Pod- Cast: Grant Writing
Let’s imagine you, or your organization, has decided to apply for a grant. The process may go something like this: you hear of a grant they’d like to apply one, you write or complete grant application and necessities, youreceive grant! It may go as smoothly as that or it may involve countless hours of writers block, carpel tunnel or a simple straight-forward denial because you didn’t meet the criteria, or didn’t complete the grant flawlessly. No nodding heads = no grant money. Here’s the important part though, the difference between receiving a check and receiving a check-off is oftentimes a skilled grant writer. Seeing this, here are a few general things to know regarding hiring or finding your grant writing soul mate.
A grant writer is usually defined as someone who is responsible for preparing the necessary documents needed in order to secure grant money from governments or foundations that provide grant funds to nonprofits, businesses or other eligible organizations.
Once an organization determines they do in fact want to hire, either permanently or on contract, a grant writer they begin the process of finding someone up for the job.
Where to find them: As with a lot of things in life it is sometimes best to begin close to home. You can always start by asking for referrals from friends, relatives or colleagues who may have previously gone through a similar process. If this turns up nothing but dead ends, it’s best to look for a consultant grant writer. These can be found in many places but a good place to start is the American Grant Writer’s Association. They have the ability to play match maker between their certified grant writers available for hire and the type of organization you are or what type of grant you are applying for. You can also check job boards, place a job ad, reach out to a local university or research the websites of non-profits or fundraising organizations.
What they will do: Once on board, a grant writer gets down to the job. They begin with either tackling a grant you have already selected to apply for or begin researching grant opportunities for you or your organization. Once grant opportunities have been located grant writers will write the actual proposal to be submitted to foundations or applications to government agencies. A grant writer also has the ability to step in and simply review a proposal or application that you have already written and if desired they have the skills and knowledge to think long term and train your staff to research grant opportunities and write proposals in the future.
How much they will cost: Grant writers hired as a consultant will charge an hourly rate. These often range from $40-100 per hour. Just an FYI it is unethical for any grant writer to accept compensation that is a percentage of grant funds an organization may receive. It is also unethical for compensation to be contingent upon receipt of grant funds.
So there you have it, a mini breakdown on some key things to know regarding the duties of grant writers, where to find them and what to expect from them. You can also check out our website for more grant resources than you could imagine, or check our Facebook and Twitter pages for frequent how-to’s and updates.
Grant Writing Resources:
http://foundationcenter.org/getstarted/tutorials/shortcourse/index.html
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