freelance grant writer

A day in the life of a professional grant writer

By Megan Hill

 

Life as an independent grant writer can be tough. I’m constantly juggling deadlines for various organizations, while also searching for new business opportunities. With almost zero job security in a tough economy, every day is a challenge.

 

Here’s a look into a day in the life of a freelance grant writer.

 

8 a.m.: Begin commute (20 feet into my home office). I turn on my computer, answer emails, write follow-up emails, and check in with possible new clients.

 

8:30 a.m.: Begin projects for the day. I usually start with my easiest project so I can ease into the day. This usually means finishing up a grant proposal or an LOI for a client and sending them the finished product.

 

10:00 a.m.: Dive into a new grant proposal. I keep a master grants calendar to juggle all my clients and make sure I’m on top of each organization’s funding plans. I don’t want to miss any deadlines! Around mid- to late morning, I’m fully awake and ready to tackle some tougher projects, like starting a new proposal. This generally entails some heavy research into the funding organization and taking a look at my past grant proposals. I’ll write some new language specific for this opportunity and spruce up any old language. I might have to do some additional research or contact my client with some questions. Once I’ve gotten as far as I can on a proposal for one client, I move on to another and start the process over again.

 

11:45 p.m.: Lunch break!

 

12:00 p.m.: Continue working on grant proposals, moving from one client to the next.

 

1:30 p.m.: Coffee break. I like to drink a strong cup of coffee in the afternoon, when I feel most sleepy, to make that final push through the rest of the day. I’ll also do another round of email follow ups, do some minor maintenance on my website, and make some personal phone calls to reset my brain.

 

1:45 p.m.: In the afternoons, I generally like to wrap up my grant writing duties and move on to other freelance writing projects.

 

3:00 p.m.: Gym break. I generally go to the gym in the afternoon, before the after-work rush.

 

5:00 p.m.: Wrap up. Once I’m home from the gym, I’ll spend another hour or so at my computer, wrapping up projects and answering any emails that came in while I was away. I’ll also make my to-do list for the next day, which helps keep me organized but also excited. I genuinely love what I do, and I enjoy thinking about what projects I’ll work on tomorrow.

 

Every day is an adventure. Sometimes I’ll get a surprising call or email from a potential new client, and other days I’ll grind away at some tough projects. Ultimately, every day is a little different than the day before. I wouldn’t have it any other way!

 

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5 Comments

  • Avatar for Irene

    Irene

    06.07.2012 at 11:42 Reply

    This was very helpful. I’m currently researching the prospect of becoming a freelance grant writer and I intend to work from home. Two questions: can you recommend any courses? How many grants on average would I have to do in a month to earn a decent living?

    Thanks!

  • Avatar for Tatiana

    Tatiana

    06.09.2018 at 16:34 Reply

    I am thinking about becoming a grant writer. I feel very attracted since I used to do marketing and public relations in the past.

  • Avatar for John C Carmichael, Ph.D.

    John C Carmichael, Ph.D.

    29.07.2020 at 17:00 Reply

    To what extent is your grant writing subject to scrutiny, review, editing and adjustment by the board of directors of the charitable organization you serve?

    John Carmichael
    jcwindman@gmail.com

    • Avatar for PGWAdmin

      PGWAdmin

      04.08.2020 at 07:59 Reply

      That depends on the organization, but for most of our clients, the boards are fairly involved. Typically they request a monthly status report or review. They have oversight in approving contracts and action plans, too.

  • Avatar for Jacqueline Powell

    Jacqueline Powell

    06.02.2022 at 15:43 Reply

    I am working to become one myself. It sounds like a whole lot of hard work, but like you I am looking forward to it. Keep up the good work and live out your dream.

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