How to Become a Certified Grant Writer

Colleges and universities, as well as community-based and nonprofit organizations, typically seek grant monies from government and private foundations as a major funding source; therefore, often require the services of a grant writer. But to be successful, grant writers must work not only on developing a solid network of contacts, but also work on improving their grant research and technical writing skills.

Instructions

1. Contact local colleges and inquire whether they offer noncredit or CEU courses in grant writing. Some offer grant writing courses that, when completed, allow you to take a test to become a certified grant writer.

2. Watch newspaper ads for any grant writing workshops or seminars being offered in your area. Grant writing workshops frequently are scheduled in the conference rooms at large hotels or other public buildings. Some seminars even are offered free to local nonprofits.

3. Search online for grant writing certification seminars. Many reputable learning institutions nationwide now offer online training in grant writing. Students can earn certification or continuing education credits from interactive, instructor-led workshops or tutorials from almost any location with the aid of a computer and the Internet.

4. Network with others to develop strong research techniques so that you can identify and strategically match an organization’s project with a potential funder’s mission statement and philanthropic goals. A grant writer needs to be able to make clear to the funder the requesting organization's objectives and needs. Knowledge is essential to passing any kind of certification exam.

5. Join the American Association of Grant Professionals. Over the years, this professional organization has developed credentialing standards for its members. Earning certification in grant writing helps to establish credibility in the field, as it is a measure of a grant writer’s knowledge, skill and experience as defined by fellow grant writers.

Tips & Warnings

• Earning a grant writing certificate can help you learn how to find available grants, maximize fundraising opportunities, become familiar with the basic components of a grant proposal, as well as become more proficient in the most common proposal formats required by funders.

• Grant writing workshops and seminars give grant writers the opportunity to network, learn about new funding sources and keep informed about changing trends in the field, in addition to changes in the priorities of many standard funding institutions.

• Grant writing is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. Still even some of the most carefully researched and well written grant proposals frequently are turned down.