| Aspect | Grantmaking | Grant Writing |
|---|
| Primary Role | Distributing funds to organizations or projects based on criteria | Preparing and submitting grant proposals to secure funding |
| Required Skills | Evaluation, decision-making, knowledge of funding priorities | Research, writing, persuasive communication |
| Work Environment | Foundation, nonprofit, or government agency offices | Nonprofit organizations, consulting firms, or in-house grant teams |
| Common Credentials | Bachelor’s degree, experience in philanthropy or nonprofit management | Bachelor’s degree, strong writing and research skills |
Grantmaking involves selecting and distributing funds to organizations, focusing on evaluation and decision-making. Grant writing centers on creating compelling proposals to secure those funds. While grantmakers decide where money goes, grant writers craft the applications to obtain funding. Both roles often work within nonprofits, foundations, or government agencies and require related skills and credentials.