Grant Writer Development
Grant writers help organizations to secure funding for operations and special projects. The funds may come from state or federal sources, as well as from private organizations and endowments. Grant writers often provide services for nonprofits, such as theater companies or museums, as well as for scientific research institutes and community development groups. To craft the most compelling grant proposals and applications, a grant writer must be committed to professional development, which can occur through many channels.
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Pro Bono And On-the-Job Learning
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Writers who have no previous experience--or only very little previous experience--with grant writing may be able to learn on-the-job from other grant writers or supervisors at your place of employment. You may also be able to learn the basics of grant writing for volunteering for a local organization. Theaters, museums, historic attractions, science centers and other similar institutions in your area may be willing to train you in the basic tactics used to write effective grant proposals in exchange for your assistance with researching and compiling grant information for them.
Workshops
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Another professional development option for grant writers is to attend grant writing workshops. One company that hosts seminars and grant writing workshops is Grant Writing USA (See Resources), which offers education on grant writing and grant management. Attending a workshop on grant management can be a great complement to your grant writing skill set. While grant writing is the process that enables you to acquire funding, grant management workshops will teach you how to properly allocate that money once you have received it.
Workshops on grant writing can also help you to avoid making common grant writing mistakes, locate resources for grants and grant writing, network with expert grant writers and/or potential employers, and add valuable experience to your resume or CV that can help you find a lucrative grant-writing position in the future.
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Classes
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College-level courses that can assist you with grant writing can be taken online or in a traditional college setting. You can contact a university or community college in your area to see what grant-writing courses are available. Alternatively, you can enroll courses in grant writing through online colleges or websites, such as Distance-Learning.org, which offers classes that include "Grant Writing Fundamentals for Non-Profit Organizations" and "Beyond Grant Writing and Approaching Viable Funding Sources with Success."
Additional Development Resources
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A number of mailing lists and online resources can also help you to stay abreast of current grant writing news and developments. Among these are ProposalWriter.com--a helpful website with a mailing list--and TheGrantWritingCoach.com, a blog that is now defunct but has a useful archive of grant-writing materials.
American Association of Grant Professionals
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In addition to the tactics listed another resource for grant writers is the nonprofit organization The American Association of Grant Professionals. This organization promotes professional growth and development, promoting professional excellence, and providing conferences and other benefits to enrich the skill set of their members. Membership dues are $175 per year.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit writing image by Alison Bowden from Fotolia.com
