What type of training does it take to become a Grant Writer?
Mostly on-the-job.
Let’s start by assuming that you have good writing skills, the capacity to think logically, a bit of ability at persuasion, and proper business comportment. Those are your initial qualifications.
Successful grant-writing involves knowing who offers grants for your client, then approaching those grant sources to ask for guidelines for applicants, and finally following those guidelines to the letter. Establishing yourself as a successful grant-writer, networking with the officers in charge of grant approval, and knowing specific ‘buzz words’ that can enhance your application’s chances are advanced skills.
There are grant-writing workshops out there, if you want to pay for one. I would not bother with seeking out specific college degrees–grant-writing is a field where your success rate is all that matters.
To get started, I’d suggest contacting local charities that you like, and asking them if you can volunteer to help with grant-writing. Eventually one will hook you up with whoever they currently employ, and you can start to learn the ropes and hone your skills there. After you get credit for helping with some successful grants for several charities, you can start to consider volunteering to be the lead grant-writer on some applications. Once you have a solid record of success, you are ready to start applying for paying jobs.
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My session from April 17th on Federal and Nonprofit grant proposal writing
YGC members can learn how to review and score 2008 grant applications.
