Grant Writer "Help Families Facing Cancer"

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Grant writers monitor, apply for, write, and report on grants, with many of these individuals working in nonprofit or government organizations. A grant is a sum of money that an organization or individual can receive to start, complete, or continue a project. Grant writers help to coordinate the entire process: They are responsible for writing the majority of the grant, including researching evidence to support it. After a grant is received, a grant writer ensures the funds are used in the manner described in the grant. Depending on the grant, a grant writer may also be responsible for providing documentation on how grant funds were used and their effect on the organization or project. Grant writers may also be responsible for facilitating other fundraising activities unrelated to grants, especially in nonprofit organizations.

Grant writers’ hours vary greatly depending on the industry. Writers in the nonprofit sector may have more flexibility in working hours than those in governmental agencies, who typically work during regular business hours. Grant writers may be required to travel, especially depending on the success of the grant. Finally, a successful grant writer has enormous potential to create and maintain successful programs that can impact a community, so writers should have a passion for the organization in which they work.

Grant writers are usually required to have at least a bachelor’s degree. Experience in their organization's or program's specific area of interest is required. For example, a grant writer for an educational program would be required to have at least two years of educational experience. Grant writers must also be extremely organized and able to work with limited resources. Also, they must be able to manage multiple ongoing projects and provide reports and presentations as necessary. They also work closely with other staff members and clients of the organization, so good interpersonal skills are important.

Grant Writer Tasks

• Researches funding sources that match specific projects and programs.
• Supplies post-award progress reports to grantors as required.
• Writes and develops grant proposals.
• Serves as a contact with potential grantor after submission of proposal.