Grant Writing Resources

The Office of Cannabis Management does not endorse or recommend any specific consultant, contractor, or service provider. Organizations are responsible for conducting their own due diligence when selecting and contracting with external providers. Use the resources below as you work on your grant application.

Resource directory

Select a resource to access their website.

Please note that this list is not exhaustive and is intended as a starting point for organizations seeking grant writing, fundraising, and organizational development support.

Organizations are encouraged to use the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits Business Finder and other nonprofit directories to identify additional grant writers, consultants, and technical assistance providers that may meet their specific needs.

Grant writing services can also be sourced through freelance platforms such as Upwork and Fiverr, where organizations can connect with independent grant writers, proposal specialists, editors, and fundraising consultants.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I learn the basics of grant writing?
The following resources provide grant writing guidance, best practices, and educational materials for organizations seeking grant funding:
These resources can help organizations learn proposal development, budgeting, evaluation planning and grant management fundamentals.
How can I find funding opportunities for my organization?
The following resource can help identify funding opportunities and support nonprofit development:
- Minnesota Council of Nonprofits Business Finder
Can I hire a grant writer or grant consultant?
What should new organizations do before applying for grants?
Before applying for grants, organizations should:
1. Clearly define their mission and project goals.
2. Develop a realistic project budget.
3. Create a project work plan and timeline.
4. Gather organizational documents and financial records.
5. Identify funding opportunities that align with their mission.
6. Consider technical assistance or professional grant writing support if needed.
Do I need a professional grant writer?
Not necessarily. Many organizations successfully prepare grant applications internally. However, organizations with limited staff capacity, large funding requests, or complex projects may benefit from working with a grant consultant or grant writer.

Professional support may help with:
- Grant research
- Proposal writing
- Budget development
- Evaluation planning
- Compliance and reporting requirements
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not following application instructions
- Unclear goals or outcomes
- Weak budget justification
- Misalignment with funder priorities
- Missing required documents or signatures