Three fool proof ways to get started as a freelance grant writer
How can I get started as a freelance grant writer? It’s a question that comes to me often and I want to let you in on a few secrets to getting started as a freelance grant writer.
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- First, get really good at grant writing. As a freelance grant writer you’ll have to constantly sell yourself and your services. You need to be confident and competent, and that has to come across in every conversation you have with a prospective client. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to actually be good at what you do, so that when someone hires you the first time, they’ll come back again and again. You can accomplish this by lots of practice, through classes, volunteering, and working at smaller nonprofits that might not pay the best starting out.
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- Create a killer website. The internet is a great marketing tool–my favorite, actually–and it’s here to stay. I know grant writers who have succeeded without ever creating a website, (or by creating a very bad one) but they also had 30 years of nonprofit experience and a network you wouldn’t believe. If you don’t have these things, you can attract business and prove yourself with a great website.
- Tell everyone what you do. The more you mention that you’re a freelance grant writer–even if it’s just in passing or in casual conversation–the more you’ll become known as such. And that’s how you build a network, get noticed, and drive referrals. Referral business is often a freelance grant writer’s best clients, so it’s important to build this aspect of your business immediately.
Three fool proof ways to get started as a freelance grant writer was last modified: December 17th, 2021 by
Curtis
10.04.2014 at 05:32I am wondering how long I can expect it to take before I get paid for grant writing. I have written grants for my employer in the past. I am currently unemployed and have been looking at ways to make money quickly, but what I really want to do is be a grant writer. I just don’t know how much time I should put into developing a freelance grant writing career at the expense of doing other things that will bring in money more quickly, like writing for textbroker, or doing translation work.
p2781jau
10.04.2014 at 12:04Hi Curtis,
Grant writers typically get paid after a grant is submitted/completed, and the time it takes to receive payment really depends on the client and how quickly they pay their bills. You could always request 50% payment up front which would speed up your cash flow intake.
-Megan
Linda
16.02.2015 at 12:54Hi Megan,
I have written one federal grant ( 5 year competitive cooperative agreement) for my former employer and was awarded. In addition to this experience I have also reviewed various grants ( federal and local ) . I am now unemployed and am really serious about starting my own grant writing consulting business/ becoming a freelance grant writer. Would you recommend joining a grant writer’s association for credentialing purposes? By the way these articles are very helpful as well as motivating. Thanks again.
Linda
admin
16.02.2015 at 13:21Hi Linda,
Yes, a grant writer’s association would be very helpful! Best of luck!
Rashad
17.02.2015 at 11:48Hello Megan,
I have no grant writing experience but I do consider myself to be a good writer. I always fancied the idea of becoming a freelance grant writer but now it is a serious consideration that I want to pursue. My ultimate goal is to become great freelance writer and hopefully start my own grant writing company. How and where do I get started?
admin
17.02.2015 at 11:49Hi Rashad, feel free to get in touch after you read the above blog post.
Rashad
18.02.2015 at 12:16Hey Megan,
Thank you for your prompt response! I will look into that site because I do have more foundational questions about grant writing in general. I will look into it today.
Toni
06.01.2018 at 11:39Hi,, I have no experience, I am 62 years old ready to explore any options I may have to make a nice profit to help with cost of living and other grand ideas I may have. A lot of time on my hands. I am truly interested in starting an outreach. Thank You for your timely response.
PGWAdmin
08.01.2018 at 09:43Hi Toni,
Without experience, it will be tough to start a grant writing business. I suggest you start by volunteering with a nonprofit in your area as a grant writer, as well as taking grant writing classes. There are plenty of online programs and there may also be courses through your local community college.