Grant Writing

[Fern]

Can anyone give me some idea what is entailed with grant writing and how hard it is to get started with grant writing? Is it necessary to take some kind of classes or is it mostly common sense (& good writing, of course)?

I looked into it at one time and was all set to contact a local lady that was well known for grant writing and she suddenly passed away, so that avenue was no longer available. Found one thread on these forums, but not much info supplied:
http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31337&highlight=grant+writing

After working several years as a legal secretary, I'm aware that one must be meticulous in fully answering all the questions/criteria that are required and wording, as on any application for funds, is a big deal.

I'd appreciate any info as to the above, and also any ideas as to where does one begin.

[KellyC]

I wrote and received several grants as an educator. It was a very detailed process and you needed to know research and statistics to back up your statements. In education, there was a big push for measurable objectives, and how those objectives would be evaluated. I've never written a grant for a subject I didn't know a lot about.

I think people do write grants outside of their expertise, though. Maybe there are others who can chime in.

[aarthurco]

I have seen many sites that offer grant writing mini courses, just Google it and you'll see. There is a lot of work involved with grant writing. I agree, unless you know the industry intimately it can be difficult.

That said, if you are willing to commit significant time to research and learning it can be very promising. One way to get started is to cearly state your inexperience and offer to do some work pro bono or discounted so you get the benefit of learning and the company won't lose out if your work isn't up to par yet.

Check out grant writing on the web, lots of resources. It's pretty formulaic. If you can get someone to do the financials or budgeting for you, all the better. The principles behind it however, (Executive summary, company overview, marketing analysis etc) are pretty basic. Keep in mind each grant you apply for has different requirements.

Some companies prefer you use a template they provide. Other times you can create a boiler template for a company they can use to apply for many different grants with subtle changes.

Hope that helps!

[Paint]

I'm learning this too--I will check into the online workshops, that would be easy for me to do.
I liked Grant Writing for Dummies, very helpful. People go to college for this and after researching it I see why! However you must start somewhere and my newly formed non-profit needs money!!
Thanks!

[Bibsy]

I see I'm a little late to this thread, and you've gotten some good advice already, but I make my living as a grant writer so I thought I should chime in.

Clear and consise writing, attention to detail, being deadline oriented, and good research skills are all important to grant writing. Having a particular area that you're knowledgeable about helps a good deal too. In college, I was a double major in English and music, so grant writing for performing arts organizations was an easy niche to fall into.

There are lots of classes out there, both online and (depending where you live) at local colleges. If you have no prior grant-writing experience, that's probably the best way to start since one thing I've found is that when searching for a grant writer, most organizations seem to want someone with experience. I've never actually taken a grant writing class myself--I previously worked for my current company in another capacity, so that's how I was able to get my foot in the door. But the company also recently offered to reimburse me if I do take one, so even when you're a working grant writer, classes would still be viewed as a bonus.

Don't know if any of that helps. Good luck to you!