So, you want to learn grant writing—but how long will it take before you can confidently write winning proposals? The answer depends on your dedication, writing skills, and hands-on experience, but one thing is certain: grant writing isn’t something you master overnight.
What is the Best Way to Learn Grant Writing?
What is the Best Way to Learn Grant Writing?
Becoming a grant writer is an exhilarating journey. Imagine the moment of elation when you receive the notification that your grant proposal has been accepted—there’s truly nothing like it. Picture people around you jumping up in joy, dancing around the room as they realize their hard work has paid off. That’s the kind of impact successful grant writing can have, and it's a scene that many grant writers know well.
Grant writing is not just about securing funding; it's a pathway to making significant contributions to causes and communities that matter deeply to us. It's a profession that allows you to be a part of something larger than yourself, supporting initiatives that can transform communities and change lives. Moreover, the financial aspect of being a grant writer is appealing as well. On average, grant writers can earn a substantial salary, making it a rewarding career both personally and professionally.
So, how exactly does one become skilled in the art of grant writing? Here’s a comprehensive list of effective ways to learn grant writing, crafted to guide you through your learning journey.
Formal Classes The very best way to learn grant writing is to enroll in a formal class that gives you a structured learning experience. These classes are typically designed to cover everything from the fundamentals to the more complex aspects of grant writing. Our Spark the Fire Grant Writing Classes [insert link] offer a comprehensive curriculum that equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this field. Be sure to look for courses like ours that provide feedback on your writing rather than only watching videos. I firmly believe that you cannot learn grant writing without practicing hands-on and getting feedback.
Blog Articles Reading blog articles is an excellent start. Blogs can offer many insights and step-by-step guides that are easy to digest. Whether you’re a beginner looking to grasp the basics or an experienced professional seeking advanced tips, there's always a blog post that can cater to your needs.
Spark the Fire's own blog features articles ranging from beginner tips to in-depth analysis of grant writing trends.
Instrumentl’s library of nonprofit blog posts is a comprehensive resource for the beginning grant writer.
A Village for Good features blogs that deliver practical, actionable advice for beginning grant writers.
Candid.org Insights is a blog with grant writing tips combining innovative approaches and proven strategies.
Millionaire Grant Lady has a blog that lets you a peek into the life of a successful grant writer and serves as an aspirational journey for the beginner.
Webinars Participating in webinars is another fantastic way to learn. Webinars allow you to hear directly from experienced grant writers and often include a Q&A session where you can ask specific questions. These can be particularly valuable for understanding the nuances of grant writing in real time. Check out our upcoming webinars [insert link] that cover a variety of topics related to grant writing.
Spark the Fire offers monthly webinars taught by Allison Jones, M.Ed., covering a wide range of topics tailored for grant writers and consultants. These sessions provide deep insights into both the strategic and practical aspects of grant writing.
Foundant Technologies hosts informative webinars focusing on streamlining the grant application and management process. Their sessions are ideal for grant professionals looking to enhance their technical skills and grant management efficiencies.
Instrumentl conducts practical webinars that delve into strategies for finding and securing grants, making it a great resource for both beginners and experienced grant writers seeking to expand their funding sources.
Professional Associations and State Nonprofit Associations Joining professional associations can provide networking opportunities, resources, and professional development activities that are crucial for a budding grant writer. Associations often offer workshops, annual conferences, and certifications that can enhance your skills and credibility. We belong to the Grant Professionals Association (GPA) because of their high standards of excellence for the grant profession. Find your State Nonprofit Association through the National Council of Nonprofits. The Montana Nonprofit Association, for example, has high-quality offerings, including a fantastic annual conference.
Conferences Attending conferences allows you to immerse yourself in the grant writing community. These events typically feature workshops, keynote speeches, and panels that discuss best practices, innovation in grant writing, and more. My favorites are:
Books Reading books on grant writing can provide a thorough understanding of the field, from foundational skills to advanced techniques. Books often offer comprehensive knowledge, case studies, and examples that are crucial for deepening your understanding. Look for titles by renowned authors in the field or those recommended by professional associations to ensure you're getting expert advice. Check out our list of Must-Read Books for Grant Writers and Writing Style Mastery.
Journals Subscribing to journals focused on grant writing and nonprofit management can keep you updated with the latest research, case studies, and best practices in the industry. Journals like Blue Avocado, Chronicleof Philanthropy, and the GPA Journal offer articles written by experts that delve into complex grant writing and management aspects.
Podcasts Podcasts are a great way to learn on the go. They can offer tips, interviews, and success stories from grant writers who share their journeys and experiences. Listening to a podcast episode can be a great way to stay informed and inspired. I haven't found a podcast I have fallen in love with yet, but here are the most popular.
Grant Writing Simplified by Teresa Huff has good sound quality and is pleasant to listen to. It's perfect for beginning grant writers.
Grant Writing & Funding by Holly Rustick has a considerable volume of podcasts to listen to and is considered the number one podcast on grant writing.
Grant Writing Made Clear with Dr. Trenette has just started, but it's off to a great start.
As you can see, learning to be a grant writer is an exciting and meaningful journey. Remember, each grant proposal you write could be the key to unlocking essential funding for a nonprofit, a research initiative, or a community project. The satisfaction of knowing you played a part in making these projects possible is immensely gratifying.
Now, we’d love to hear from you! What inspired you to start learning about grant writing? Join the conversation in the comments section and let us know your story. Are there other ways to learn grant writing that you’ve found helpful? Please share your experiences in the comments below!
This blog is just the beginning. For those looking to excel further in grant writing, check out our article, Understanding Different Certifications for Grant Writers, which delves deeper into advanced strategies and tips for seasoned grant writers. Happy writing!
The Perfect Recipe for Grant Writing Success
In my family, recipes are cherished treasures passed down from generation to generation. They hold stories, memories, and a dash of tradition, making them a part of our inheritance. As I baked recently, I found myself wondering: what if I crafted a recipe for grant writing? What ingredients would it include?
Below is my tried-and-true recipe for writing a compelling grant proposal that strikes the perfect balance between heart and data, emotion and logic. And just like in cooking, every grant writer has their own flair—so I’d love to hear your take on this recipe!
Sweet and Savory Grant Proposal
A great recipe balances savory and sweet. In grant writing terms, this means blending hard facts with emotion to appeal to the data-driven reader and the empathetic decision-maker.
1 Scoop of Good Writing
Good writing is your foundation. Spelling and grammar mistakes can come across as careless, potentially damaging your credibility. While one typo might not cost you the grant, why take the risk?
Tools like Grammarly can help catch errors, refine sentence structure, and even suggest more concise phrasing. For a hands-on approach, try a simple exercise: take one paragraph from your draft and trim ten characters without losing meaning. This practice sharpens your ability to write directly and compellingly.
1 Pinch of Storytelling
Every great grant proposal has a story that sticks with the reader. To add emotional depth, vividly describe the setting of your project—the community or neighborhood where the magic will happen. Is it a bustling urban center or a quiet rural area?
Introduce the hero of your story: your program participants. Let them take the spotlight, showing their agency and resilience. Use quotes and real-life anecdotes to amplify their voices. Remember, your organization is the guide in this story, not the hero.
“Remember, your organization is the guide in the story, not the hero.”
1 Dollop of Statistics
Numbers ground your story in reality. For funders who need data to justify their decisions, include statistics about your program participants and measurable objectives for your project.
For example, if your program helps individuals secure employment, a strong objective might be: “Participants will apply for at least five jobs per week.” Make your objectives SMARTIE—specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, time-bound, inclusive, and equitable. Well-crafted objectives prove that your organization knows how to define and achieve success.
1 Dash of Research
Back your project strategies with research to show funders that your approach is evidence-based. If your program provides childcare to help single parents find jobs, cite studies highlighting the connection between childcare access and employment rates.
Quantify the problem with real numbers, such as the cost of childcare compared to minimum wage earnings. Share examples of similar programs that have succeeded in other communities. Combining research with your organization’s success stories builds a compelling case for your ability to make an impact.
Pre-Heat Your Oven
Before you submit your grant proposal, think about its emotional resonance. Funders are more likely to support initiatives that help people directly rather than those that address an organization’s internal struggles.
For example, would you rather give money to help a family access childcare so the parents can work or pay a nonprofit’s utility bills? While both are important, the former feels more impactful. Focus on showing funders how their contributions will transform lives, not just sustain operations.
Conclusion
Grant writing, like cooking, is both an art and a science. The best proposals strike the perfect balance between emotional appeal and logical reasoning, storytelling, and statistics. By following this recipe and adding your unique touch, you can create a grant proposal that leaves funders saying, “Yes, I want to support this!”
Now it’s your turn: what’s your recipe for a winning grant proposal? Share your favorite tips, techniques, or "ingredients" in the comments below! Let’s cook up success together!
Tips for Seeking First-Time Support
Nonprofits approaching a foundation for support for the first time often are asked, "Who else is at the table?" That's because foundations and corporate grantmakers are more likely to fund a program or project that others have deemed worthy of support. But as any grantwriter or development professional knows, it's not easy to get a funder to actually sit at the table. Here are a few tips designed to help you demonstrate to potential first-time funders that your project or program merits their support...
Throwing in the Towel
You know that foundation that never returns your calls? The one you keep sending proposals to that never responds? You've poured over the foundation's 990-PF and its Foundation Directory Online profile. You've scoured the Web for information about its staff and giving. And everything you've found gives you reason to believe that if the good people at the foundation would just read your proposal, they'd want to invest in your organization. But you're still hanging on the telephone. Before you throw in the towel and decide to invest your time elsewhere, here are some things to keep in mind