Making a Living As a Small Business Grant Writer
A Home Business Article Contributed by Sharon Hill
Small Business Grant Reviewing - the Way to Learn about Grant Writing
Someone has to read and make a determination of the workability of the grants proposed in each small business grant application. It could be you. If so, you are a grant reviewer. Not only will this give you insight into who is applying for grants and how they are wording them, but also will allow you to network with those who award the grants. This is good for two reasons - not only will you have a heads up on the ins and outs of successfully competing for your own grant but it will also make you a more marketable grants writer.
Unlike other writing, grant writing is not just about putting together a creative, informative, entertaining product. It's about convincing the person(s) and organization awarding the grant that your client deserves the grant. Without a strong track record of success, your grant writing days will be limited.
To find grant reviewing opportunities contact state and federal agencies. Watch their publications and sites for announcements about grant reviewers. Let them know about your writing credentials as well as your expertise in such as education, entrepreneurship, administration, and the field pertinent to the particular department, agency or firm that is seeking a small business grant reviewer.
Learning the Small Business Grant Writing Craft
Many colleges, state agencies, nonprofit organizations and charities offer small business grant writing workshops. One for profit organization with a sterling reputation is Research Associates, www.grantexperts.com , who offer several one-day or several-day workshops at various levels, from grant writing and administration, to certified evaluation. The courses run $129-$659, and are held in Columbia SC, Austin TX, Hilton Head SC and Atlanta GA. The Research Associates site also offers a grant consultant directory, a message board and employment listings.
The Foundation Center, www.fdncenter.org is another excellent resource, not only for small business grant writing training but for information on available grants as well (for as low as $9.95 per month.) The Center's one day Proposal Writing Seminar, for instance, costs $195 and includes a copy of "The Foundation Center's Guide to Proposal Writing." You can attend this training in Tampa, DC, Baltimore, Columbia SC, New York City, Atlanta, Los Angeles, San Francisco or Milwaukee.
TGCI's the Grantsmanship Center, at www.tgci.com, offers several courses. Its 5 day Grantsmanship Training Program is held in various U.S. locations including Spotsylvania PA, Eugene OR, Utica NY, Reno NV, Statesville NC, Canton OH, Fort Smith AR, Anchorage AK and Albuquerque NM. The $825 fee includes a one year TGCI membership, offering tuition discounts on further training, database access, participation in the site's online forum (technical assistance, up-to-date funding information.)
What Do Small Business Grant Writers Make?
Like any other profession, your fee will vary by location. You have several options for your charges. You can state a flat fee, an hourly wage, or a percentage of the grant award amount. When you are first starting out in your grant writing career you might want to offer to write a grant or two with the contract provision that should the award not be given you will not be paid a fee. This will offer you the opportunity for experience and will also show your prospective clients that you are committed to their success.
