Not many people know that grant writing can be quite a lucrative career path. If you have a diligent mindset and work hard, you can make quite a lot of money.
There are also a number of career branches available to grant writers, and there are several workplace options as well.
In this article, we are going to cover what you need to do to become a grant writer, the requirements for this career, and the full details about your job as a grant writer.
Grant Writers – What Do They Do?
A grant writer’s job is to create proposals for research that request funding from a number of agencies. They usually work for social service organizations, universities, and in the field of health care.
As a grant writer, you will need an expert command of the written word and research skills efficient enough to be able to craft successful grant proposals. You will usually work on a contractual basis, which will allow you to determine your own schedules and working hours.
One of the greatest benefits of being a grant writer is being able to work from remote locations like from the comfort of your own home.
Grant writers develop documentation for each of the requirements of a number of funding bodies to secure a form of funding on behalf of the agency that is currently employing them.
Many non-profit organizations rely on grants from numerous foundations and organizations as their lifeblood and their primary mechanism for funding.
Grant writers have to be excellent researchers who are not only able to find funding for the organization that they are working for but also need to be astute writers that know how to appeal to the board of various funding organizations.
This link has more information on the job description of a grant writer.
Salary On Average
As a grant writer, you can expect to earn somewhere around $50,055 each year. The benefits will usually include a 403(b), an employee assistance program, a retirement plan, an extremely flexible schedule, and sometimes even a gym membership.
Of course, your salary will vary depending on your current employer.
Required Education and Qualifications
The first and perhaps most crucial step to becoming a grant writer is getting yourself a bachelor’s degree. As a grant writer, you need excellent communication skills to develop compelling grant proposals that will inevitably result in the funding for a project.
Any undergraduate program that heavily involves writing and persuasive tactics will give you an advantage in practicing your skills as a grant writer.
In addition to the aspect of writing coursework in public relations, journalism, marketing, and other English programs will also provide you with some useful qualifications.
The logical next step would then be to take courses and grant writing. Some universities and colleges offer certificate programs in grant writing, which will cover the novice intermediate and expert-level proposal writing.
They will also help you identify potential funding sources for a project. These professional development certificates are meant to help inexperienced and professional grant writers develop a strong set of skills that can be put into practice immediately.
There are usually some partially available online options for the certificate programs, or they are sometimes available as individual classes, designed as courses on certain topics regarding grant writing.
You will then need to acquire some experience writing grants. In fact, most employers will require a minimum of two years of grant writing experience, even for temporary and part-time positions. Sometimes prior experience is more important than discipline in which you have earned your degree.
Many employers will also seek out grant writers who are familiar with the industry in which they will be writing grants.
For example, healthcare organizations will look for grant writers who have a solid understanding of the medical industry and its workings. These can be gathered in a volunteer course or professional work.
How to Apply
The best way to start your career as a grant writer is to become a member of a grant writer’s association.
When you join a professional group of contractors who will be able to access more job opportunities and training periods, becoming a member of one of these associations will also let you attend conferences and network with other professional-grade writers.
Check out this link to see how you can apply for a writing position online.
Summary
Not only is the grant writing career lucrative, but it is also very rewarding. There is a lot of knowledge to be gained, and it is perfect for those who enjoy working out their intellectual muscles while also earning an income.