Grant writing is more than just a skill—it’s a strategy.
Too many nonprofits are flying solo, reacting to deadlines instead of building a system that works.
In a recent episode of A Modern Nonprofit Podcast, Tosha Anderson sat down with Shoshana Grossman-Crist of Social Impact Compass to map out the ideal grant team structure. Whether you’re applying for your first grant or submitting dozens a year, this conversation is packed with game-changing insights for every nonprofit leader.
Why Grant Teams Burn Out
High turnover, lack of clarity, and last-minute panic aren’t signs of lazy employees. They’re symptoms of a broken system.
Shoshana opens the conversation with a hard truth:
“If you’re finding out about a funding opportunity the day before it’s due, your team’s not functioning effectively.”
Rushing leads to burnout. And burnout kills momentum.
But there’s a better way.
The 6 Roles of a Well-Oiled Grant Team
Shoshana lays out six critical functions that every successful grant team needs to cover:
- Project Management – Keep everything on track and everyone accountable.
- Research – Identify aligned funders and opportunities before the deadlines loom.
- Advancement – Build the relationships that make grant funding possible.
- Program Liaison – Translate your operations into fundable narratives.
- Writing – Create compelling proposals that resonate with funders.
- Finance – Construct realistic, funder-aligned budgets that back up your story.
Grouping the Roles: Work Smarter, Not Harder
Most nonprofits can’t hire six new people. And that’s okay.
The secret is role clustering. Match responsibilities with strengths:
- Your detail-driven operations manager might own project management and finance.
- Your outgoing ED might lead advancement and liaise with programs.
Just don’t expect one person to wear all six hats well. Clarity in roles prevents overload—and improves execution.
Why Systems & Follow-Up Matter
Here’s where most teams stumble: systems.
From simple spreadsheets to structured team meetings, systems are what turn good intentions into repeatable results.
Templates, shared research logs, and internal deadlines create momentum—even when staff turns over.
How to Know It’s Working
You’ll feel it before you see it. Less chaos. More clarity. And stronger outcomes.
In the grant world, a 30% success rate is solid. If your team is stuck at 5% or constantly scrambling, it’s time to rethink the structure.
The best part? You don’t need more people—you need better roles, clearer systems, and a strategy that scales.
Connect with Shoshana
Check this out next…
If you’re new to grant writing or want to tighten your process, don’t miss our guide on Grant Writing Dos and Don’ts.
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