18th November 2008
Brian Scott

Grant proposal writing is all about showcasing the pet project of a non-profit organization in a way that makes people want to contribute money.

Sound simple? It really isn't, but grant writing can be one of the more gratifying types of freelance writing if you aren't afraid of some hard work.

How much money can I make writing grant proposals?

If you can get your foot in the door, freelance grant writing can mean big money.

How big is big? Well, if you charge a flat fee, you can earn anywhere from $100 to $1000, depending on the project's complexity. Alternatively, many freelance grant writers choose to take a percentage of any funds their proposals generate. If you charge 5% and the grant is worth $50,000, then that's $2,500 in your pocket!

You may prefer to charge on a percentage basis when you're just starting out because non-profits like the idea of no upfront costs. If the organization agrees to hire you under these terms, then you'll get some experience that will make it easier to charge upfront fees in the future.

What exactly does a freelance grant writer do?

In some cases, you just write the grant proposal. The best grant proposals are the ones that stick out from the crowd. Remember, potential donors usually have stacks of proposals asking for cash; your grant proposal needs to shine to get a donor's attention.

In every grant proposal, you need to include:

1. The non-profit's vision statement
2. Detail of the project
3. How the project will make a difference in the community
4. How the non-profit will spend the grant money
5. What the non-profit will contribute (money, labor, etc.)

In many cases, the organization will want you to do much more than write their proposal. Don't be surprised if they expect you to do all the research related to the proposal, find grantors, send the proposals, keep track of what's gone where and who's said what, and prepare presentations - just in case the organization is asked to pitch their idea live and in person. You should include all of these tasks in your fee, so make sure you quote accordingly.

What skills do you need as a freelance grant writer?

Strong writing skills are important, but they aren't as important as solid research skills and over-the-top enthusiasm for the project. Grant donors say repeatedly that passionate grant proposals with spelling mistakes interest them more than grammatically-perfect documents with feigned interest.

You need to convince the non-profit that it's better to hire you than to write the grant proposal themselves. To win the job, you'll need to display superior research, organizational, and critical thinking skills, coupled with a genuine desire to help.

How do I find freelance grant writing jobs?

Freelancing websites like Online-Writing-Jobs, WritingBids, IFreelance and Elance are great places to start. Sites like these usually get at least a few new ads for grant writers each day.

You should also consider creating business cards and brochures to advertise your grant writing services. Printed materials convey a degree of professionalism that will definitely show non-profits that you're the writer for the job. Send a snazzy promotional package to the non-profits in your area to let them know you're available if they need you.

How do I land a freelance grant writing job?

Let's say you get an email as a result of one of the packages you sent to a non-profit organization. They write:

We received your brochure in the mail. Good timing - our church wants to start an outreach program for teens. We've been saving but still need a lot. Do you think you could help us find someone to help with funding?

First, how do you feel about this cause? If you think it's a total waste of time, do yourself and the church a favor and decline the project.

If you like the cause, do your utmost to give them confidence in your abilities and your enthusiasm. You might reply:

Wow, what a great idea! I think your program will make a real difference. It's great that you've been saving - funders like to know that the non-profit isn't just looking for handouts. I can write you a persuasive grant proposal that will get the attention of grantors and bring you one step closer to realizing this vision.

Again, passion is key. Show the non-profit you're devoted to their dream, and they'll be more likely to hire you.

Brian Scott is a full-time freelance writer with over a decade of experience. He finds many of his paid freelance grant writing jobs at Online Writing Jobs ( http://www.online-writing-jobs.com  ), a free jobboard that lets you search thousands of freelance writing jobs.