Inside Grant Writing Businesses Webinar
What does it really look like behind the scenes of a grant writing business?
Presented by 501 Commons in partnership with Spark the Fire Grant Writing Classes, LLC, Inside Grant Writing Businesses offers an honest, practical look at how grant writing businesses are built, sustained, and scaled—and how nonprofits and grant writers can work effectively with them.
In this one-hour live webinar, Allison Jones, M.Ed., GPC, moderates a candid panel conversation with experienced grant writing professionals who bring different perspectives to the table. Together, they will discuss how grant writing businesses manage clients, set pricing, structure their work, and make decisions that support long-term sustainability.
This session is designed to serve three audiences at once:
Grant writers who are exploring freelance or business ownership paths
Grant professionals interested in growing or scaling a practice
Nonprofit leaders who want to better understand how to hire and work with a grant writing business
July Panelists Include:
Anne Lundquist, MSI, GPC
Jackson Cooper, MFA
You’ll Learn:
How grant writing businesses are structured and sustained over time
How firms approach pricing, capacity, and client relationships
What nonprofits can expect when working with a grant writing business
How grant writers transition into business ownership or firm leadership
Lessons learned about sustainability, boundaries, and growth
Who It’s For:
Grant writers, consultants, firm owners, nonprofit professionals, and anyone interested in the business side of grant writing and grant support.
Registration Includes:
✅ Access to the live session
✅ Replay with timestamped chapters and full transcript
✅ Resource list shared by the panelists
Price:
$25 per session or $97 for the series
Free for Members of the Spark the Fire Grant Writers Collective
Inside Grant Writing Businesses - January Edition
Inside Grant Writing Businesses - January 2026
$25.00
Thursday, January 8th | 10:00–11:00 a.m. Central | Live on Zoom
Description:
Ever wondered what it’s really like to run a grant writing business? Join Spark the Fire founder Allison Jones, M.Ed., GPC and a panel of successful independent grant writers for a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation about how to build and sustain a thriving business as a grant professional.
In this one-hour live webinar, you’ll hear how solopreneurs and small business owners manage clients, set pricing, balance workloads, and stay inspired in their work. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your freelance business to the next level, you’ll walk away with actionable insights and encouragement from people who’ve done it. This month’s webinar features Stephanie Schweitzer Dixon, M.S., and others.
You’ll Learn:
How experienced grant writers built their businesses from the ground up
Tips for pricing, client communication, and managing your time
What to expect when transitioning from employee to business owner
How to find purpose and sustainability as an independent professional
Who It’s For:
Aspiring and current freelance grant writers, consultants, and anyone curious about the business side of grant writing.
Registration Includes:
✅ Access to the live session
✅ Replay with timestamped chapters and transcript
✅ List of shared resources from the panelists
Inside Grant Writing Firms - December Edition
Inside Grant Writing Businesses - December 2025
$25.00
Thursday, December 4 | 10:00–11:00 a.m. Central | Live on Zoom
Description:
Ever wondered what it’s really like to run a grant writing business? Join Spark the Fire founder Allison Jones, M.Ed., GPC, and a panel of successful independent grant writers for a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation about how to build and sustain a thriving business as a grant professional.
In this one-hour live webinar, you’ll hear what grant writing firms look for in hiring new grant writers, what it’s like to work with a team, whether you can keep your own clients on the side, and soft and hard skills for success.
Who It’s For:
Aspiring and current freelance grant writers, consultants, and anyone curious about the business side of grant writing.
Registration Includes:
✅ Access to the live session
✅ Replay with timestamped chapters and transcript
✅ List of shared resources from the panelists
Inside Grant Writing Businesses - November Edition
Thursday, November 6 | 10:00–11:00 a.m. Central | Live on Zoom
Description:
Ever wondered what it’s really like to run a grant writing business? Join Spark the Fire founder Allison Jones, M.Ed., GPC and a panel of successful independent grant writers for a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation about how to build and sustain a thriving business as a grant professional.
In this one-hour live webinar, you’ll hear how solopreneurs and small business owners manage clients, set pricing, balance workloads, and stay inspired in their work. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your freelance business to the next level, you’ll walk away with actionable insights and encouragement from people who’ve done it. This month’s webinar features Claire Honsinger of Good Horse Grants, Patricia Beaumont of Fitly Written, LLC, and Laura Gabel of Next Step Solutions.
You’ll Learn:
How experienced grant writers built their businesses from the ground up
Tips for pricing, client communication, and managing your time
What to expect when transitioning from employee to business owner
How to find purpose and sustainability as an independent professional
Who It’s For:
Aspiring and current freelance grant writers, consultants, and anyone curious about the business side of grant writing.
Registration Includes:
✅ Access to the live session
✅ Replay with timestamped chapters and transcript
✅ List of shared resources from the panelists
Price: $25
Inside Grant Firms - October Edition
Are you curious about what it’s like to work for a grant writing firm? Join us for this month’s Inside Grant Writing Firmswebinar on Thursday, October 2, from 10–11 am Central Time.
This session features three experienced firm owners:
Valerie A. Grant, GPC – Grant Consulting Services, LLC
Erin Hielkema – The Grant Plant
Dawn Grenier – Dawn Grenier Consulting
During the panel, you’ll learn what firms look for in candidates, how the application and interview process works, what day-to-day responsibilities look like, and the growth opportunities available in this career path.
The format includes:
Panel Introductions (30 min) – Each expert shares their background and insights.
Moderated Q&A (20 min) – Ask your questions about getting hired, positioning yourself as an ideal candidate, and client relationships.
Wrap-Up (10 min) – Closing thoughts plus information on Spark the Fire consultant support and referrals.
This webinar is perfect for new and aspiring grant writers who want to better understand the industry and how to stand out as a strong candidate.
AI and Grant Writing – Smart, Ethical, and Practical Use
AI and Grant Writing – Smart, Ethical, and Practical Use
Discover how artificial intelligence can support and strengthen your grant writing practice. In this engaging webinar, we’ll explore the latest AI tools, discuss current use policies and the (in)effectiveness of AI detectors, and walk through examples of writing prompts that actually work. You'll learn practical, ethical ways to integrate AI into your workflow—saving time without sacrificing authenticity or impact. Perfect for grant writers looking to stay sharp, efficient, and ahead of the curve.
🧠 Learn about top AI tools
✅ Understand use policies and AI detectors
✍️ Get real writing prompts
💡 Walk away with practical tips to save time and write stronger grants
Whether you're new to AI or already experimenting, this session will give you tools to write with more confidence and efficiency.
📅 Don’t miss out—register now:
🔗 https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_IyHqhZLORKO_qjkch74Vcg#/registration
Insight Grant Writing Firms: Your Path From Graduate to Professional
I’m hosting a special session for my graduates and others interested in learning about careers with grant writing firms, and I would love for you to participate. The event will take place on Wednesday, August 20th, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Pacific. Panelists currently confirmed are Diane Leonard of DH Consulting, Angela Silva of CPIN, and Kyle Hamrast of the Ostara Group.
This is a chance to learn about the inner workings of grant firms, and more importantly, how to get hired. Investment is $25. Spark the Fire Graduates attend free!
Free for Graduates, $25 for Non-Graduates