The Business of Freelance Grant Writing course is for experienced writers or graduates of the Certificate in Grant Writing course who are ready to start a freelance grant writing business. This online, interactive course includes instruction on starting a business, marketing, interviewing clients, creating contracts, communication, setting rates, and project management.

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Bundled Course

Save $100 when you purchase the Certificate in Grant Writing and the Business of Freelance Grant Writing course together! Click on “Select Type” and choose the Bundle.

Full participation in the Business of Freelance Grant Writing course is applicable for 9 GPCI Education Points towards acquiring the Grant Professional Certified (GPC) or in maintaining your GPC and 9 Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) points towards acquiring or maintaining your CFRE.

“A wealth of information!  Allison has created a course chock full of resources that would be helpful to anyone looking to work freelance.   The online classes created thought-provoking conversations and a perspective of others who may already work in the grant writing world.  The course was well-organized and easy to follow.  I also enjoyed the 'real-life' examples shared throughout the curriculum.  This is an incredible value in addition to the Grant Writing Certification course.”

“Excellent Course! I have been searching for a course like this for years! After learning a few of the skills and lessons presented here, "on the job," it was so great to have this course to confirm some things I already knew but also to learn about aspects I had not yet dealt with/considered. Having all the info about the business of freelancing so organized and all in one place, with checklists, materials I can use, and feedback from the instructor, was invaluable! I also enjoyed connecting with other grant writers during the cohort portion. I cannot say enough good things about this course!”

“Extremely relevant and thoughtful content. I've been holding off on jumping into 100% consulting work because I was concerned about financial stability and getting solid clients. The information learned in the Business of Freelance Grant Writing course has allowed me to expand my consulting business, secure long-term client contracts, and navigate client relationships professionally. As a result, I've been able to quit my job and achieve my goal of solely freelancing/consulting to maintain a positive work-life balance. I highly recommend this course to anyone looking to make the transition.”

“This course uses relevant examples, tips, resources, and stories, giving a clear roadmap for building a grant writing business. This course gave me the confidence and direction I needed to go out on my own and successfully engage and manage clients while raising money for their important causes.”

“Practical Information! This course was a treasure trove of helpful, practical information.   The checklists and links were very helpful and valuable.   How to handle sticky situations was very helpful to me.  Thank you!”

“The course allowed me to get a solid foundation and the tools to launch. Allison inspires us all to go out and raise money for the causes we care about in a high-quality manner sure to get results.”

“If you are thinking about starting a grant writing consulting business or are already running one, this course is well worth the time, money, and effort. The course shares many useful tools and resources, addressing many of the issues we’ve been facing and stimulating further thought and conversation. Many thanks to Allison for creating this wonderful resource.”

“Whether you're getting started as a grant writer, or looking for a career refresher course, Allison's workshops are fun, relevant, and educational! Framing of the business process was especially useful, as was the great presentation of materials and content.”

“Allison Shirk takes her students through the information they need to know. If you are considering a business as a freelance grant writer, this easy-to-understand blueprint helps to reach that goal. Allison Jones is an excellent instructor. I give it five stars!”

Instructor Bio

Allison Jones is the founder and CEO of Spark the Fire Grant Writing Classes, which provides experiential instruction in writing grant proposals using brain-based learning. She is one of only twenty-five approved trainers in the country for the Grant Professionals Certification Institute and is an approved trainer of the Grant Professionals Association and Certified Fundraising Executives. With two decades of experience in grant writing and nonprofit management, her classes have been rated as one of the best grant writing courses in the nation for three years running by Instrumentl. She reviews grants for foundations and government entities, giving her unique insight into the current state of fundraising. Jones has an M.Ed. in Adult Education and is an Adjunct Professor of Grant Writing at Evergreen College, Western Washington University, and Seattle Colleges.

Allison Jones is an experienced speaker and trainer for nonprofit conferences across the country, most recently presenting at the Montana State Nonprofit Conference, Idaho State Nonprofit Conference, Association of Fundraising Professionals, and Grant Professionals Association conferences.

Learn more about why I started Spark the Fire Grant Writing Classes.