The short answer
A workshop teaches you to do it yourself. A grant writer does it for you. Neither guarantees an award, because funders decide every award, but each suits a different situation.
Side by side
| Workshop | Hiring a grant writer | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Building in-house skill | Getting an application done well |
| Your time | You write the application | You provide information and review |
| Speed | Slower at first | Faster for the first application |
| Cost at Grant Writing Company | From $839 per attendee | One grant from $799 |
| Long-term value | Skill stays with your team | Finished application and a model to reuse |
Choose a workshop if
- You expect to apply for grants regularly
- You have staff time to invest in learning
- Your requests are small or mid-sized
- You want to understand the process before hiring anyone
Hire a grant writer if
- You have a deadline coming and little time
- The request is large or complex
- You have never written a proposal and cannot afford a weak first attempt
- You want research, writing and submission handled together
Do both
A common approach is to train one or two people while a writer handles the largest applications. Staff then take over routine ones. Our annual programs for businesses and nonprofits cover 12 or 15 grants a year with a dedicated writer.
Not sure?
Talk to a grant consultant. We will tell you honestly whether training, a writer or both make sense. See workshops and pricing.
FAQ
Can I start with a workshop and hire later?
Yes. Many people learn the process first and bring in a writer for the largest applications.
Is a workshop cheaper?
A workshop seat costs less than a grant package, but it does not produce a finished application for you.
Related guides
- What You Will Learn in a Grant Writing Workshop
- Grant Writing Training for Small Business Teams: Building In-House Skills
Need help with this? See our grant writing workshops, or grant writing pricing if you would rather have a writer do it. Talk to a grant consultant for free.