I’m a grant writer, and I love it. Even in this current economy, there are still organizations that need our help finding money for their causes. And the great news is that these days, grants are easier to find than ever before!
There’s something in it for everyone from those who want to make a difference in their communities by helping others achieve their goals.
To those who just want to supplement their income with an easy-to-learn career that can also be done from home or on the road (if you travel). Sure, there are some downsides. For example:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. Fulfillment in Securing Funding for Worthy Causes |
| 2. Contributing to Positive Change |
| 3. Enhancing Research and Project Opportunities |
| 4. Developing Strong Persuasive Writing Skills |
| 5. Connection to Diverse Nonprofit Organizations |
| 6. Boosting Grant-Writing Expertise |
| 7. Navigating Complex Application Processes |
| 8. Becoming a Resourceful Problem Solver |
| 9. Shaping the Future of Communities |
| 10. Thriving in a Dynamic and Impactful Role |
| 11. Crafting Creative and Innovative Proposals |
| 12. Personal Growth and Professional Satisfaction |
1. Grantwriting Requires Intelligence
As a grant writer, you need to be able to think critically. You also need to be able to think outside of the box. And if you’re writing for a nonprofit organization with limited resources, it’s helpful if you can think creatively as well.
But there’s something else that all great grant writers share: they can do all that and more–because they can think critically, creatively, and on their feet all at once.
If you’re looking to maximize your grant money through effective nonprofit proposal writing, consider these insightful tips for getting more grant money. Crafting compelling proposals can greatly enhance your chances of securing the funding you need.
2. I Have Time To Spend With My Family And Friends
As a Grant Writer, you have the freedom to set your schedule. Sure, some Grant Writers work 40 hours a week and others work 8-10 hours a day, but you have the opportunity to decide how much time you want to devote to your career.
If you’re like me and have kids, this means that I can spend more quality time with them and who doesn’t want that? But it also means that I’m able to take off for family vacations whenever I want. And when my parents need help around their house or yard?
No problem! The flexibility allows me to make sure they don’t need anything else besides what they already get (which is plenty).
3. I’m Able To Give Back To Others
You’re a giver, and it’s good to know that you can give back to others. As a grant writer, you’ll be able to help people and organizations realize their dreams for the future, whether it’s helping them pay for college tuition or funding research for new cancer treatments.
You will also have the chance to help those who are less fortunate than you: children living in poverty, refugees fleeing war-torn countries, and even those living with disabilities or mental illnesses.
You’ll have an opportunity to make someone else’s life better and that’s something exciting!
Becoming a successful grant writer involves honing a unique set of skills. From understanding the grant landscape to writing persuasive proposals, this comprehensive guide covers the essential steps to excel in the world of grant writing.
4. I Like Working For Myself
Working for yourself is awesome. There are so many benefits to owning your own business, and I am fortunate enough to experience them all:
- You can work from anywhere your house, the beach, a coffee shop… wherever you want!
- You can decide how much or how little you want to work each day. It’s totally up to you!
- You can wear pajamas all day if it makes you feel more comfortable and relaxed (although this might not be good for some clients).
If something comes up during the day that distracts me from what I need to get done that day, I don’t have any problems taking time off without having someone tell me not to do whatever else would make me happier at that moment in time.
Because nobody is monitoring my every move! This means no staying late after work just so other people think highly of us employees.
As well as no feeling guilty about spending too much time on our phones when we should be doing actual work instead of social media scrolling (which is an issue among employees anyway).
5. I Work From My Home Office
You can work from anywhere and at any time. You can even work in your pajamas! The best part is, you don’t have to worry about what people are thinking of you because no one sees you! There’s no need to worry about the weather or traffic delays; it’s all up to you.
Plus, working from home gives me more flexibility with my schedule. If I’m not feeling inspired, I can take a break and play some Overwatch with my son or watch a Netflix show on the couch while he eats his snack (we watch Dinosaur Train together).
Then when inspiration strikes again, I’m right back at it! And if I happen to be tired but still want/need to get things done? No problem! After all…it’s MY DAY OFF!
As a grant writer, there are always lessons to learn along the way. Discover the valuable insights shared in 11 things I wish I knew when I started as a grant writer. These tips can help you navigate challenges and streamline your path to success.
6. I’m Able To Pursue Other Passions Without Sacrificing My Career
You can do grant writing and have a career in another field. Many of the best grant writers have very successful careers in other areas of work. For example:
A business owner who has been in business for years and still receives awards from their community can often be found at their craft table on weekends or evenings working on grant proposals for new projects they want to explore with their company.
An author who just published their first book will use some of their time off from writing to research grants that might help them promote it properly, finding companies or organizations that would benefit by reading it, and providing feedback.
One of my clients is an engineer who spends most mornings working on his business as a consultant while he waits for his next client call with one hand while typing up his latest batch of grant proposals with the other!
7. You Can Make Six Figures!
Being a grant writer is great because it’s a job that can pay six figures! The average salary for a grant writer is $60,000, but the average salary for someone with 5 years of experience is $80,000 and someone with 10 years of experience can make $100,000.
Grant writers have an opportunity to earn more than other writing jobs because they usually work on contracts that are over time rather than hourly rates like freelancers do.
This means if you work 70 hours per week instead of 40 hours per week, you’ll make more money at your job even though you may be working just as many hours!
Another reason why being a grant writer pays so well is because there aren’t too many people who do this type of writing so there’s less competition in the field when it comes down to bidding on projects or finding jobs in general.
If you’re new to grants and funding, the basics are crucial. Dive into the essentials with Grants & Funding 101: What You Need to Know, a comprehensive resource that explains the core concepts of grant-seeking and provides a solid foundation for your journey.
8. It’s An Ever-Growing, Ever-Shifting Opportunity
As a grant writer, you’re part of a rapidly growing field. A lot of people are looking for help to write grants, and it’s not going to stop anytime soon. As the population increases and grant funding grows, there will be more opportunities for you as a grant writer!
And even though there is still some competition out there, being an early adopter can make all the difference (as long as you have the right skills).
That’s why I suggest that if you don’t already have at least some background experience in writing grants whether by working at an organization or just having written some personal requests–you should learn as much about this field as possible before jumping into it full-time.
9. I Get To Help People And Organizations Realize Their Dreams For The Future
I’m happy to be a grant writer because I get to help people and organizations realize their dreams for the future.
When you work in this field, you spend your days helping people and organizations build a better future. This is an incredibly valuable thing to do! It helps them make their dreams come true. And that’s the best feeling ever helping someone make their dream come true!
And on top of that, it’s another way that grant writers are making the world a better place by helping people realize their dreams for a better tomorrow.
10. It’s All About Storytelling!
Stories help us to connect with others in ways that facts and data never will. We relate to stories because they are personal and can be shared across cultures, ages, and experiences.
Stories are also flexible enough for people to apply them in their own lives as well as share with others who may not have the same background or expertise on the subject you’re discussing.
When we write grants, we don’t just tell our organization’s story we also use storytelling techniques like metaphors, analogies, and anecdotes to help our donors understand the problem we’re addressing so they can support our efforts in solving it.
Elevate your grant writing skills with these valuable tips to improve your grant writing. Whether you’re a seasoned grant writer or just starting out, these insights can help you enhance your proposals and increase your chances of securing funding.
11. The Work Is Interesting And Challenging
There are many reasons why I am glad to be a grant writer, but the most important reason is that I love the challenge of trying to write a grant that will get funded. The hardest part about writing a grant is getting your concept approved by an organization or foundation.
It’s not easy! If you have an idea that you think will change the world, it’s going to be hard for someone else to understand where you’re coming from.
That being said, when your idea gets approved and you have funding for it…that feeling of accomplishment cannot be matched by any other job out there!
12. Grant Writing Is An Easy Way To Start Your Own Business
What’s so special about this? Well, not many grant writing jobs are out there. If you want to work for yourself and set your hours, grant writing can be a great option.
You can work from home (you might even find it easier to be more productive at home) or take on projects that interest you and with people that you enjoy working with.
Grant writing allows you to serve on a nonprofit board of directors WITH CONFIDENCE knowing that you will be able to help them find the money for their causes… especially in times of need like right now with the COVID-19 pandemic!
You can be a board member without being a grant writer. You can serve on a board without being a grant writer. You can be a grant writer without serving on a board. And, of course, you can serve on a board AND ALSO be a grant writer!
If you’re wondering why it’s so great to have both roles under one roof, think about the COVID-19 pandemic. The last thing we need right now is people who aren’t able to help out because they don’t have the knowledge or experience needed to do so.
But thanks to all this wonderful new technology called “the internet” (which I hear all about from my friends), there are plenty of resources available for those who want them!
Conclusion
I’m glad to be a grant writer. I love learning about new organizations, their goals and objectives, and how they can use funding from foundations or corporations to meet those needs.
Grant writers are some of the most compassionate people around we’re constantly thinking about others, after all!
I’m so glad you took the time to read this post on why it’s great being a grant writer. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them in the comments section below! I’d love to hear from you!
Further Reading
Top 12 Traits of a Successful Grant Writer: Discover the key qualities that set apart successful grant writers in this informative article.
Should You Hire a Grant Writer?: Learn about the benefits and considerations of hiring a professional grant writer for your organization’s funding needs.
Understanding the Role of a Grant Writer: Gain insights into the responsibilities and importance of a grant writer in the context of nonprofit organizations.
And here’s the “FAQs” section:
FAQs
What are the essential traits of a successful grant writer?
Successful grant writers typically possess traits such as strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to research and understand complex funding requirements.
How do I decide whether to hire a grant writer?
Hiring a grant writer depends on factors like your organization’s resources, grant writing expertise, and the scale of your funding needs. Consider whether outsourcing this role aligns with your goals.
What does a grant writer do in a nonprofit setting?
A grant writer in a nonprofit organization is responsible for researching grant opportunities, preparing compelling proposals, and maintaining relationships with funding entities to secure financial support.
How can I improve my grant writing skills?
Improving grant writing skills involves continuous learning, practicing effective communication, staying updated on funding trends, and seeking mentorship from experienced grant writers.
What role does a grant writer play in academia or research?
In academia or research, a grant writer helps secure funding for projects, studies, and initiatives. They draft grant proposals that clearly articulate the significance and objectives of the research, increasing its chances of obtaining financial support.
Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.