Writers Unbound

Yesterday I ran across a link to Volunteermatch.org. (I can’t recall where I ran across it, unfortunately, but if it was your blog, feel free to leave me a comment.)

I realized that there is an absolute plethora of grant writing needs out there. Everyone needs money! Heck, I’m writing a grant proposal in my other window right this minute.

One of my internships was a grueling (but in a good way) foray into the world of non profits and grant writing. My knowledge went from zero to a complete, competitive $75,000 proposal in 4 months. 

Many non profits are willing to pay (sometimes handsomely) for someone who can write grant proposals. Unfortunately for writers, this often includes the need for someone to interview the organization multiple times, meet with the board, ascertain the needs, price out the needs, create spreadsheets and etc for the needs, price out the hired help that goes with the need, research things like payroll taxes and insurance, research leasing terms and rates, and possibly consider things like heating costs, custodial costs and professional development responsibilities. That’s just a list directly off the top of my head, but my point is that grant writing can often turn out to be more than writing. 

Of course, you could get lucky and end up with an agency that has an accountant and researcher already on staff, and your sole occupation is to string the words together…but, really, how fun and educational would that be?

If you’re interested in grantwriting as a way to put your writing skills to work, here’s some suggestions:

1) Consider taking a class. You could look at local colleges, or you could consider a local non-profit umbrella organization. In Michigan, there’s the MNA, an entity that runs seminars and workshops for grantwriters. See if your State has a similar agency.  

2) Start in a volunteer capacity. This looks great on your resume and website, and gets you the real experience that you need to sell your services.

3) Be ready to play with numbers, figures, laws and etc- not just words!

Do I recommend the business? Heck yeah! It’s not very deluged, as far as writers go (at least not that I’ve noticed). In addition, it feels good to do some work that  you can get behind, instead of simply helping out someone else’s bottom line. Lastly, almost every sector has a non profit piece to it. If you’re interested in business, you can team up with a non profit business development firm. If you’re interested in the environment, there’s no limit to the non profits out there for you to work with. I’m specifically interested in Elementary Education- it was my minor in college and I do a LOT of writing in the field. I’ve found more than a few education- focused non profits looking for grantwriters. 

Good luck! 

grants, grant writing, grant proposals