Common Misconceptions About Hiring a Grants Consulting Firm—And Why They May Be Costing You

At Grants Plus, we’ve heard it all: “Our content is too complex.” “Grant success is all about relationships.” “We’re not sure an outside firm can understand our work.” If you’ve ever thought something similar, you’re not alone. But in many cases, these assumptions prevent organizations from getting the support they need to grow their grants program and secure the funding they deserve. Let’s unpack a few of the most common misconceptions—and offer a new perspective based on years of successful partnerships.

1. Misconception: “Our content is too nuanced and technical for an outside firm to help.”

Fact: Your work is nuanced—so are we. A good grants consultant doesn’t replace your subject matter expertise; they translate it. Funders need clarity and connection, not jargon. Our team is trained to extract the heart of your work and communicate it to different audiences in compelling, funder-friendly ways. Through engagements like a Partner Plan or Grant Writing Support, we become an extension of your team, with the time and perspective to position your work effectively.

2. Misconception: “We don’t have a big enough grants program to justify hiring a firm.”

Fact: You don’t need a seven or eight-figure grants portfolio to benefit from outside help. In fact, that’s often when support is most valuable. If you’re just getting started or trying to grow, a consulting partner can help you focus your strategy, avoid common pitfalls, and pursue the right funders instead of chasing every opportunity. Our clients include organizations launching new programs, rebuilding after staff turnover, or seeking their first major grants. Whether you need short-term momentum or long-term partnership, we meet you where you are.

The truth is, no two organizations are the same—and neither are our solutions. If you’ve ruled out working with a grants consulting firm based on one of these assumptions, we invite you to take another look. You might be surprised at what’s possible when you have the right partner on your side.

3. Misconception: “Grants are all about relationships—how can an outside firm help with that?”

Fact: We completely agree—relationships are everything in grant seeking. That’s why our role isn’t to replace relationships; it’s to empower them. We’ll help you map funder connections, draft outreach messages, prepare for conversations, and track follow-up. You stay in the spotlight while we do the heavy lifting behind the scenes. Many of our clients tell us we bring consistency, clarity, and momentum to their funder engagement—something they couldn’t sustain alone.

“The team that I work with at Grants Plus feels like an extension of my own department. I feel so well supported. I trust Grants Plus implicitly.”

Ginny Suhr Clites , Director of Development, The Centers

Ready to challenge the myths? If you’ve been holding back from seeking grants consulting support, let’s talk. Whether you’re trying to grow your institutional funding, rebound after staffing changes, or finally go after that game-changing grant, the right partner can make all the difference.

💬 Have you encountered any of these myths—or others? I’d love to hear your take. Feel free to reply, share this with a colleague, or reach out directly.