Grant writing
is one of the most lucrative writing jobs on the market. If you want to become a grant writer, you will need top-notch writing skills, a willingness to temporarily work for free and a proactive mindset.
Requirements fo Becoming a Grant Writer
First and foremost, you must have strong writing skills if you're considering a career as a grant writer. This goes beyond grammar and spelling skills--as a grant writer, you have to convince outside donors to donate money to your organization. Therefore, you must show high attention to detail, total familiarity with your organization and knowledge of competing organizations.
Get Started
If you're certain you can be a successful grant writer, start small by looking for non-profit organizations in your area. These organizations include charities, schools, cultural institutions and community centers. Call them and tell them you want to volunteer as a grant writer--odds are, they will be thrilled to take you on.
Grant-Writing Training--Online Programs
If you're unsure of how grant writing works, there are many online resources that can advise you on the basics of grant writing. For one, there is the Foundation Center, which has a virtual "classroom" for proposal writing. There is also the Gatlin Education Services, which offers a Grant Writing Certificate. See the bottom of this page for links.
Grant-Writing Training--On-Site Programs
Many grant writing programs can be found at community colleges. Check your local college or university for courses or a certification program. There are also many grant-writing workshops and seminars you can attend.
Make the Transition to a Career
While cutting your teeth at your volunteer organization, you will likely come into contact with other organizations that hire grant writers. Try to make a good impression on them--demonstrate your in-depth knowledge of their organization. This will clue them in that you are a serious candidate for new grant writing jobs that open up in their organization.
