Do we have any grant writers on here?

PittieBoo · June 2011

I will be graduating in August with a degree in Applied Arts and Sciences with a focus on non profit management. I'm convinced that grant writing is the job for me. However I'm an older student with zero work history in the non profit world; I'm currently in sales. The only grant writers I know are my professors and my classes have been online so we have not yet had the chance to talk face to face nor have I been to the college's career placement office. I plan on doing so, it just requires a day off of work that I cannot manage right now while also taking a full summer school load.

If you are a grant writer, can you please tell me how you were able to gain experience? Most of the jobs I have been looking at want someone with experience. Thanks for any insight or advice you may have for me.

joanart · June 2011

I used to do some grant writing. The most important thing is to have very strong writing skills (and proof of it) and good research skills. Aim your applications at smaller non-profits who would be happy to have a strong writer and reliable worker. There are so many tiny non-profits that would love the help. And be willing to take a more junior position within a development department where they are willing to let you grow into more responsibilities with handling grant applications. If you have not already, take advantage of the classes and resources of the Foundation Center so you can beef up your resume http://foundationcenter.org/

Maybride2 · June 2011

I got my start assisting experienced grant writers with grants. Have you done any internships?

+Krystee+ · June 2011

I am not a grant writer, but I know my animal rescue is always looking for volunteer grant writers to be on their team. Since you are in rescue, could you do something like that for your rescue and put that on your resume?

PittieBoo · June 2011

Maybride, my school did not offer internships though I have been required to log many volunteer service hours in other areas of development. I've been searching for internships as well with no such luck yet. I think I will see if any of my professors can point me in the direction of a possible internship. I am just certain this is the field for me! I just need someone to take a chance on me and put me on their team to work my way up.

The rescue I work with locally has an awesome development team and the director writes the grants, so no chance of volunteering my services there though I have offered. The smaller rescue I foster for does not yet have their 501c3, so no point in going after grants for them either.

triplenickel · June 2011

Any 501c3 organizations in your area that you respect their mission? A lot of smaller charities are completely volunteer run and would welcome assistance with grant research/writing. You could get the practice and results to add to you resume.

jenny1980 · June 2011

Definitely volunteer your services. God, I'd kill to have someone do some grant writing interning for me. In all seriousness, I am working on some grants for a large capital campaign and if you'd want to try your hand at helping, I'd be happy to serve as a professional reference. Shoot me a PM if interested.

PittieBoo · June 2011

Jenny, you have a PM.

Do we have any grant writers on here?

Re: Do we have any grant writers on here?

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