Who Writes Grants for Non-Profit Organisations?
- Leafcutter NZ Team
- Jan 8
- 3 min read
If you’re part of a non-profit or community organisation, you may find yourself asking: who writes grants for non-profit organisations? More importantly, who writes funding applications that clearly communicate impact, meet funder requirements, and stand up in a competitive funding environment?
Grant writing is a specialist skill. While many organisations attempt to manage funding applications internally, successful outcomes often depend on strong structure, clear storytelling, and a sound understanding of the funding landscape. This is where professional grant writers and funding application writers add real value.
What Does a Grant Writer Do for a Non-Profit Organisation?
A grant writer (also known as a funding application writer) supports non-profit organisations to apply for funding from trusts, foundations, and philanthropic funders.
This typically includes:
Identifying suitable funding opportunities
Translating programmes and projects into funder-ready language
Writing clear, compliant funding applications
Developing project budgets and supporting documentation
Managing timelines, attachments, and reporting requirements
For many organisations, this expertise can significantly improve funding outcomes while reducing pressure on staff, volunteers, and trustees.
Why Professional Grant Writing Matters for Non-Profits
Non-profit funding applications require more than simply completing a form. Funders want to understand:
The need your organisation is responding to
The outcomes and impact your work will deliver
How funds will be managed responsibly
Why your organisation is well placed to deliver the project
Experienced funding application writers understand how to align your organisation’s purpose with each funder’s priorities, while ensuring accuracy, compliance, and credibility throughout the application.
In-House Grant Writing vs Funding Application Writers
Many non-profits rely on internal staff or volunteers to write funding applications. While this can work, it often comes with challenges such as limited capacity, inconsistent quality, and difficulty keeping up with changing funder requirements.
Professional funding application writers bring:
Proven systems and application frameworks
Knowledge of what funders are looking for
Clear, outcome-focused narratives
Reliable delivery and deadline management
Outsourcing grant writing often provides better value than expected, particularly for organisations applying for funding regularly or managing multiple funders.
Who We Commonly Support
At Leafcutter Business Support, we work with non-profit and community organisations across Aotearoa. We commonly support funding applications for organisations working in:
education and early learning
youth and community development
sport and recreation
arts, culture, and heritage
health, wellbeing, and social services
This experience allows us to tailor funding applications to both the sector and the funder, while staying true to each organisation’s kaupapa.
How Leafcutter Business Support Helps with Grant Writing
Leafcutter Business Support provides practical, end-to-end grant writing and funding application support for non-profit organisations.
Our services include:
Funding strategy and opportunity identification
Professional grant and funding application writing
Project scoping and budget development
Funder communication and compliance support
Post-funding reporting and accountability
Our role is to do the heavy lifting, giving your organisation the best possible chance of funding success while freeing up your team to focus on delivery.
Who Writes Grants for Non-Profit Organisations?
Grants for non-profit organisations can be written internally or by volunteers, but experienced grant writers and funding application writers bring structure, clarity, and insight that funders value.
If your organisation is looking to strengthen its funding outcomes and reduce internal workload, working with a professional grant writer can be a smart, sustainable investment.
If you’d like support with your next funding application, Leafcutter Business Support is here to help, contact us to find out how we can help.
I look forward to connecting.
Claire :)
Read more about our funding services and our pricing packages here.
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