How to Start a Grant Proposal Writing Business

Grants have become a major source of funds for businesses, individuals and educational institutions, but they are not so common that everyone knows how to apply for them. There is money to be made as a grant proposal writer, provided you know how to start. If you are interested in making a business out of writing grant proposals, here is one approach.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• Word processing software
• Familiarity with grant websites (or willingness to learn)

1. Search the Internet and find the URLs for grant resource websites, including both the federal grant website and any sites that contain useful information about applying for grants and writing grant proposals. Create a bookmark folder to help you keep track of these websites.
2. Write several sample grant proposals based on actual grants that are available to view; the purpose of the grant doesn't matter, because this step is to practice grant proposal writing. Spend as much time as you need working on your sample proposals, honing your skills until you are confident that they express what you want to say and a sense of professionalism.
3. Visit freelance and contractor job boards. Many of these websites will list people who are looking for grant proposal writers, so sign up for the sites and begin searching for these jobs. Bid on any jobs that you feel confident you can handle, making sure not to take on too much work while you're just starting out.
4. Collect feedback from your employers as you complete some of the early grant proposal writing jobs. Use these comments to help you see what aspects of your writing need improvement. Make a record of any positive feedback so you can use it to promote your grant proposal writing business later.
5. Expand your business with a dedicated website as you gain experience and take on more jobs. You can use it to post positive reviews and recommendations from clients. You can then promote your website with online advertising to draw in additional work that you don't have to bid on.
6. Keep your business at home to save costs. Renting an office for your grant proposal writing business will incur a much higher overhead with rent, utilities, and other fees such as business licensing and local taxes. By working from home and keeping your business online you can avoid many of these costs and reach a much larger customer base with a lot less effort.
7. Keep track of your business expenses as well as your income, as you will still be responsible for taxes on the money that you earn. Hire an accountant or purchase accounting software if you need additional help with this bookkeeping. Also, contact the IRS to be sure you are paying the proper taxes at the right time.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep an up-to-date resume and portfolio on your website so that potential clients can see examples of your work and a summary of your work experience by just visiting a link.
• Be patient; it takes time for a business to grow, especially when you're just starting out. Just because you don't get every job that you bid on at first it doesn't mean that you should give up.
• Be careful to adhere to deadlines, as many grant proposals have to be submitted by a certain date and no extensions are allowed.
• Make sure that you pay all taxes that are due on your income to avoid potential fines or penalties for late or missed payments.