Who Is Certified?
According to the Grant Professional Association's 2023 Salary Survey Report, 77% of grant writers have no certification, 11% have a Grant Professional Certified (GPC) credential, 5% have a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential, and 8% have what is referred to as "Other," such as a certification through a college or professional development organization.
Grant Writers are in High Demand
Grant writing is a rapidly growing field that is in high demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the field will grow by 4% in the next ten years (LinkedIn, 2022), but that statistic is for writers in general. More specific research shows that the projected job growth rate for grant writers is closer to 6% in the next five years and that there are currently more than 16,000 active grant writer job openings (Zippia, 2024.)
A grant writer can help businesses, nonprofit organizations, colleges, schools, and Tribes access funding through grant awards. However, savvy grant writers do not think about writing grants as helping organizations; they think about writing grants as helping people and communities. This slight shift in thinking is part of what distinguishes good from great grant writers.
Many grant writers jump into the field of grant writing on the job. That's because most leadership positions in the nonprofit or government sector require knowledge of grant writing. Yet, there is no degree in this specialized field. Instead, you learn to write grants by taking classes and getting certified.
But be aware that there is a vast range in the quality of the classes and certifications offered, and it is easy to waste money on the wrong one.
What is a Certificate in Grant Writing?
A Certificate in Grant Writing is a professional certification - a certification that demonstrates that you have learned a specific skill. Earning a Certificate in Grant Writing means you have learned how to craft successful grant proposals, where to find grant opportunities, build relationships with grantmakers, ethics, research strategy, and some aspects of grants management.
In comparison, examples of professional certifications include certificates in leadership, marketing, technology, project management, business, finance, and human resources. Often, certificates are offered in fields where no degree exists, such as with grant writing. Other times, certifications are earned by mid- and upper-management professionals in an aspect of their job that is only one part of their role.
What is the Difference Between a Grant Writing Class and a Grant Writing Certificate?
The difference between taking classes in writing grants and earning a certification is whether you are assessed on your ability and knowledge. Earning a Certificate in Grant Writing requires that a grant writing expert reads your writing and assesses whether you have learned the technique of writing grant proposals. Classes, on the other hand, do not test whether you have learned something. Instead, you are provided with a certificate of participation, meaning that you simply registered for the class and attended it.
Why is Assessment Important?
Just because someone participated in a class does not mean that skills and knowledge were learned. In fact, many classes on components of grant writing involve passive learning. You listen to, read, or watch the content but do not do any hands-on work. Employers and potential clients seek proof that you can successfully write grants for them. Since it is only ethical for grant writers to get paid by the hour or project for their services, not on commission, hiring a grant writer with a certification or credential is smart.
Passive Learning Is Not Sufficient
To make sure that you are enrolling in a good certificate course, read the fine print. Check that writing a grant proposal is a required part of the course. For example, you may be asked to choose an organization or project for which to write a grant proposal, or your instructor may assign you a grant writing project. Just as necessary, Check that the instructor will read and give you feedback on your writing. The instructor should be available to answer questions or meet for office hours. Avoid classes in which you watch videos or practice independently without someone reviewing your work.
I taught my first grant writing class at my local library. It only lasted an hour, and I only had time to hit the highlights. My next strategy was to teach an all-day course. I was able to cover much more material, but I had no idea if my students were going to be able to put the knowledge into practice. That's when I added a second day to the training for hands-on writing time. I quickly realized that the one-day class without practice only worked well for a small percentage of the students. It was only by looking over the shoulders of students that I realized more intensive feedback on their writing was needed.
After ten years of teaching grant writing classes, I know that the best format for teaching grant writing is to guide students in writing the grant proposal section by section, step-by-step. Students write a new section of the proposal each week and get feedback on the earlier draft. By the time the class ends, their writing has gone through at least five drafts, and they are much more confident and successful as a result. Students report that their organization doubles and even triples grant revenue after earning their Certificate in Grantwriting through Spark the Fire Grantwriting Classes.
How To Earn a Certificate in Grant Writing
Colleges, universities, and professional development organizations like Spark the Fire Grant Writing Classes offer an assessment-based Certificate in Grant Writing. These certifications may take weeks to complete or be provided as an intensive boot camp. It is best to learn over a more extended period of time so that you can digest the material and retain information longer. Look for courses taught by instructors knowledgeable in writing grants and adult learning techniques to get the most bang for your buck.
Retaining Learning
Research shows that after a training, learners can forget 50 percent of what they learned in just one hour (Murre & Dros, 2015). This phenomenon is known as the forgetting curve, but it can be interrupted when instructors know how to design a training program so that participants retain the information. The way to combat the natural forgetting curve is repetition over time and being re-exposed to the material. Each time learners are reminded of what they learn and have an opportunity to practice it, the more learning is engrained in long-term memory (Cherry, 2023). For example, an eight-week Certificate in Grant Writing course, in which you practice writing between class sessions, will likely be much more successful than a bootcamp course with no time to digest and practice what you have learned.
Why Take the Course Through a College?
When it comes time to list your Certificate in Grant Writing on your resume or LinkedIn profile, you will want the source of your certificate to be recognizable. Earning your certification through a college shows that you earned the achievement through a well-known academic institution. Sometimes, credits are offered that can be applied towards a degree; other times, the course is provided through a non-credit continuing education department.
Downsides of College Pathways to Certification
There are some downsides to college certification programs. There is usually a short window of time available to complete it. Colleges often have strict regulations on completing courses within the quarter or semester they are offered. Plus, college programs typically do not allow you to drop the course and receive a refund once the class has started. Professional development organizations like Spark the Fire Grant Writing Classes offer more flexibility for completion time and refunds; you have a full six months to complete the certificate course instead of a short 6-8 week period through a college course.
There are several professional development organizations whose names carry as much recognition as a college program. For example, Spark the Fire Grant Writing Classes has been rated as one of the best grant writing training programs in the nation for three years by Instrumentl. About 5,000 students nationally have earned their Certificate in Grant Writing through Spark the Fire Grant Writing Classes, and the number grows exponentially each year, mainly through word of mouth from other students.
Getting a GPC or CFRE Credential
The Grant Professional Certification Institute (GPCI) and the Certified Fund Raising Executives (CFRE) offer additional credentialing to top off your Certificate in Grant Writing. These organizations set the standard for the field and determine the skills and knowledge necessary to become a grant or fundraising professional. What is different about these credentials is that they are letters you put behind your name, like an advanced college degree. For example, Latisha Jones, GPC, would mean that Latisha is Grant Professional Certified through GPCI.
It is important to note that earning the GPC or CFRE requires that you have three years of experience in the field. So, if you are starting grant writing, these credentials are something to work towards. In the meantime, earn your Certificate in Grant Writing to begin your practice and get the experience.
Earn your Certificate in Grantwriting to begin as a grant writer. Then, work towards earning the GPC and CFRE credentials as you gain experience.
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Earn your Certificate in Grantwriting to begin as a grant writer. Then, work towards earning the GPC and CFRE credentials as you gain experience. 〰️
Grant Professional Certification Institute
The GPCI administers the nationally recognized GPC credential to grant professionals. To earn the credential, individuals must meet the eligibility requirements and demonstrate proficiency in the required competencies. In other words, you must obtain a certain number of continuing education credits, have three years of experience in the field, and pass a knowledge exam. Once earned, continuing education is required to maintain the credential, which will keep you updated on current trends.
Certified Fund Raising Executives
Like the GPC, the CFRE set the standard for fundraising professionals worldwide. However, in addition to being able to write grant proposals, CFREs also demonstrate proficiency in individual giving, major gifts, endowments, direct mail, and fundraising events. Like the GPC, you must pass a knowledge exam, obtain a certain number of continuing education credits, and have three years of experience in the field to earn the CFRE.
Where to Find Continuing Education Credits
Not just any grant writing or fundraising class will count towards the GPC or CFRE. The credentialing organization must approve the class to count. You can find approved courses on the credentialing organization's websites or look for the approved course logo on the classes you research.
Great News!
Spark the Fire Grant Writing Classes is an approved trainer for the GPC and CFRE; the Certificate in Grant Writing course is approved for 24 points towards either credential. The technical language states that full participation in Spark the Fire Certificate in Grant Writing course is applicable for 24 points in Category 1.B -Education of the CFRE International application and the GPCI application for initial certification and recertification.
Why Spark the Fire?
In short, Spark the Fire Grant Writing Classes offers a Certificate in Grant Writing course so that you can earn an initial certification plus credits towards earning your GPC or CFRE credential in the future.
I founded Spark the Fire Grant Writing Classes to help new grant writers get started successfully. Our courses are designed to launch you into this exciting career with the necessary knowledge and skills. Learn more and register for the Certificate in Grant Writing course.
What questions do you have about becoming a grant writer? I’d love to hear from you! Comment below.
What to read next?
References:
Cherry, K. (2023, March 10). How to learn more effectively. Verywellmind. https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-become-a-more-effective-learner-2795162
Grant Professionals Association (2022). Grant Professionals Association compensation survey findings. https://gpassoc.informz.net/GPASSOC/data/images/Salary%20Surveys/GPA%202022%20Salary%20Survey%20Report.pdf
Murre, M.J., & Dros, J. (2015, July 6). Replication and analysis of Ebbinghaus' forgetting curve. Plos One. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0120644#sec012