Grant Writing
Grant writers research, develop and author grant proposals on behalf of their employers - corporations, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and government agencies. This process entails becoming familiar with the organization and its projects/programs, financial/budgeting details, finding potential funding to apply for, and compiling, writing, editing and monitoring the grant application process.
What do grant writers do?
Daily tasks vary with the writer's employment status, which may be permanent or temporary for a specific grant proposal. Temporary grant writers may be working on any one of the following steps, while on-staff writers may be working on several different grants at different stages. For every project the writer needs to stay current on project planning and organizational finances in order to best recommend which grants to pursue. After a grant is found, the writer compiles the necessary information and writes the actual grant proposal. After the proposal is submitted the writer is often expected to stay in contact with the grant-making organization, assuring any additional information needed is promptly supplied. At any time during this process the writer may be asked to provide a report on the grant application's progress.
One example of specialization in this field is medical grant proposals. Writing grant proposals for medical research demands a strong grasp of the actual science and technology involved in the project being funded. Depending on the source of the grant, the proposal may either be technically dense or need to present the project in laymen's terms. Either way, a background in science would be necessary.
What skills are necessary?
- Exceptional writing and grammar
- Broad, sound base of knowledge in their employer's field
- Capable researcher
- Ability to quickly learn new things
- Familiarity with budgeting and financial aspects of grant applicant
- Must work well independently, in a team, under pressure and meet tight deadlines
- Attention to detail
What sort of income do grant writers make?
Compensation for grant writers varies, depending on employment status (on-staff or contracted):
- On-staff grant writers make, on average, between $37,000 and $46,000 a year
- Independent writers may work for $60 to $100+ an hour
or
- By project, which ranges even further - from $2,000 to $14,000+
- Although frowned upon in the non-profit community, some grant writers work for a percentage commission of the funds they win the organization. For example, 5% of a $100,000 grant, is a $5,000 commission ( it is important to note, however, that this must be approved by the grant-making organization)
Work hours also vary, from part time to full, depending on the organization's needs. A small budget employer may keep one grant writer on staff part-time all year, a larger employer more than one, full time.
What is the job outlook for grant writing?
According to the US Department of Labor , the job outlook for all fields of writing in competitive.
What qualities are desired in this job market?
- A strong background in writing, in the form of an English, Communications, Professional Writing or related degree program
- For most organizations, a bachelors, minor, or several years working experience within the field is required.
Where can these jobs be found?
Although overwhelmingly in the non-profit sector, there are grant writing positions in a great many other areas. The following sites provide real job postings:
and intern and volunteer opportunities:
Interested students can further explore this career option in the following MSU courses:
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WRA 320 Technical Writing
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WRA 370 Editing and Style in Professional
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WritingWRA 420 Advanced Technical
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WritingWRA 453 Grant and Proposal Writing
The information on this page was compiled from the above cited links as well as the following sources:
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