ended questions

  • Affirmations

  • Reflective listening

  • Summaries

Motivational Interviewing Example in Practice

These principles may sound abstract, but they come to life in everyday consultant communication. The key is shifting from statements that tell clients what’s wrong to questions that invite them to reflect on what they want and how well their current systems align with those goals. By phrasing feedback as curiosity instead of critique, motivational interviewing helps clients uncover the gaps themselves—making them far more open to change.

Instead of saying:

“Your website is too cluttered for funders.”

You might ask:

“When a funder visits your site, what do you most want them to notice first? How well do you think your current design supports that?”

This gentle reframing helps the client articulate the problem themselves—and people are much more likely to act on their own insights.

Appreciative Inquiry in Grant Consulting: Building on Strengths

Appreciative inquiry was created in the mid-1980s by organizational scholars David Cooperrider and Suresh Srivastvaat Case Western Reserve University. It emerged as an alternative to traditional “problem-solving” models of organizational development, focusing instead on amplifying what works.

Over time, appreciative inquiry has shaped the field of organizational change and leadership. Cooperrider’s book Appreciative Inquiry: A Positive Revolution in Change helped popularize the method, and Diana Whitney and Amanda Trosten-Bloom’s The Power of Appreciative Inquiry has become a go-to resource for leaders and consultants looking to create energizing, strengths-based cultures.

In practice, AI is used in:

·       Strategic planning – guiding teams to dream big and design based on strengths.

·       Leadership development – helping leaders focus on what brings life to their organizations.

·       Culture change – shifting from deficit-based conversations (“what’s wrong here?”) to generative ones (“what gives this team energy?”).

For grant consultants, the lesson is that we can frame our feedback in ways that celebrate and extend existing strengths. By spotlighting what’s already effective, we help organizations build confidence while also inspiring practical improvements.

The 5-D Cycle of Appreciative Inquiry

Appreciative inquiry is often practiced through what’s known as the 5-D Cycle, a process that guides organizations from reflection to action. It begins with Define, clarifying the focus of inquiry and setting the stage for what the group wants to explore. From there, the Discover phase invites participants to share stories and insights about what already works well. Building on those strengths, the Dream phase encourages people to imagine what could be possible if the organization were at its best. Next comes Design, where the group begins shaping practical strategies and structures to bring that vision to life. Finally, the Destiny (or Deliver) phase focuses on sustaining momentum and embedding the changes into daily practice.

Appreciative Inquiry Example in Practice

For example, imagine working with a nonprofit board that feels discouraged after several declined grant applications. Using the 5-D Cycle, you might start by helping them define the focus of your conversation—perhaps strengthening their overall grant readiness. In the discover phase, you’d ask them to recall a time when their organization successfully built a strong partnership or secured funding, and explore what made that work well. Then, in the dream phase, you’d invite them to imagine what it would look like if every funder relationship felt that strong. Moving into design, the group could brainstorm concrete practices—such as clearer impact reporting or stronger community engagement—that would move them closer to that vision. Finally, in the destiny/deliver phase, you’d help them commit to small, sustainable steps to carry the momentum forward.

Instead of saying:

“You’re missing a lot of your audience by only using social media.”

You could say:

“Your social media presence is vibrant and engaging. How could we build on that same strength to reach people who aren’t online?”

Appreciative inquiry reframes the conversation as an opportunity rather than a deficiency.

Motivational Interviewing vs. Appreciative Inquiry

Comparison table showing motivational interviewing versus appreciative inquiry in grant consulting.

 Both approaches rely on open-ended questions, consultant communication skills, and respect for clients—but they shine in different settings.

From Criticism to Curiosity: Practical Examples

Here’s how feedback can shift when reframed through motivational interviewing or appreciative inquiry:

Table with practical examples of consultant feedback reframed using motivational interviewing and appreciative inquiry.

Case Story: The New Nonprofit

A consultant I worked with recently faced a dilemma: her client, a nonprofit less than a year old, wanted her to write major grant proposals. Her instinct was to say, “You’re not ready.”

Instead, she asked:

“If a funder awarded you $50,000 tomorrow, how would you track the money, report outcomes, and share results with your board?”

The board realized immediately that they lacked systems for accounting, data collection, and evaluation. The conversation ended not with defensiveness but with a shared commitment to building infrastructure first.

That’s the power of asking the right question.

Case Story: The Donation-Heavy Website

Earlier, we considered an organization whose homepage was dominated by donation appeals but offered little explanation of its programs. One consultant I know faced this exact situation.

Rather than bluntly saying, “Funders won’t understand what you do,” she asked: 

“If a grantmaker landed here today, what would they learn about your mission and results?”

That simple question flipped the conversation. The organization quickly saw the issue themselves and shifted to presenting a clearer picture of their impact.

Consultant Takeaways

·       Clear is kind. Avoiding feedback helps no one. Being vague or withholding tough observations only delays growth. Clients appreciate honesty when it’s delivered with care and respect.

·       Choose your approach: use motivational interviewing when resistance is high, and appreciative inquiry when momentum is needed. Motivational interviewing helps navigate defensiveness in one-on-one settings, while appreciative inquiry energizes teams when it’s time to envision a stronger future.

·       Keep clients in the driver’s seat—insight sticks when it’s theirs. Change is most sustainable when clients feel ownership of the solution. Guide them with questions that let them see the gaps and opportunities themselves.

·       Frame feedback as partnership: you’re helping their baby grow, not tearing it down. Position yourself as an ally and thought-partner, building trust and credibility early in the consulting relationship.

FAQs

What’s the difference between motivational interviewing and appreciative inquiry?
Motivational interviewing focuses on resolving ambivalence and guiding individuals toward change. Appreciative inquiry emphasizes strengths and collective visioning. Both use curiosity and open-ended questions but in different contexts.

How do I give feedback without offending my client?
Reframe feedback as a question. Instead of pointing out flaws, invite reflection: “What would you want a funder to see first?” or “How might we extend what’s already working?”

What is a grant readiness checklist?
A grant readiness checklist is a tool consultants use to assess whether an organization has the systems, documents, and capacity needed to apply for and manage grants effectively. It covers governance, finances, program evaluation, and communication.

What is an example of motivational interviewing in consulting?
Asking a client, “When a funder visits your site, what do you want them to notice first?” instead of telling them their website is confusing is a practical application of motivational interviewing in grant consulting.

What are examples of appreciative inquiry questions for nonprofits?
Some appreciative inquiry questions that work well with nonprofit boards or staff include: “When has our organization been at its best, and what made that possible?” “What strengths do we bring to partnerships that funders value most?”and “What would it look like if our impact were even greater five years from now?” These questions keep the focus on strengths while sparking ideas for future growth.

How do consultants use motivational interviewing in leadership coaching?
In leadership coaching, consultants use motivational interviewing to help leaders explore resistance to change, clarify their goals, and build confidence in their ability to act. For example, instead of prescribing solutions, a consultant might ask: “What kind of leader do you want to be seen as during this transition?” or “What do you think your team needs most from you right now?” This approach deepens reflection and helps leaders commit to their own strategies for growth.

Final Thoughts

Constructive criticism doesn’t have to feel harsh. By drawing on motivational interviewing and appreciative inquiry, consultants can ask powerful questions that help clients discover their own gaps and strengths. Feedback becomes less about judgment and more about partnership.

At the end of the day, clients hire us not just to write grants, but to help them grow into stronger, more fundable organizations. That’s the real work—and it starts with the right questions.

Call to Action

At Spark the Fire Grant Writing Classes, we don’t just teach you how to write grants—we prepare you to thrive as a confident, trusted consultant.

If your priority is to master proposal writing with hands-on feedback, the Certificate in Grant Writing will take you from blank page to fundable proposal while also giving you the confidence to handle tough conversations with funders and colleagues.

If you’re ready to grow your consulting practice and position yourself as a thought-partner rather than a “yes-person,” the Business of Freelance Grant Writing course will show you how to set boundaries, build trust, and step into your role as an expert.

And if you want both—the technical skills to deliver winning proposals and the consulting skills to grow your influence—you can enroll in our bundle option to get both courses at a reduced rate. Don’t just write stronger proposals—become the kind of consultant nonprofits and funders rely on.

Further Reading for Grant Consultants

If you’d like to dive deeper into motivational interviewing, appreciative inquiry, and how they apply to leadership, coaching, and consultant communication, here are a few classic resources:

·       William R. Miller & Stephen Rollnick, Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change – The definitive guide on motivational interviewing, with practical tools for guiding conversations toward change.

·       Michael Bungay Stanier, The Coaching Habit – A bestselling leadership book built on the power of asking better questions.

·       John Whitmore, Coaching for Performance – A foundational text on coaching that echoes many motivational interviewing principles.

·       David Cooperrider & Suresh Srivastva, Appreciative Inquiry: A Positive Revolution in Change – The original work introducing appreciative inquiry as a framework for positive organizational change.

·       Diana Whitney & Amanda Trosten-Bloom, The Power of Appreciative Inquiry – A practical handbook for applying appreciative inquiry in leadership, strategy, and team development.

At Spark the Fire Grant Writing Classes, we draw inspiration from these frameworks to help grant writers and consultants go beyond proposal mechanics. By practicing how to give and receive feedback with empathy, curiosity, and clarity, our students not only finish with fundable proposals but also develop the confidence to lead tough conversations as trusted thought-partners.

 

 

 



 

Best Nonprofit Conferences for Grant Writers in 2025-2026

 
Diverse powerful people at a grant writing conference
 

At Spark the Fire, we believe that professional development should be both practical and meaningful. Conferences aren’t just about brushing up on skills—they’re about building community, nurturing your mission, and discovering the clarity to keep doing the work that matters.

Whether you're a grant writer, nonprofit leader, or community builder, the right conference can ignite new ideas and deepen your purpose. Below, we’ve curated our favorite 2025 and 2026 events with that in mind. These are the conferences we return to again and again—because they align with our values and deliver real impact.

🔥 1. GrantSummit | Grant Professionals Association (GPA)

We’re putting this one first—and yes, we’re a little biased. GrantSummit is the leading national conference dedicated solely to the grant profession. It’s four full days of learning, connection, and practical strategy for those who write, manage, or consult on grants.

The world of grants is constantly shifting—government priorities change, funders evolve, and new tools emerge. This conference is where you go to stay ahead of the curve. You’ll find expert-led sessions on everything from building a logic model to navigating the ethics of AI. It’s a space where you can explore business models for consulting, hear what’s working for peers across sectors, and gain insight into the challenges both funders and nonprofits are facing today.

One of the biggest draws is the people. GrantSummit is packed with professionals who care deeply about doing meaningful work. The networking happens not just in hallways and happy hours, but in the sessions themselves—collaborative, thoughtful conversations that spark new ideas and often lead to long-term partnerships.

Whether you're seeking strategies for managing lost federal revenue, designing more compelling budgets, or simply looking to feel reinspired, GrantSummit delivers. It’s a must-attend for anyone serious about mastering the art and practice of grant writing.

🔥 2. Nonprofit Storytelling Conference

This isn’t just another conference—it’s a masterclass in how to use storytelling to raise more money, deepen donor relationships, and inspire real change. The Nonprofit Storytelling Conference is known for its generous spirit, actionable content, and beautifully curated experience, welcoming approximately 1,200 individuals.

Over three days, you’ll explore how to craft messages that resonate—from donor appeals to case statements to campaign videos. You’ll walk away with practical tools to strengthen every piece of donor communication—and you'll see the difference in your results. Better responses. More gifts. And more confidence in your voice as a fundraiser or communicator.

This conference focuses on results, not just theory. Attendees consistently say it pays for itself—and then some. What sets it apart is the thoughtful attention to detail, including cozy touches like giving each attendee a blanket to keep warm in the session rooms. It's a small gesture, but it speaks volumes about how they value comfort, community, and care.

If you're looking to raise more money using story—and feel good about how you're doing it—this is the room to be in.

 

🔥 3. AFP ICON | Association of Fundraising Professionals

Known as the largest gathering of fundraising professionals in the world, AFP ICON offers something for everyone—from annual fund managers and grant writers to major gift officers, consultants, and nonprofit executives. What makes this conference stand out is its scale: more than 3,000 fundraisers from across the globe come together to learn, connect, and innovate.

The session lineup covers every aspect of fundraising, including grant writing, donor stewardship, campaign planning, corporate partnerships, and DEI in development. You’ll hear from some of the top voices in the field, engage in powerful panel discussions, and come away with tested strategies to grow your fundraising results.

It’s a large conference, but it doesn’t feel impersonal—especially if you carve out time to attend a smaller workshop or networking group. It’s also a great opportunity to earn CFRE credits while staying on top of trends shaping our field.

If you’re looking to sharpen your skills while gaining a wide-angle view of the fundraising landscape, AFP ICON is a solid investment.

  • Date: April 2026

  • Location: San Diego, CA

  • Cost: ~$1,500–$2,000 (early bird and member discounts available)

  • Website: www.afpicon.com

🔥 4. Nonprofit Impact Conference | Nonprofit Association of Oregon (NAO)

This is NAO’s inaugural statewide conference—and they’re setting the bar high. What makes this event stand out? For starters, they pay their speakers. In a field where expertise is often undervalued, NAO offers honoraria ranging from $800–$1,500, depending on session length and format. It’s a meaningful commitment to equity, professionalism, and respect for the time and talent of presenters.

But this two-day experience is just as valuable for attendees. The Nonprofit Impact Conference brings together hundreds of nonprofit leaders from across the Pacific Northwest for a dynamic mix of breakout sessions, deep-dive workshops, field trips, networking activities, panel discussions, and expert “office hours.” The programming is designed to keep you engaged, inspired, and connected.

If you're looking for a conference that walks the talk—centering insight, innovation, and community impact—this is a strong new entry worth watching (and attending).

 

🔥 5. Nonprofit Consulting Conference | Funding for Good

This in-person event is one of the only conferences designed exclusively for nonprofit consultants—making it a perfect fit for grant writers transitioning to consulting or looking to grow a sustainable business. Hosted in beautiful Asheville, NC, at the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company complex, it’s 2.5 days of deep learning, connection, and strategy.

Expect practical, business-focused sessions on branding, pricing, client pipelines, AI tools, work-life balance, scaling services, and more. Early-bird pricing saves $200 and includes access to a pre-conference virtual networking session. The attendee experience is powerful: peer mentoring, breakout groups, and a community designed to support consultants at any stage of growth.

  • Date: September 16–18, 2025

  • Location: Asheville, NC (Sierra Nevada Brewing Company)

  • Cost: ~$1,000

  • Audience: ~200 nonprofit consultants and practitioners

  • Website: nonprofitconsultingconference.org

 

🔥 6. Annual Conference | Montana Nonprofit Association (MNA)

Don’t underestimate this one—it may be regional, but the Montana Nonprofit Association conference consistently delivers big value. Held in a different city each year, the 2025 event takes place in Billings and includes both in-person and online options.

Drawing around 300 attendees, this conference brings together a diverse and dedicated cross-section of nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, and grant professionals from across Montana and beyond. You’ll find thoughtful sessions on grant readiness, leadership, DEI, financial strategy, rural community challenges, and more. The hybrid format makes it accessible even if you can’t travel—and the in-person gathering is known for its warmth and strong peer-to-peer connections.

If you're based in the Mountain West or serving rural communities, this is a smart choice that offers relevant, relatable insight—and a real sense of belonging.

  • Dates:

    • Virtual: September 15–19, 2025

    • In-Person (Billings): September 25–26, 2025

  • Location: Rotates throughout Montana (2025: Billings, MT)

  • Cost: ~$450

  • Website: www.mtnonprofit.org

 

🔥 7. Central Washington Conference for the Greater Good

This conference is a gem—small but mighty, deeply rooted in the communities it serves. Held annually in Toppenish, WA, at Heritage University, it draws around 200+ attendees and offers bilingual content in English and Spanish. It’s designed for nonprofits in rural and Central Washington communities, with a focus on equity, connection, and hands-on tools that strengthen organizations from the inside out.

The 2025 theme, Connected Roots. Collective Power, captured the spirit of the event beautifully. Participants gathered to build skills in fundraising, leadership, community advocacy, budgeting, and emotional resilience. Every workshop was built around action—and 100% of attendees reported they left with something they could immediately apply.

What sets this conference apart is its heart. From interactive workbooks to “Ask a Consultant” sessions to the Hive Mind Exchange, the format encourages collaboration, courage, and conversation. This is the conference where you not only take notes—you take next steps.

  • Date: June 2026

  • Location: Toppenish, WA

  • Cost: ~$125

  • Audience: ~210 participants from 120+ organizations

  • Website: www.centralwanonprofits.org

 

🔥 8. Idaho Annual Nonprofit Conference | Idaho Nonprofit Center

Hosted by the Idaho Nonprofit Center, this is the state’s flagship event for nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, board members, and changemakers working across rural and urban communities. If you’re looking for inspiration, collaboration, and actionable tools to strengthen your organization, this two-day conference delivers.

What makes it special
One of the most memorable aspects of this event is the venue: JUMP (Jack’s Urban Meeting Place) in downtown Boise. With bold architecture, playful design, and yes—a three-story spiral slide that even adults can ride—JUMP brings a spirit of creativity and fun that’s rare in nonprofit conferences. It creates a lively, open energy that complements the serious learning happening in the rooms. The space alone makes it feel like you're attending something special—and still, the conference remains thoroughly professional and well-organized.

You’ll find breakout workshops on grants, equity, leadership, fundraising, and nonprofit operations—along with an exhibit hall, networking activities, and catered meals that invite conversation and collaboration. The 2025 theme, Stronger Together: Bridging the Sector, reflects the conference’s focus on connection, shared knowledge, and building capacity across Idaho.

  • Date: August 26–27, 2025

  • Location: JUMP, Boise, ID

  • Cost: ~$250 (members); ~$350 (non-members); higher for late registration

  • Audience: ~200+ nonprofit professionals

  • Website: www.idahononprofits.org

 

 

🔥 9. Nonprofit Marketing Summit | Community Boost

This is the go-to virtual event for nonprofit professionals who want to level up their storytelling, digital strategy, and donor engagement—without spending a dime. Hosted multiple times per year by Community Boost, the Nonprofit Marketing Summit draws thousands of attendees from around the world for high-quality sessions that are actionable, inspiring, and completely free.

It’s perfect for grant writers, fundraisers, and communications pros who wear many hats. Expect sessions on email marketing, website optimization, donor segmentation, content planning, and even AI for nonprofits. The speakers are generous, the content is current, and the format is fast-paced but digestible.

Whether you’re looking for tips on writing stronger donor appeals or want to experiment with new marketing tools, this summit delivers serious value with zero barrier to entry.

🔥 10. Cause Camp | Nonprofit Hub

Cause Camp isn’t just a conference—it’s an experience designed to re-energize nonprofit professionals who are ready to lead with clarity, creativity, and community. Hosted in Grand Rapids, MI, this two-day event blends practical skill-building with big-picture visioning in a retreat-like atmosphere.

You’ll find breakout sessions on fundraising, digital marketing, donor retention, strategic planning, and more—alongside curated networking, wellness touches, and the kind of hallway conversations that can change the trajectory of your work. The energy is uplifting, the audience is deeply mission-driven, and the space is intentionally designed to inspire.

If you’re craving a reset, fresh strategy, and a sense of community among nonprofit thought leaders and changemakers, this is your space.

  • Date: Fall 2025

  • Location: Grand Rapids, MI

  • Cost: ~$400–$600

  • Website: www.cause.camp

🔥 11. Raise | OneCause

If you’re involved in fundraising events, donor engagement, or campaign planning, Raise is one of the most focused and forward-thinking conferences available. Hosted by OneCause, this event is designed to help nonprofits create more impactful events, strengthen donor relationships, and drive giving through smart, strategic storytelling.

Raise features sessions on donor behavior, inclusive fundraising, event technology, accessibility, and data-informed engagement strategies. Whether you’re planning galas, hybrid events, or smaller community-based gatherings, this conference offers a well-rounded toolkit. You’ll also hear from some of the top voices in the fundraising world—and leave with practical insights you can apply immediately.

It’s also CFRE-approved, so it’s a great way to earn continuing education credits while getting inspired by new ideas.

  • Date: Fall 2025

  • Location: TBD

  • Cost: ~$595–$995

  • Website: www.onecause.com/raise

🔥 12. Good Tech Fest

This is where nonprofit meets innovation—with intention. Good Tech Fest is a conference dedicated to exploring how technology can be used ethically and equitably to advance social good. It’s ideal for grant writers, program staff, evaluators, and nonprofit leaders who are curious about leveraging data, automation, and digital tools in ways that align with their mission.

Sessions cover everything from using AI responsibly to improving data systems, dashboards, and storytelling tools. The vibe is inclusive and forward-thinking, with a strong emphasis on community impact, sustainability, and digital equity.

Whether you're managing grant data, tracking program outcomes, or exploring how to integrate new tools without compromising your values, Good Tech Fest offers thoughtful content and practical guidance.

🔥 13. INSPIRE | Catholic Schools & Parishes Conference

Hosted by the Archdiocese of Seattle, INSPIRE is a two-day conference designed to ignite innovation and deepen mission-focused leadership in Catholic schools and parishes.

This isn’t just a gathering—it’s an energizing space of collaboration, strategy, and creativity. Attendees engage with nationally recognized and locally rooted leaders through dynamic keynotes and breakout sessions. Sessions cover:

INSPIRE anchors its value in community: two full days of learning (8 am–4 pm) at Seattle University, with breakfast and lunch provided each day . It’s free for Archdiocese of Seattle staff, and $250 for Catholic school staff from other dioceses. Optional campus housing is available.

If you work in Catholic education—admissions, development, finance, or leadership—INSPIRE offers a powerful blend of strategy and spirit. It’s a space where values and practices meet—and where fundraising, grant writing, and mission advancement thrive together.

  • Date: August 6–7, 2025

  • Location: Seattle University • Seattle, WA

  • Cost: Free (Archdiocese of Seattle staff); $250 (out-of-diocese staff); optional lodging ~$105/night

  • Website: mycatholicschool.org/inspire

 ✨ Final Thoughts

These events may be different in size and scope, but they all offer something powerful: space to reflect, learn, and grow alongside people who care about the same things you do.

At Spark the Fire, we believe that professional development should feed your spirit and your skills. If you attend any of these events, we’d love to hear about your experience—and we’ll be cheering you on every step of the way.

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