Why Do You Need Grant Writer?

Nonprofit organizations, corporations and small businesses all utilize grants for funding.  Grants come in a variety of formats.  For nonprofit organizations, grants are often the lifeblood that provides cash to keep the organization running. For corporations, grants can provide a much-needed boost of cash in rough economic times or a bonus for providing social benefits such as environmentally conscious manufacturing processes.  In any case, applying for and receiving a grant is a time-intensive process.  Grant writers are the people who research, write and apply for grants.

Grant writers are in charge of ensuring that organizations find and receive grant funding.  Research is a large part of any grant writer’s job.  There are a huge number of grants available, so writers spend a great deal of time searching for grants that their organization qualifies for and ensuring that the funding comes from a legitimate source.

Following the research stage, grant writers begin preparing applications for grants.  This involves intense attention to detail to ensure that each component of the application is properly and accurately filled in.  Often the grant writer will need to compose essays on the organization’s mission, plans for the future and financial background.

Once the application is prepared and submitted, the grant writer will follow up to ensure that the organization has the best possible chance of receiving funding.  This stage can include phone interviews or in-person meetings to help “sell” the organization to the funding providers.  For this reason, it is important that grant writers have not only excellent written communication skills, but excellent oral communication skills as well.

Grant writers come from a wide variety of backgrounds.  Often grant writers major in related fields such as English or communications and take courses in technical writing and editing.  However, there is particular demand for grant writers who have knowledge in highly specialized fields.  For example, an education major might enjoy a career as a grant writer for an education-focused nonprofit, and a science major would fit well as a grant writer for a medical organization.

There are a variety of compensation structures for grant writers.  Some work as freelancers and assist many different organizations, and some are full-time employees.  Freelancers can be paid a flat fee for each grant submitted, hourly or on a commission basis.  Grant writers that work on commission generally receive a percentage of the grant money that is received by the organization.
In the increasingly complex world of nonprofits and government agencies, a resourceful grant writer can be an invaluable resource to ensure that an organization receives the funding that it needs.