A Beginner’s Guide on How to Become a Freelance Grant Writer

How to Become a Freelance Grant Writer + Tips on How to get Grant Writing Jobs as a Newbie

If you’re good at writing, you may want to consider a grant writing career as a way to make money. This is just one of the many career paths for writers – one that is not as popular as other writing options but can be quite lucrative and fulfilling! 

If you want to learn how to become a freelance grant writer, we’ve got you covered! This guide includes all the details from how to get started with writing grants to finding the best grant writing jobs.  

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Often, when you hear someone is a writer, you immediately think of books, journalists and magazines. However, there are SO MANY different types of writers who utilize their skills in different ways and for different purposes.

A freelance grant writer is but one drop in the ocean of possible writing jobs. Best of all, as a freelance grant writer you’ll get paid while using your expertise and you’ll also be making a difference in the world!

What is a Grant Writer?

Grant writers are technical writers who write proposals and complete grant applications to request funding for various projects and programs. A grant writer works with nonprofit organizations, private foundations and educational institutions to help secure monetary grants from agencies. 

These grants are important and essential to finance projects and beneficial research programs. And so, a grant writer must have the competence to convincingly pitch the value of their client’s ideas in order to successfully obtain the necessary funding or grants.

A freelance grant writer is self-employed and may work for numerous companies on a per-job basis. The potential is limitless for a freelance grant writer as grant writing work can be done for many clients simultaneously. There is no ceiling to how much can be earned with your grant writing business!

How to Become a Freelance Grant Writer?

If you’ve got your heart set on becoming a freelance grant writer, then these are the steps you’ll want to follow.

1. Education – Bachelor’s Degree & Certification Course

To become a professional grant writer, a bachelor’s degree in English, Communications, Journalism or a related field would provide a solid writing foundation.

However, as a freelance grant writer, this is not necessary. Once you are good at writing, a grant writing course with certification will suffice and set you up for a successful business. 

You can even opt for convenience and choose an online grant writing course to get started! There are many good options, some of which a listed further below. 

2. Volunteer at nonprofits to gain experience

To land an amazing grant writing job, you’ll need to have an impressive resume. This includes work experience. You know how some employers only want to hire people with experience, but yet you can’t get experience unless someone hires you? #jobhuntingproblems

Well a great way to gain experience is by volunteering your grant writing knowledge and expertise at your local nonprofits. 

Even if you’re trying to learn how to become a freelance grant writer, and trying to build your own business, you can enhance your clientele portfolio and gain experience this way! 

3. Update your Resume and Send out Applications

As you complete more courses and gain more experience, keep updating and revamping your resume to reflect your competency.

Put yourself out there by applying to different companies and institutions. Even if there’s no advertisement, still drop off a resume. Your information will be filed and you may be called if a grant writing job opportunity opens up.

4. Network

Another advantage of volunteering as a grant writer at nonprofits is that you’ll get to network and meet other people in the grant writing circle. This way you can get first hand information on available grant writing jobs, keep updated on grant writing news, and make a name for yourself as a proficient and qualified grant writer!

There are many other ways to network and meet others, which brings me to the next point.

5. Join Professional Associations

It’s a good idea to join a grant writing association since this is such a simple way to meet others and make yourself known in the grant writing industry. Some good professional associations in the United States are the American Grant Writers Association (AGWA) and the Grant Professionals Association (GPA).  You’ll get exclusive access to industry insights and resources, networking opportunities, professional training and more!

6. Use the Grant Writer Title

Up your professional game by labeling yourself as a grant writer on professional networking sites like LinkedIn. 

7. Qualities of a Successful Grant Writer

Ensure that you have good work ethics if you want to excel and stand out in the grant writing field. A successful grant writer is reliable, professional, hard working and motivated, is goal oriented, organized and is a continuous learner. Obviously good communication and problem-solving skills are also a must for writing grant proposals! 

Need a little help and motivation to increase your income? Why not grab our digital eBook? It’s totally free!

Benefits of Becoming a Freelance Grant Writer

There are many benefits of becoming a freelance grant writer.

• Flexibility – A freelance grant writing business allows you to work flexible hours as it isn’t the typical 9 – 5. As a freelance grant writer, you’ll select the jobs that you want and then get paid on a per job basis. Freelance writing givers you power over your working hours. 

As a result, you choose your own working hours. Once you meet your deadlines, it doesn’t matter if you worked day or night.

• Higher Income Potential – As a freelance grant writer, you can earn higher than a traditional employee since you can set your own rates and take on as many clients and projects as you wish!

• Personal Fulfillment – Successful freelance grant writers are making a difference in the world! They are securing grants for non profit organizations to do charity work or institutions conducting beneficial research projects. As a freelance grant writer, you are indirectly helping others! 

How to Find Legit Grant Writing Jobs

1. Upwork

A good place to start looking for legit grant writing jobs is on Upwork. There are hundreds of jobs available for your pickings!

2. Find job opportunities from Networking

When you are networking, you’ll get first hand info on new job opportunities. So, be sure to join relevant Grant Writing Associations, ask to be added to Grant Writing WhatsApp groups and stay connected via LinkedIn.

3. Keep checking Job Boards 

Job boards such as ZipRecruiter and Indeed often have a list of available grant writing job opportunities.

4. Market your services 

Market and advertise your grant writing business and services by building your brand and online presence. Social media can lead you to many clients!

5. Send applications 

Drop off your resume and application to relevant local organizations. Even if they don’t have a current job opening, your info will be filed, and you may be called for future interviews.

Basic Grant Writing Process for Entry Level Jobs

What exactly are you required to do as a newbie grant writer? What does the job entail to secure funding? 

Prospect Phase

During the prospect phase, you’ll be required to identify potential grant opportunities. 

This involves doing research to find new prospects or potential funding sources, reviewing previous funders, evaluating the organization’s readiness to apply for and manage the grant funding, planning your funding strategy and preparing a research report. 

This is a necessary step as it sets the foundation for a successful grant proposal.

Proposal Phase

During the proposal phase, you will need to write the first draft (and any revisions) of your proposal to the grantor. 

It should include a summary of the project, the benefits of this project, the goals and objectives, the strategies that will be used, the budget (and a justification for this budget), and a plan on how the success of the project will be evaluated. 

Other information such as the sustainability of the program can also be addressed. 

Meetings

Many meetings will be conducted throughout the grant writing process to conduct research, to interview personnel, to do a site visit to see the program in action and also to review the drafts before finalizing the grant submissions. All these phases are important for a successful proposal.

How long does it take to write a grant?

The length of time to write a grant depends on the type of grant. It may take about 40 hours to write a foundation grant, 70 hours for a state grant, and over 100 hours for federal grants. 

However, apart from the actual writing hours, you also need to account for the time spent doing research, going to meetings and reviewing your drafts. Remember to account for this when quoting your clients!

Types of Grant Writing Jobs

Writing Grants for Nonprofit Organizations

Use your grant writing skills to help nonprofits secure funding from foundations, government agencies and private donors. These grants help causes such as animal welfare or saving the environment.

Grant Writing for Public Schools

Public schools often have limited resources. As a grant writer for public schools, you can secure funding to enhance student learning. 

Grant Writing for Educational Institutions

Help secure funding for scientific research.

Grant Writing Certificate Programs & Grant Writing Courses

Grant writing courses and certificate programs can be done both online and in-person. Most courses will offer grant-writing certification on completion. However, while doing your research, ensure that the institution is legit and accredited. 

Once satisfied, simply review the course outline, rationale, the contact hours and the fees to choose a program that is most suitable for your needs.

In-person Grant Writing Courses

These can be done at your local community colleges or by performing a Google Search for “Grant Writing Classes Near Me”. In fact, to make this process easier, you can use our zip code search box below to get started.

Grant Writing Classes Near Me 

If you’re looking for ‘in-person grant writing classes near me’ options, simply enter your zip code and click the button for a Google Maps list of real places close by!

Online Grant Writing Courses / Accredited Grant Writing Certification Programs Online

If you prefer the convenience and flexibility of online classes, there are many options to get started with your grant writing education online. Many of these offer legit grant-writing certification on completion.  

–Udemy

–Technical Writer HQ

–Skillshare

–Ed2go

–SDSU Global Campus

–American Grant Writers Association Inc.

Free Grant Writing Classes

–NonprofitReady

–Learn Grant Writing’s Free Grant Writing Class

How to Get Grant Writing Experience

As mentioned earlier, a great way to get grant writing experience is by volunteering at organizations in the nonprofit sector. You can volunteer your grant writing skills to secure funding for upcoming charity projects and for financing community development. 

It’s a win win. They’ll get their funding without having to spend money on a grant writer and you’ll get work experience and the chance to beef up your resume!

Median Salary of a Grant Writer

Some career and recruiting websites report a median grant writer salary that is as low as $49 825 and others state a median salary as high as $67 399. We’ve used four legitimate sources and found a reliable average median salary of $57 525 per year for grant writers.

This results in a monthly salary of $4793.75.

The average hourly rate is reported to be around $60.

So a monthly salary of $4793.75 (with a $60 hourly rate) indicates 80 hours worked for the month, or 20 hours per week. 

This means you can double your monthly salary to almost $10K if you land more freelance work and do a typical 40-hour work week!

There are many hardworking grant writers who make this and more each month!

Different Types of Grants

Research Grants

These are grants given to scientific teams to fund their research projects.

Foundation Grants

These refer to grants that come from private foundations, community foundations and corporate foundations.

Federal Grants / Government Grants / State Grants

Federal grants are funds given by the government for specific projects. There are two types of federal grants, categorical grants and formula grants.  

State Grants

State / Local Grants refer to funding from your state / local government.

Non-profit Grants

This is funding that can be accessed by non-profit organizations.

Start-up Grants

These are grants specifically for new businesses and entrepreneurs to get started.

Corporation Grants

These are provided by corporations to fund programs.

Arts Grants

These are grants given to artists, performers and writers to fund their creative work.

There are so many types of grants available. As you get into the grant writing field, you’ll realize that there are thousands of grant opportunities that can be explored!

Tips for Starting a Grant Writing Business as a Newbie Grant Writer

1. Print Business Cards

Nothing makes you more official than your very own business cards! This is a must when it comes to starting your own freelance grant writing business. Not only does it make it easy for you to pass on your info (to land more jobs), but it also screams professional and legit! 

2. Scout for Potential Clients

Your new business cards make it easier than ever to scout for potential clients! Network, network, network! Sell yourself as someone who can get the job, and ensure that you mean it too!

3. Work on getting a Bachelor’s Degree

If you know you want to pursue grant writing as a career, you can invest in your education through a bachelor’s degree in a related writing field. 

Additionally, you can up your game through grant writing programs and online courses. 

4. Advertise your Services on Social Media Platforms

Leverage social media to your advantage by advertising your business and services. Get your business in front of thousands of eyes through the power of social media! As business owners, this is a must!

5. Increase Efficiency with a Grant Writer Software

Using a grant writer software such as Instrumentl’s Grants Management Software can help you manage your projects, meet deadlines and stay organized.

Grant Writing Best Practices

These are some quick tips and best practices of successful freelance writers.

• Always read all documents

• Pay attention to details

• Have excellent communication skills with both the clients and the funders

• Use your own templates and templates from the funder where possible

• Stay organized and meet all deadlines

Other Related Fields that are Similar to Writing Grants

As a grant writer, you have skills which will make you a good fit for other similar careers. These include:

• Proposal Writer – Write proposals which may also include grant writing.

• Fundraising Manager – Manage fundraising projects to secure donations, gifts and scholarships.

• Grants Manager / Director of Grants / Grants Coordinator – Manage and oversee the process of securing grants.

• Development Officer – Strategize ways to increase donations and identify more sources of funding.

• Program Manager – Develop and implement programs that require funding

• Project Manager – Manage and oversee grant writing projects.

• Nonprofit Consultant – Use your expertise as a grant writer to advise organizations on their funding efforts.

• Marketing and Communications Specialist – Create content and manage social media to support an organization’s fundraising projects.

Additional Info on How to Become a Freelance Grant Writer – FAQs

How do freelance grant writers get paid?

As a freelance grant writer, the payment method is totally up to you. This is something you’ll need to discuss with your client and settle on a method that works for both parties. This can be a check, cash or wire transfer. 

Are grant writers in demand?

Yes, grant writers are in high demand since there are millions of non-profit organizations, financial institutions and other companies requiring grant writing services. In fact, the industry is even expected to continue experiencing growth. 

How much should I charge as a freelance grant writer?

As a freelance grant writer, your rates are totally up to you. Ideally, your rates should match your quality of work, your turnover times and your level of experience. 

New grant writers can start off charging around $20 – $30 per hour, increasing rates over time, with more experience, favorable reviews from past clients, and increased training and education. 

An experienced grant writer who is in high demand can charge $150 – $200 per hour!

The average rate is $40 – $70 per hour.

How to get into grant writing?

If you want to get into grant writing, a good place to start is by pursuing a grant writing course to get certification. While doing this, join a Grant Writing Association, start networking and update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your new title. 

Volunteer your grant writing skills at your local nonprofits and start updating your resume and sending applications to relevant institutions. 

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Final Thoughts on How to Become a Grant Writer

Becoming a grant writer is definitely a fulfilling and rewarding career. And as a successful freelance grant writer, there’s no limit to how much you can earn. Now that you know what steps to take to set yourself up for success, all that’s left to do is to just get started.

Select a course, join an association and start networking straight away. Remember that with hard work comes success. Grant writers have the power to make a positive impact and long-lasting change in the world while benefiting from a lucrative career.

Are you ready to get started? Do you have any other tips on how to become a freelance grant writer? Share with us in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you!

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A Beginner’s Guide on How to Become a Freelance Grant Writer