How to Start a Grant Writing Business 1-2-3
Nonprofit organizations, school programs community services and other projects need to obtain funding to
operate, and as a grant writer, you can help these groups get the funding they need.
You don't need a degree in grant writing, but you need to be a decent writer with the ability to pay close
attention to detail. Taking a course in grant writing and getting educated in running a business is all you
need to launch a grant writing business.
As a grant writer, you can provide your clients with the grant writing service, but you will also help them
greatly by knowing the right funding resources that match your clients' projects. This will also help you
maintain a competitive edge and win more clients.
If your state or region has a publication you can obtain that lists available grant funders, that is a great
resource. You can also use your local library and the internet to located funding resources.
During the grant application process, you want to stay especially organized, so start a file where you can
keep records of all correspondence, contact information and tasks that you have completed.
When writing a grant proposal, closely follow the guidelines set by each funding resource. Be clear and
concise, make sure that your spelling and grammar is correct and that you answer all necessary questions
without being vague. Since foundations and government agencies receive many requests for grants, make their
"reading" job easier on them, such as a table of contents on a larger grant proposal.
Ask for money to fund specific projects rather than just a contribution. Specific requests tend to get
approved more often. Include pictures if possible, demonstrating who will benefit from the funding.
How to Start a Grant Writing Business
The first step to getting involved in the grant writing industry is to learn how to write a good grant
proposal. By taking a course, you can usually also find out grant funding resources at the same time - as well
as tips on how to get your proposals approved (something only experienced grant writers know).
A nice benefit to starting a grant writing business is that you can work from your home. The cost of leasing
office space and hiring employees is eliminated, making this a low-cost and low-risk business to start. You can
also start part-time. many freelancers take this route, as a successful grant writing business can take
time.
Something that you want to be aware of is that the grant approval process can sometimes take several months
and require many hours, compared to article writing or letter writing. Having determination and focus to follow
through on each project is essential.
You also want to apply for more grants than you need, since you will not get approved for every grant that
you apply for. There is lots of competition, and you want to be prepared. The more quickly and effectively you
obtain funding for one client, the better you look to the next client, and so on.
Getting started as a grant writer, focus on building a track record - a portfolio of funding successes you
have achieved for past clients. The better your track record, the easier it becomes to get hired by clients.
Generally, grant writers get paid on an hourly basis or up front per grant writing project. However, when
you're just starting out, you may want to consider negotiating with clients on payment, so you can build your
portfolio.
Entrepreneur Magazine is known to helping entrepreneurs launch businesses. They have a comprehensive
guide specifically for grant writers on how to research, prepare and submit winning grants as well as finding
and maintaining clientele and grant projects.
Find out how to:
- Identify grants and contact funders
- Write persuasive proposals that win funding
- Create a comprehensive grant proposal following step-by-step instructions and samples
- Develop a successful business plan-including home-office guidance, office technology, business startup
basics and more
- Market your business for less than $100
Also includes a comprehensive resources listing, a four-stage guide to writing funding proposals plus
insider tips and techniques. Start a Grant Writing Business
Checklist for Starting a Grant Writing Business
- Get educated and complete a grant writing course
.
- Decide on a name for your grant writing company. Register your business name with your city or county
clerk.
- Get a tax ID number from the IRS and open a
business bank account to keep your personal and business finances separate.
- Get a business license at your local government office. Requirements vary by city and state, so check
with your local office.
- Meet with a tax accountant to set up an accounting system and discuss tax deductions. If you decide to
do your own business bookkeeping, pick up some business accounting software like Quickbooks Pro.
- Get a business phone line. Whether you use a landline, VoIP or cellular service, keep your business
professional, and you'll gain respect from customers and easily attract more business. Sometimes getting a
toll-free phone number can make a big
difference in the impression you make on potential customers.
- Order business cards and other promotional materials you'll need for your business like brochures or
postcards. Hand them out to people you know and include them in all correspondence. Business cards work
well as cheap advertising.
- Set up a website where you can display your services, rates and testimonials from your customers. These
days, you can easily get a website that you can set up yourself and operate for under $100/year. Display
your website on your business cards, stationary, brochures, press releases and ads to take full advantage
of this cost-effective resource. If done right, your website can truly sell for you 24-7.
- Join your local Chamber of Commerce and other business organizations in your community to network with
business professionals and get the word out about your business. You never know where your next client can
come from, and being a part of groups like this can be a great resource for referrals.
- Write a brief press release to your local newspaper announcing the opening of your grant writing
business and mention a "grand opening special" or discount for first-time customers. This can get you free
advertising in the paper instead of having to pay for an ad.
- Freelance Job Sites:
Find grant writing freelance jobs online
 T I P : Writing Effective Grant
Proposals
This online course shows you not only how to write grant proposals that receive funding - but
how to find the grants that are available. This is great time-saving knowledge that you can put
to use again and again for each of your clients.
Course is taught by Fundraising Expert Jillian Poole, who has
years of hands-on fundraising experience and has taught others to do the same for over 16
years!
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Grant Writing Business Resources:
Writing Associations
- American Grant Writers' Association
American Grant Writers' Association's mission is to enhance the community of grantseekers' professional
standards and ethical practices through education, certification, networking and professional growth.
- Association of Writers and Writing Programs
The mission of The Association of Writers & Writing Programs is to foster literary talent and
achievement, to advance the art of writing as essential to a good education and to serve the makers,
teachers, students and readers of contemporary literature.
- International Writing Centers Association
The International Writing Centers Association, a National Council of Teachers of English affiliate founded
in 1983, fosters the development of writing center directors, tutors, and staff by sponsoring meetings,
publications, and other professional activities; by encouraging scholarship connected to writing
center-related fields; and by providing an international forum for writing center concerns.
