The Truth About Grant Writing: What No One Tells You

Let’s set the record straight: the grant writing process isn’t simply “filling out paperwork.”

It requires in-depth research, meticulous strategy, descriptive storytelling, and quality relationship building.

At Scribe, we’ve worked with nonprofits across the country – from scrappy start-ups to established organizations — and we’ve seen the same myths come up time and again. So, today, we’re spilling the tea. 

Here’s the truth about grant writing that no one tells you. 

1. You can’t just copy and paste applications

Sure, having boilerplate content helps. It’s reliable and consistent, but if you’re using the exact same proposal for every grant, you’re probably getting ghosted by funders.

Every funder has different priorities, eligibility criteria, and review processes. What works for a family foundation will not be suitable for a federal RFP.

Tailor your language to reflect the funder’s values. For example, if a funder mentions their support for equity, climate resilience, or workforce development, emphasize how your nonprofit is supporting those values, and highlight the specific programs that do.

2. Funders can spot fluff from a mile away

Many grants sound like this: “We empower underserved families and individuals to thrive in equitable and transformative communities.”

It’s great that your nonprofit does that, but funders are going to wonder what that actually means.

Reviewers don’t want to decode your proposal. They want to get it fast. Using jargon and flowery wording doesn’t make your nonprofit sound more legitimate. Rather, it makes the reviewer feel like you’re not exactly sure how your nonprofit is making an impact.

3. Winning grants doesn’t mean you’re “set”

Just because you got one grant doesn’t mean others will automatically follow. In fact, some of the biggest mistakes happen after the award:

• Reporting is late or incomplete

• Outcomes don’t match what was promised

• The organization disappears until it needs more money

Having a detailed reporting system on a shared calendar, CRM, or spreadsheet can help your team stay organized with all your nonprofit grant reporting deadlines.

4. Free doesn’t mean easy

We hear it all the time: “Grants are free money!”

It’s actually the opposite. Grants are earned.

Writing a successful grant takes deep research, clear alignment with funder goals, strategic program design, a compelling narrative, and a polished, well-organized submission.

And that’s before you get to post-award reporting, compliance, and impact tracking.

5. Sometimes you do everything right — and still don’t win

This one stings, but it’s real.

You can submit a beautifully written, strategically aligned, well-researched application… and still get passed over. Why? 

Funders have limited dollars, internal relationships, and priorities that shift year to year. 

That doesn’t mean your proposal is bad. It just means the system is competitive, and it pays to have a long-term strategy. 

If your program aligns with a funder’s priorities and goals, you have a chance of being funded in future funding cycles, so don’t lose hope! Sometimes, all it takes is a little bit of relationship building.

6. Hiring a grant writer is an investment — not a shortcut

Bringing in a professional grant writer doesn’t guarantee you’ll win a grant, but it does:

• Save you time

• Increase your chances of funding

• Keeps your proposals sharp, value-focused, strategic, and on-brand

And maybe most importantly? It helps your team focus on what they do best — running amazing programs.

While every grant writing agency is different, we, at Scribe, act as a true partner. For every dollar invested in Scribe services, our clients are able to secure $6-$8 in grant funding for their programs. 

Want to stop guessing and start winning?

Click here to book a free consultation, and let’s talk about how Scribe can help you secure the funding your mission deserves.