Grant writers are able to create funding proposals and requests by working closely with organizations and agencies. It’s important they possess outstanding written communication skills to convey exactly what is needed. Grant writers also do extensive research, look into budget and finance as well as understand rules and regulations surrounding the grant application process.
Grant writing career options
Nonprofit organizations and charitable foundations usually employ the services of grant writers. Most of these organizations are not self-funded and often seek funding to implement and operate their community programs, tech and medical facilities, and environmental projects. Federal agencies and other nonprofit organizations solicit grant applications and this is where grant writers apply for financial philanthropic support or government grants.
Grant writers who produce grant proposals for various types of organizations must understand their group’s social mission and make future plans in order for the group to thrive within the philanthropic sector.
Educational institutions such as colleges and universities also engage grant writers for different projects such as requesting for research grants. Other grant writers work for businesses and corporations, and government agencies.
Grant writing is a lucrative business and employers look for writers whoa re willing to commit their time and energy into the industry in order to succeed. Grant writers can be employed on a full time or part time basis, permanent or temporary, office-based or telecommute.
Full time, permanent grant writing positions include all the factors involved with the grant writing process, while part time, temporary employment requires writers to work only on certain tasks. Grant writers divide their tasks by researching grants to pursue, creating grant proposals, and producing any kind of information needed to be submitted to the grantmakers. Contract-based grant writers, depending on their previous grant writing experience, education and track record, can also work virtually, thus enabling them to have flexible hours and set their own hourly or monthly rates.
Grant writers are sometimes paid by the hour, by project or on a monthly basis. They may also receive commissions based on grants that they have successfully obtained and campaigned for.
Educational requirements for grant writing
In the grant writing industry, it’s crucial to have a strong background in writing. Successfully employed grant writers are also found to possess English or Communications degrees. If you aspire to work in this field, obtaining such degrees can be beneficial in your resume.
Courses in grant and proposal writing, grammar and editing, technical writing, and even research and finance can all be advantageous if you desire to entirely dedicate yourself to grant writing. Plus, additional courses are necessary since writing some grant proposals require some specialization such as medical- or scientific-related grant proposals in order to better understand the projects that need funding.
Aspiring grant writers can also enroll in colleges and universities who offer grant writing certificate programs. These programs can be complete in a year or less and they can help students learn how to write comprehensively, plan budgets, research grant funds, and administer grant solicitations. In some grant programs, students are able to create and submit their own actual grant applications.
Various organizations also offer certification which enable grant writers to boost their qualifications. For instance, the Grant Professional Certification (GPC) is being offered by the Grant Professionals Certification Institute (GPCI). Furthermore, the Certified Grant Writer (CGW) certification is provided by the American Grant Writers’ Association (AGWA) to those who pass the requisite exam.