Educational Grant Writing As a Career
Grant writing can be a lucrative way to do what you love and make a difference at the same time. There are over 1.5 million nonprofit organizations nationwide, making grant writers in high demand. Contrary to popular belief, grant writers do not write grants but rather proposals to get grants. A great deal of grant writing can be done freelance or by independent contract. Though some organizations hire full-time grant writers, freelance grant writers make the most income.
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Skills Required
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Grant writers must possess skills in storytelling, writing, consulting, research, program planning, evaluation, budgeting and logic. They must also have good communication skills, an above average vocabulary, excellent spelling, mathematical skills, computer skills, organizational skills and self-discipline.
Who Hires Educational Grant Writers
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Educational grant writers are often hired by schools, universities, school districts, hospitals, health care agencies, government agencies, private and corporate foundations, performing arts organizations, churches, environmental groups, community developers, animal organizations, law enforcement agencies and fire departments.
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Salary and Wages
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Grant writing can be a great way to earn big bucks. The more skilled and polished you are, the better pay you will be offered. Grant writers who work as independent contractors can earn anywhere from $40 to $100 an hour. Full-time grant writers who work for a company, organization or institution typically start out around $30,000. Hourly pay rate is based on experience. According to Salary.com, the lower 25% of grant writers earn close to $47,000 a year. Grant writers earn a median of just over $58,000, while the top 75% earn around $61,000.
How to Become a Grant Writer
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There are online courses you can take to learn the art of grant writing, and many nonprofit agencies offer free workshops, as do some colleges and United Way agencies. The best way to become a grant writer, however, is by reading successful grant proposals and practicing writing your own.
Getting Your Name Out
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Before applying for paid work, it might be a good idea to volunteer as a grant writer with an organization that is near and dear to you. You can write, make a difference and hone your skills at the same time. You will familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of the organization as well as their financial needs.
Once you have mastered grant writing and feel that you are ready to find paid work, there are grant writers directories online that allow you to post your name, expertise and experience online for organizations to peruse. One such example of this is the Grant Writers' Directory on GrantAlert.com. The directory can be found by logging onto www.grantsalert.com/grant_writers_directory.cfm?pg=3.
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References
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