Grant Writing Tools
Over at ACT, we analyzed 3 grant writing tools that we think will be most helpful for your future projects. Here are our reviews and rankings:
- Candid is a grants- and philanthropy-specific platform that is also a customizable grants search engine. It also offers resources including tools for tracking the nonprofit and grants landscapes, how to improve your fundraising strategy, custom data and analytics services, and services for vetting and verifying other nonprofits and funds.
Pros: Grants-sector-specific with an extremely extensive array of tools and resources. Also has offerings for funds and foundations.
Cons: High-cost, possibly prohibitive for some projects. Does not allow you to hire grant-writing professionals.
Cost: Expensive
- Fiverr is a platform for freelancers and gig workers. Fiverr is not specific to grant writing, but rather allows freelancers of all sectors to advertise their services. Fiverr therefore allows you to hire any one of an extensive array of professional grant writers.
Pros: Each professional has a star rating and lists their rate. Very extensive offerings. Shows which professionals are currently online and has extensive sorting options
Cons: Not exclusively for grantwriters, and thus has a handful of less qualified people advertising their grant writing services. No grant writing resources such as trainings or factsheets
Cost: FREE
- Masterclass is a platform for online classes at a range of levels. You can use it to take comprehensive online classes in categories Including business and philanthropy.
Pros: Classes with a human touch led by well-known names.
Cons: Not easily searchable by topic.Instead, generally searchable by broader areas such as Economics, or by person/class leader.
Cost: Inexpensive
- We also wanted to bring one final resource to you called Instrumentl. While it is not technically a grant writing resource, it covers a wide array of functions including prospecting for opportunities. Instrumentl is a grants resources platform/service that helps you organize your development opportunities. It allows users to search, apply to, and manage grant applications. The platform includes built-in workflows and tools to help you strategize your fundraising process. Of note, the target audience is for professional grant writers/consultants in addition to nonprofits. It also offers grant writing classes, including free courses, as well as guides and books to support you on your development journey.
Pros: Sophisticated search function, good UI, many different functions
Cons: Expensive
Cost: Expensive