Find the Best Grant Writer Jobs

What does a freelance grant writer do?

Developing and submitting a grant to an organization for the purpose of receiving funding is a complex and time-consuming process. Grant writers are hired to ensure the submitted proposal achieves the best outcome. A grant writer uses their communication skills including persuasion, industry insight, and research skills to complete the application process and maximize their clients’ chances of receiving a grant.

Many grant writers leverage their years of experience working for nonprofits, fundraising foundations, or government agencies to then help their clients navigate the grant application process.

What skills do I need to become a freelance grant writer?

Freelance grant writers offer a set of skills that are honed over years of experience. Many of these skills are derived from years of working behind the scenes for nonprofits, government agencies, and foundations. While various clients seek grants for different purposes, there are a number of skills that are common regardless of the type of grant being sought.

Common skills a freelance grant writer should possess include:

• Organizational skills. Writing and submitting a proposal for a grant is a complex process with many moving parts. They’ll also need to meet deadlines and ensure that materials are submitted.
• Excellent writing skills. Freelance grant writers must possess excellent writing skills. Their power of persuasion and ability to articulate the need for the grant should come through clearly in the submitted application
• Creativity. Clients look to freelance grant writers for their knowledge, organizational skills, and their creativity. Creativity allows the grant writer to position the proposal in new and creative ways that will cut through the clutter of other submissions and gain the attention of funders.
• Industry insight. Freelance grant writers provide value to clients by leveraging their industry insight. Whether grant proposals are submitted to government agencies or foundations, for nonprofit or for-profit organizations, the industry knowledge a freelance grant writer provides pays dividends.
• Persistence. Successful grants are often preceded by multiple application submissions. If a client’s grant proposal is denied the first or second time, the freelance grant writer can provide guidance regarding proposal refinement or suggestions regarding other institutions where grants can be sought.
• Project management skills. Multiple moving parts during the grant writing and submission process require grant writers to possess excellent project management skills. They are typically responsible for grant management to ensure all components of the proposal are completed accurately and submitted according to the grant’s requirements, freelance grant writers must be adept at project management.
• Networking skills. Grant writers often rely on their network of contacts within government agencies and foundations. These contacts can provide guidance and help to ensure the proposal meets the grant’s requirements and identify future funding opportunities.

What are the core freelance grant writer job responsibilities

Clients will require freelance grant writers to handle a number of duties in order to maximize their chances of securing funding. While different grants have different requirements, depending on the industry and the organization providing the grant, most responsibilities of a freelance grant writer are universal.

Here are some things you may see in a typical grant writer job description.

• Take ownership of the entire grant writing cycle for the organization as well as all subsidiaries
• Conduct comprehensive research, industry analysis and write grant proposals and prepare for submission to funding sources.
• Collaborate with staff and other stakeholders to identify positioning opportunities when developing proposals in order to maximize approval
• Recommend grant opportunities to pursue and present findings to senior staff
• Maintain a list of organizational donors who can commit to annual grants of $10,000 or more
• Work with community officers and ensure language around giving is consistent through all communication channels.

Should I get a degree or certification to become a freelance grant writer?

There are a few ways into grant writing, but a certificate or degree program can get you the skills you need to start out. As your grant writing experience grows so will your opportunities.

Some examples of popular degrees or certifications that may prove helpful to become a freelance professional grant writer include:

• An associate, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or Ph.D. in English, journalism, communications, marketing, pre-law or an equivalent field of study from an accredited college or university
• Professional and Academic Proposal Writing—offered by Thompson Rivers University
• Certificate in Grant Writing—offered by Willamette Valley Development Officers
• Grant Development & Proposal Writing Certificates—offered by Arizona State University