Who is a grant writer?

[Anonymous]

Thinking about taking a job as a non profit grant writer. Never been one per say but lots of grant experience (just not as my sole job). If you've done this work, what did you like? dislike? What is most important if you want to be successful?

I'm a strong writer and a creative thinker. I think I could potentially find some creative funding sources - it's a somewhat new non profit so this is an area that needs work. I'm also great at project management type work so I think I could manage the tracking of lots of grants all at different points quite well. I'm also a bit of a data and excel nerd and think tracking it all would be fun. Does this sound like a grant writer might be a good fit for me?

[Anonymous]

Well, first you need to learn how to spell per se.

[Anonymous]

Also, nonprofit is one word. And the E in Excel should be capitalized.

[Anonymous]

OP, what the PPs are trying to tell you is that grant writing is very detail-oriented. Have you applied to, and received, multiple grants for your organization? Have you managed an entire grant cycle, from application, implementation and reporting, to closeout?

[Anonymous]

Go for it OP!! I think u will find it very fulfilling work especially when you achieve your first grant.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Also, nonprofit is one word. And the E in Excel should be capitalized.

It's a grantwriter position, not a copyeditor position.

- not OP

[Anonymous]

Dunt bee uh asss. Hav sum classs ahnd lehrn two corect peepul grayshushly ore knot aht alll. Noe won ast four uh spaheling lehsson. Jurks!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, what the PPs are trying to tell you is that grant writing is very detail-oriented. Have you applied to, and received, multiple grants for your organization? Have you managed an entire grant cycle, from application, implementation and reporting, to closeout?

Most grantwriters I know don't manage the full cycle. They work on the proposal stage. It's the project director who is in charge of the implementation/reporting/closeout work.

[Anonymous]

OP here. You guys have been super helpful, per usual.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Also, nonprofit is one word. And the E in Excel should be capitalized.

It's a grantwriter position, not a copyeditor position.

- not OP

That's true but good grantwriters are also good editors, even if someone else reviews a final draft (as they should).

[Anonymous]

Yes, OP, it sounds like this could be a good fit for you.

You will also always be able to find a job or consulting gig should you get good at grantwriting. Very in-demand.

[Anonymous]

Reformed grant writer (now working for the fed). Wrote multiple successful grants for millions of dollars and I'm crap at spelling. Just have someone do a copy edit. It's about writing, content, data, etc.

I hated it - but was good at it.

[Anonymous]

NP here. Is there any way to move into grantwriting without experience? Should you take a course? I have worked as a corporate comm writer for years but would like to move into another line of work. Is it impossible unless you've already worked in or at least have been exposed to the nonprofit sector?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:NP here. Is there any way to move into grantwriting without experience? Should you take a course? I have worked as a corporate comm writer for years but would like to move into another line of work. Is it impossible unless you've already worked in or at least have been exposed to the nonprofit sector?

Best way to break into it is to volunteer to do it for a nonprofit. If you have children in school, one way is to offer to do it for their school. The best calling card for future work is winning a grant.