So you want to become a grant writer? Excellent decision! Take it to the next level as a freelancer. Freelance grant writing can be a gratifying and lucrative career. But it's not without its challenges. It can be strenuous, especially when you're new in the industry.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to begin your freelance grant writing journey and the challenges of being self-employed. We will also cover setting your rates and the best ways to market your services. Let's get started!
What is freelance grant writing, and what are the benefits of pursuing it as a career option?
Freelance grant writing is a growing field that offers many opportunities for writers with a passion for research and a knack for persuasive grant writing on their own time and terms.
Grant writers usually work as independent contractors, though non-profit organizations or other agencies may employ some. A grant writer is responsible for researching and writing grant applications that request funding from government agencies, foundations, and other organizations.
The most successful freelance grant writing jobs are often those with a strong understanding of the grant process and the ability to think outside the box.
There are many benefits to pursuing a freelance grant writer career. For one, it can be a very flexible way to earn a living. A freelance grant writer can often work from home or set their hours, which can appeal to those with family obligations or other commitments.
In addition, a grant writing job is gratifying; those who successfully secure funding can feel proud knowing they have helped make a difference in the world.
Finally, a grant writer who develops a good reputation can often command high fees for their services.
How do you get started as a freelance grant writer, and what should you expect along the way?
Starting a grant writing career as a freelancer can be a great way to earn a living while helping others. But it's not always easy to get started. Here are a few things you should know before you begin:
1. Landing your first client can be the hardest part.
You can take a few different approaches to get your first client. One is to reach out to your personal and professional network. You can also search online for job postings or contact companies directly.
Another approach is to offer your services on a pro bono basis. This can be a great way to get your foot in the door and gain experience. However, you also need to ensure enough support for your lifestyle and needs. Whatever approach you take, remember that perseverance is vital.
Once you've felt the grant writing process, you'll be in a much better position to negotiate higher rates.
2. Grant writing is a competitive field, so you'll need to differentiate yourself from other writers.
One way to do this is to specialize in a specific type of grant writing, such as medical, education, or environmental grants. This will make you more attractive to potential clients looking for someone with expertise in their particular area.
3. Expect to do a lot of research.
Grant writing is about finding suitable funding sources and compelling grant applications. This means you'll need to be able to quickly gather information and synthesize it into something that will persuade the funding agency to give you the grant.
What skills and must-haves do you need to succeed as a freelance grant writer?
You will need to be excellent at grant writing, researching, and multitasking as a freelance grant writer. Grant writing is a complex process that requires you to wear many hats. Here are some of the skills a freelance grant writer should possess:
1. Ability to work independently and collaborate when needed
Most grant writers are freelance professionals who work independently. This can be an excellent arrangement for people who enjoy working on their own, setting their own hours, and being their own boss.
However, it's important to remember that freelancers still need to be able to work well with others.
After all, most grants require collaboration, whether working with a team of fellow grant writers or coordinating with the organization’s staff that will ultimately receive the funding.
2. Strong Research Skills
As a freelance grant writer, you should possess strong research skills. The job of a grant writer is to find and apply for grant funding opportunities that will help nonprofit organizations achieve their goals.
To do this, you need to be able to locate potential grant sources and gather the necessary information about each one. You also need to understand the application process and requirements for each grant.
3. Solid grant writing skills
In grant writing, one of the essential skills a freelancer should possess is the ability to write grant proposals persuasively. After all, the whole point of grant writing is to convince a funding agency to give money to a project or organization.
And while many elements go into a winning grant proposal, it is ultimately the quality of the grant writing that will make or break the grant application.
A good grant writer must clearly articulate the need for the funds and how the organization will use them. You also need to address potential concerns the funding agency might have.
In short, a good grant writer must make a strong case for why their client deserves the money.
However, if you still have no grant writing experience, it's still possible to scale and upskill. You can take a grant writing course or sign up for volunteer work in nonprofit organizations. These can help you learn the ropes in the industry.
In addition, you can also use a customized tool in grant writing that can increase your efficiency 5x!
4. Good communicator, whether online or in-person
In grant writing, communication is crucial. A grant writer must be able to clearly and concisely communicate their client's needs to potential donors and must also be able to build relationships with those donors. This can be tough, especially if the grant writer is working remotely.
However, there are a few things that you can do to enhance communication, both online and in-person.
a. Ensure that you are clear and concise in your grant writing.
You should avoid using jargon or overly technical language. Instead, focus on explaining your project in simple, straightforward terms.
b. Take the time to get to know your clients and their needs.
Getting to know your clients and their needs can help you craft messages that most likely resonate with your audience and have the most significant impact.
What are their goals? Who are they trying to reach? What kind of language do they use? Answering these questions will help you create content aligned with the organization's values and mission.
Additionally, try to familiarize yourself with the organization's brand guidelines. This will ensure that your writing is consistent with their overall style and messaging.
c. Be responsive to questions and concerns from both clients and donors.
Taking the time to listen and respond thoughtfully can help build trust and foster better relationships. And that's always a good thing in the nonprofit industry.
5. Excellent time management
Becoming a successful grant writer requires more than just being a good writer. You also need excellent time management skills.
A grant writer must juggle multiple deadlines, keep track of progress on each proposal, and know when to ask for help. You also have to work quickly and efficiently without sacrificing quality.
6. Good networking skills
Don't worry if you're not a natural networker. There are plenty of things you can do to improve your networking skills.
Start by attending industry events and meetings. Not only will this give you a chance to meet potential clients and other freelance grant writers, but it will also help you stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in the grant writing world.
You should also make an effort to connect with at least one experienced grant writer. However, the more you have in your network, the better. Grantable is a great networking group where you can exchange tips and advice with professional freelance grant writers.
And finally, don't forget the power of social media. Platforms like LinkedIn offer an easy way to connect with potential clients and get your name out there.
Tips to stay organized and keep track of multiple projects.
As anyone who has tried to juggle multiple deadlines knows, it can be hard to stay organized and track all your projects. However, there are a few tricks that can help.
1. Make a list of all the projects you're working on and mark the due dates.
Being a freelancer can be great--you get to choose your projects and have a lot of flexibility in your schedule. But it can also be challenging, especially when it comes to staying organized and meeting deadlines.
One way to help you stay on track is to create a list of all the projects you're working on and their due dates. This system can avoid overloading you with work. Plus, seeing all the completed projects can be gratifying when you look back at your list at the end of the month or year.
2. Break down each project into smaller tasks that you can complete quickly.
Breaking each project into smaller tasks will help you focus on one task at a time and avoid getting overwhelmed.
For example, if you're working on a grant proposal for a new school, start by researching the funding organization and its guidelines. Then, create a list of the required materials, such as budgets and letters of support. Next, draft the proposal itself, keeping in mind the needs of the funding organization. Finally, proofread the proposal and make any necessary revisions.
3. Color code your calendar to indicate which projects you work on daily.
As a freelancer, you know that time management is key to keeping your business running smoothly. One way to stay on top of your projects is to color code your calendar.
For example, you could use blue for client work, red for personal projects, and green for administrative tasks. Color coding will help you quickly see which type of work you must focus on daily.
In addition, you can use different colors to indicate the status of each project. For instance, you could use light blue for draft proposals and dark blue for final versions.
4. Use a planner or app to track your to-do list and daily schedule.
With so many balls in the air at any given time, it's essential to have a system for monitoring your to-do list and daily schedule. For a freelance grant writer, this is especially important.
In addition to writing grant proposals, a grant writer is often responsible for grant research and finding potential funding, maintaining relationships with clients, and managing their own finances. This can make it easy to lose track of deadlines and important tasks.
Many grant writers choose to use a planner or app to stay organized.
Keeping all your information in one place ensures that nothing falls through the cracks. What's more, you'll be able to analyze your workflow and identify areas where you can improve your efficiency.
5. Take breaks every few hours to avoid getting overwhelmed
Any freelancer knows that working from home can be both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, you have the flexibility to set your hours and take breaks whenever you want.
On the other hand, it can be all too easy to get caught up in work and forget to take a break. This is especially true for grant writers, who often have to juggle multiple deadlines and projects simultaneously.
However, taking breaks every few hours is essential, even if you feel like you're in the zone. Getting up and moving around for even a few minutes will help to clear your head and refocus your attention.
And if you feel overwhelmed, take a few deep breaths or step outside for some fresh air to do wonders for your stress levels. So don't be afraid to take a break now and then - your work will thank you for it in the end.
What are some common mistakes made by freelancers, and how can you avoid them?
As a freelancer, you will be used to working independently and being your own boss. But that doesn't mean you won't commit typical errors. Here are a few of the most common mistakes freelancers make and how you can avoid them:
1. Not setting clear expectations
When you're working with a client, it's essential to set clear expectations from the start. This means being clear about what and when to deliver and how much it will cost.
If you don't set clear expectations, you're likely to end up with an unhappy client - and that's never good for your career or business.
2. Not staying organized
When juggling multiple projects, it's easy to let things slip through the cracks. But to be a successful freelancer, you need to stay organized.
Create a system for tracking your deadlines and progress on each project, and make sure you stick to it.
3. Not maintaining a professional attitude
Just because you're working from home doesn't mean you can slack off. Maintain a professional attitude in your interactions with clients and at work. Remember that your clients are paying for your services - so always give them your best effort.
4. Underpricing your services
It's tempting to lowball your prices to attract clients. But if you don't charge enough, you'll quickly find yourself struggling to make ends meet. Research the fees that others in your field are setting, and make sure you price yourself accordingly.
5. Not maintaining a consistent schedule
Letting your work schedule slip when you work from home can be easy. But if you want to work up the ladder, you must set regular hours for yourself and stick to them. This will help you stay focused and avoid burnout.
6. Not taking care of yourself.
As a freelancer, getting so wrapped up in work is easy that you forget to take care of yourself. You need to focus on your well-being too. Make sure to take breaks, eat healthy meals, and get enough exercise - all of which will help improve your productivity in the long run.
How do you set rates as a freelance grant writer, and how can you negotiate better pay with potential clients?
As a freelance grant writer, one of the most critical aspects of your job is setting your rates. The amount you charge will depend on several factors, including your experience level, the project's scope and complexity, and the client's budget.
It can be helpful to research rates charged by other grant writers in your area before setting your fees. Once you know what is typical, you can decide whether to charge by the hour or the project.
When negotiating pay with potential clients, it is essential to be confident in your worth. Be prepared to explain why you charge a specific rate and be willing to negotiate if the client cannot meet your asking price.
Remember that as a freelance grant writer, you have the freedom to set your rates and terms - so don't be afraid to ask for what you're worth.
How can you find new clients and market your services?
The best way to find new clients is to reach out to organizations or agencies that may be interested in hiring you for freelance work. Market your services by sending them information about your skills and qualifications and ensuring they know your availability.
You may also consider joining professional organizations or networking groups, which can give you access to potential clients. You can also join online grant writer communities and connect with professional writers.
In addition, ensure to have a strong online presence, including a website and social media platforms. Use these platforms to share your work, connect with other professionals in the field, and promote your services.
By taking these steps, you can significantly increase your chances of finding new clients and landing freelance work for your grant writing job.
Where can you find grant writing jobs as a freelancer?
Many are surprised to learn that grant writing is one of the most in-demand freelancing jobs. And it's no wonder, as grant writing requires both strong writing skills and the ability to do extensive research.
If you're looking for grant writing jobs, there are a few places you can start your search. The first step is to identify your niche. In what types of organizations do you want to work?
Once you know your niche, you can start contacting organizations directly or searching for job postings online. You can also search for grant writing jobs on freelance job boards. These boards typically feature a mix of one-time and long-term projects, so you can find something that fits your needs.
Finally, don't forget to network with other grant writers. Connecting with others in your field can help you land new clients and get better-paying gigs.
Ready to Become a Freelance Grant Writer? Join Grantable!
Starting a freelance grant writing career can be a great way to earn a living while helping to fund important causes. However, it can also be a bit daunting to get started.
The good news is that there are now online resources such as Grantable that can help you get started in your freelance career in grant writing.
Grantable offers a customized tool to boost your grant writing efficiency 5x! And because we know that collaboration is key to success, we also have a community of expert grant writers with whom you can share tips and advice.
Join our amazing circle. Sign up today!
