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Less than 30 hrs/week
Hours needed
1 to 3 months
Duration
Intermediate
Experience level
Hello, I am seeking a knowledgeable grant expert with experience assisting international-ups in navigating the grant landscape in the U…
30+ hrs/week
Hours needed
3 to 6 months
Duration
Expert
Experience level
# Grant Writer Needed for Recycling Startup Funding Applications ## Job Description We are a innovative recycling startup seeking an e…
$50
Fixed-price
Intermediate
Experience level
I would like to apply for a U.S. Mission / U.S. Embassy grant that is offered by the State Department. I am looking for an experience…
$500
Fixed-price
Intermediate
Experience level
We are seeking a skilled grant writer to assist us with our National Lottery Project Grant application. As a grant writer, you will be…
Less than 30 hrs/week
Hours needed
More than 6 months
Duration
Expert
Experience level
1. Scope of Work: Main Tasks: - Funding needs analysis and assessment of current funding priority areas. - On-call grant writing f…
$10
Fixed-price
Intermediate
Experience level
Hi everyone, We are seeking a skilled Grant Proposal Writer to refine a submission for a Climate Change Innovation Grant. This proposa…
Less than 30 hrs/week
Hours needed
3 to 6 months
Duration
Expert
Experience level
Seeking an expert grant researcher who can utilize information furnished regarding a particular client/initiative to identify grants fo…
Less than 30 hrs/week
Hours needed
1 to 3 months
Duration
Intermediate
Experience level
Award winning podcast team is looking for a grant writer/researcher to help secure grants for our new non profit podcast. In this podc…
Less than 30 hrs/week
Hours needed
3 to 6 months
Duration
Intermediate
Experience level
We are seeking a passionate Grant Writer to secure funding for vital community programs. Your exceptional writing and research skills w…
Less than 30 hrs/week
Hours needed
1 to 3 months
Duration
Intermediate
Experience level
Hi, do read carefully I want a grant written in professional format The project is about smart watch and it's app that will be develo…
can earn $35–$60/hr.
$35 $60
Median hourly rates (USD)
How to Become a Freelance Grant Writer
Grant writing is an essential part of both nonprofit and for-profit organizations. However, submitting a grant application is a complex and time-consuming process. These applications are typically submitted to institutions, government agencies, corporations, or foundations with the hope that these entities will issue a grant based on the merits of the submitted proposal.
If you have a passion for developing persuasive proposals and believe you can obtain grant money from one of the aforementioned organizations, you may have what it takes to become a freelance grant writer on Upwork.
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
Jumpstart your freelance grant writing career on Upwork and start looking for your first job. Eager to learn more about freelance grant writing jobs on Upwork? Check out these additional resources:
Upwork is not affiliated with and does not sponsor or endorse any of the tools or services discussed in this section. These tools and services are provided only as potential options, and each reader and company should take the time needed to adequately analyse and determine the tools or services that would best fit their specific needs and situation.
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