How to Become a Freelance Grant Writer, a Basic Overview
Welcome back to my series about demystifying the world of the freelance writer. My first deep dive was about creative copywriting. In this episode, I will be exploring freelance grant writing.
Disclaimer: I am not a professional grant writer, nor am I a freelance grant writer, but I have often wondered what the world of grant funding and writing for it looks like and what makes someone a good fit to be a successful grant writer.
How to Become a Freelance Grant Writer
Come with me as I dive into a basic overview of grant writing and freelancing. In this article, we'll explore how to become a freelance grant writer–from getting started to building a portfolio and charging for your services.
What is Grant Writing? What does a grant writer do?
Grant writing is an essential part of the modern fundraising landscape, and can be a highly lucrative career path for those who have the right combination of skills and experience. A freelance grant writer typically researches available grants, composes compelling proposals to secure funding, and works with clients to deliver successful applications.
The role requires excellent research, writing, and communication skills, as well as an understanding of the grant application process. Those who are successful at it often find that they can charge high rates for their services, making it a rewarding career path that is in high demand.
Getting started in grant writing can seem like a daunting prospect, but it doesn't have to be. However, it will take time, patience, and hard work.
The most important thing is to do your research and learn as much as possible about grant writing processes and the available opportunities. Once you feel confident that you understand the fundamentals of grant writing, you can begin building your portfolio and gaining experience in the field.
What degree or degrees do you need?
You don't necessarily need a bachelor's degree in English or writing to be a freelance grant writer. You also do not necessarily need an advanced degree like a masters degree or PHD.
Experience working in community development or at a non-profit organization can be very helpful. And while having a background in the related field can certainly give you an advantage, there are also many resources available that allow anyone with the right skills and interests to become a successful, experienced grant writer.
By taking grant writing courses or webinars, joining professional organizations such as Grant Professionals Association or The Grant Writing Academy, and building a strong portfolio of successful grant applications, you can become an expert in the field.
Additionally, having a good understanding of finance and budgeting will be an invaluable skillset for any freelance grant writer. If you hope to work with a specific niche of clients, it is important to have a deep understanding of their field and what their needs are.
One of the best ways to start is to find out about any relevant certificate programs or qualifications for grant writing, as these can help bolster your credibility. You should also familiarize yourself with the different types of grants available and learn how to spot potential opportunities.
It's also important to get a good understanding of the basic requirements and deadlines associated with grant writing, and be sure to keep up with the latest changes.
Another important step is to begin networking with potential clients and partners in the field. You can join online communities or attend relevant events to start building relationships and introducing yourself as a grant writer.
This will help you expand your reach and build credibility in the industry. You should consider signing up with a grant writing organization - this will not only give you access to resources and advice, but also provide opportunities for collaboration and grant writing experience.
You can also use the resources available through grant writing organizations, such as templates and advice on best practices, to help you write successful applications. As you gain more experience and success in the field, add these wins to your portfolio so that potential employers can see your track record.
What should a grant writing portfolio include?
When starting out as a freelance grant writer, building a portfolio of successful applications is key. This will help you showcase your skills and demonstrate to potential clients that you have the experience and expertise they need.
To build your portfolio, you should begin by researching potential funding opportunities in your area of expertise and writing sample proposals for them. You can also reach out to organizations who are looking for grant writers and offer your services on a voluntary basis - this is a great way to gain experience and get your first few successes under your belt.
When assembling a portfolio to showcase your grant writing skills, there are several key things you should include. First and foremost is any successful applications you have written in the past - these should be well-written, clear, and demonstrate an understanding of the client's needs.
You should also include any sample proposals or mockups that show potential clients what your writing style is like. When possible, share an example of a successful proposal you wrote.
In addition, it's important to include any qualifications or certifications that demonstrate your expertise in the field of grant writing to your resume or CV. This could be anything from relevant degrees or certificates, to specialized training courses and workshops you have taken. You should also showcase any awards or accolades you have earned for your work in the field.
Finally, you should include any additional skills or knowledge that could be beneficial to your clients. For example, if you have experience in research or data analysis, you could create a portfolio piece that showcases this expertise.
This can help demonstrate to potential employers the full range of services you provide. With these pieces in place, your portfolio should provide an excellent overview of your grant writing skills and showcase the value you can bring to any organization.
How do freelance grant writers find work?
Finding work as a freelance grant writer is all about networking and building relationships in the industry. It's important to join online communities or relevant groups to start introducing yourself and showcasing your services.
You should also make sure to attend any relevant conferences or workshops, as this will give you the opportunity to meet potential clients and get your name out there.
Keep an eye on grant writing jobs using job boards like Idealist or National Nonprofits or LinkedIn postings. You can also use LinkedIn to build your network.
This can help you stay up-to-date on current openings and give you a good idea of how much different organizations are willing to pay for grant writing services.
You should also consider signing up with freelance job websites, such as Upwork or Fiverr, which can help connect you with potential clients who may not be actively looking.
It's important to keep up with the latest industry news and trends so that you can be sure to stay on top of any changes or new opportunities. This will help you write stronger applications and stay ahead of the competition.
With a solid portfolio in hand, you'll be well on your way to becoming a successful freelance grant writer. Stay active and engaged on social media – this is a great way to showcase your work and can help you reach out to potential clients who may not have heard of you before.
By networking regularly and staying active in the industry, you'll be much more likely to find freelance grant writing opportunities.
Who hires freelance grant writers?
Freelance grant writers can work with a range of different clients, from private businesses and private foundations to nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and educational institutions.
Depending on your experience level, you might be hired to research potential funding sources, write grant applications, manage grants and contracts, or provide consultation services to help organizations achieve their funding goals.
In order to be successful as a freelance grant writer, it's important to have an organized approach and excellent communication skills. Keeping meticulous records of your research, notes, drafts, and documents is essential for staying on top of complex projects.
You'll also need to be able to clearly communicate with clients about their needs in order to develop effective grant applications.
What to charge for grant writing?
When it comes to charging for grant writing services, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Every project and client will have different requirements and budget considerations, so you'll need to tailor your rates accordingly.
A good approach is to charge a flat fee per application, or an hourly rate depending on the scope of work involved. It's also important to consider the value of your services - grant writing involves a significant amount of work, and you should be sure to charge appropriately for the time and effort required.
Don't be afraid to negotiate on rates if you feel they are too low, as you deserve to be paid fairly for your expertise.
Do your research - look into what other grant writers charge and how much experience they have. This is when using your resources becomes very important! And know, as your skills and experience grows, you can charge more and/or niche down.
What are some resources for a new grant writer?
There are a number of resources available for new grant writers, including online courses and webinars that provide tips and advice on the best practices in the field. You can also join professional associations such as the Grant Professionals Association or The Grant Writing Academy for access to exclusive resources and opportunities to connect with other professionals.
These resources can help you stay up-to-date with the latest changes and trends in grant writing, which is invaluable for any freelancer looking to stay competitive.
Additionally, most organizations offer mentoring programs or one-on-one support if you have any specific questions or need advice on a particular project.
Here are 11 websites for grant writing resources:
1. GrantSpace
2. Grants.gov
4. National Council of Nonprofits
5. Grant Professionals Association
7. Grants and Funding for Nonprofits
8. Foundation Directory Online
What are the advantages and disadvantages of being a Freelance Grant Writer?
Being a freelance grant writer has its advantages and disadvantages, like all freelancing gigs. On the plus side, you can set your own hours, work from anywhere, and choose the clients and projects you want to take on.
You can also experiment with different writing styles, research a wide variety of topics, and develop an marketable skill set that can be used in other areas of business.
On the downside, freelance grant writing is often quite competitive, so there may not always be enough projects available to make a living wage. You'll also have to be comfortable working alone, as there isn't a team or supervisor to guide you along.
Additionally, it can be difficult to handle the financial side of things like invoicing and taxes when you're self-employed.
A freelance grant writing career can offer a great deal of flexibility and career growth, but you'll need to be prepared for the challenges of working as an independent contractor.
Freelance grant writing can be a great way to make a living, but it requires hard work and dedication. You'll need to build a strong portfolio that showcases your skills, network in the industry, and stay on top of the latest trends if you want to succeed. With these tips in mind, you should be well on your way to becoming a successful freelance grant writer.
After all this research, I don't think I'll be grant writing any time soon. Though I found it very interesting to learn more about this world!
More and more, as I do research about all the different kinds of freelance writing opportunities there are, I am encouraged that I (and you) can make happy careers out of writing. It takes time and effort and a lot of stress at the beginning, but for people who love to write, and care about writing, there is a spot for all of us.
Interested in reading more? Check out these articles that I did not write but found helpful:
How To Become A Freelance Grant Writer In 7 Steps
5 Tips for Becoming a Freelance Grant Writer
How To Become a Freelance Grant Writer and Get Paid To Write Grants
