How to Start a Grant Proposal Writing Business

Well researched and creatively written grant proposals are a must to keep the attention of a grant review board. Most grant-seeking businesses recognize it is well worth the cost of hiring a professional writer to write the proposal.
An individual with the skills to write each proposal in a unique way may find success in starting a grant proposal writing business.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet Access
• Phone
• Fax Machine
• Copier
• Printer

1. Educate your self on grant writing, it is more than just writing the proposals. If you are not familiar with the requirements of government and private grants processes, learn about them through reading and research.
   A proposal is a key point to a grant that ties everything in. If familiar about the whole process it may be hard to write a provocative grant proposal.

2. Prepare your self by purchasing a English dictionary and a book on different types of proposals. There are hundreds of types of grant proposals and it is a must to know what type of proposal you will need. After becoming aware of what your customers need and what your capable of, you may want to narrow your focus on finding customers in a particular niche.

3. Market your new grant proposal business by attending social function for non-profit organizations and mingling with the executives. Many find loyal customers through getting to know their customers and volunteering a couple hours first. These customers are also very good at referring other non-profit business to your business.

4. Visit and become members of freelancing job sites and job posting boards that help freelance writers meet businesses and individuals that need their services. Freelancewriting.com and Elance.com are just a few well known sites that have sections for grant proposal writers to offer their services.

5. Join community programs and business organization to get your business name out there. Offer your opinions when your niche area becomes a topic of conversations, to eventually be known as a expert in grant knowledge. If companies think that you are a expert of what you do, you are more likely to get more work.

6. Grant proposal writing can be done out of the home, and does not require one to rent out office space.
   A Grant proposal writing business can be started and promoted with a small start up budget.
   To keep updated on fee scales and current grant news become a member of the American Association of Grant Professionals.

Tips & Warnings

• Grant proposal writing can be done out of the home, and does not require one to rent out office space.
• A Grant proposal writing business can be started and promoted with a small start up budget.
• To keep updated on fee scales and current grant news become a member of the American Association of Grant Professionals.
• A grant proposal business is easier for a person without a grant project to get their foot in the door, then it would be to start a full grant business.
• After building a reputation, you may consider broadening your services to other parts of grant writing.
• Keeping a portfolio of actual grant proposals to show customers what you have done in the past is frowned upon in the grant writing community. Instead, write articles on grant types and awards to show your customers your expertise. You may also create proposals simulating fake businesses, just make sure the document is labeled as such.

Resources

• How I Learned To Work From Home Writing

[melrod0222]

on 9/17/2009 Thank you!!

[BCPASSIONS]

on 10/11/2008 Awesome! i am in the process of writing a grant for a prevention program. Great tips!

[PABechko]

on 10/6/2008 Good tips!

[SpeaK]

on 10/6/2008 im a bit of an entrepreneur and i found the article informative, particularly the website referrals. Thanks!

[luv2blog]

on 10/3/2008 Great information on starting a grant proposal business.