Career changes can be daunting. However, transitioning from a stay-at-home parent to working remotely as a grant writer may be worth the risk and lead to a rewarding career. Picture balancing family life while building a new and meaningful career by helping nonprofits and businesses secure essential funding. Even better? It is possible to build a great grant writing career while staying home with your family. GrantWriterTeam has some valuable advice: find a cause that speaks to you and bring your dedication and professional skills to that organization as a remote grant writer. What a win!
Begin Your Grant Writing Career By Volunteering Remotely
Not sure where to start? Begin bridging the gap between being a stay-at-home parent to working from home by exploring virtual volunteering opportunities available to you. Volunteering for remote positions will provide an understanding of how working remotely fits into your lifestyle before you make any big moves to switch career paths. The value of a volunteer is estimated to be $33.49 per hour. Imagine the impact just one volunteer provides! Furthermore, working with a cause will provide insight that allows you to identify your transferable skills. Hear from those who have journeyed from the for-profit world to the nonprofit sector by visiting GrantTalk; an informative and uplifting podcast hosted by GrantWatch CEO Libby Hikind.
How to Locate and Research Grants for Grant-Seekers
Once you connect with a nonprofit or business seeking grants, the best way to locate a grant that suits your needs is to start with the SMART Grant Search tool. This tool allows you to search by recipient type, location, category interests, funding source type, and deadline date. Grant categories like Capital Funding and BIPOC, help you hone in on grants for your cause. Read the grant description carefully to ensure your cause is aligned with the mission of the funder. Above all, theses descriptions offer vital data about the funder. A 990 will give you useful data like the foundation’s mission statement, the foundation’s size, and assets, grant amounts, and more. To apply for a grant, click “View Full Grant” to view the grant detail page. You will see a blue button labeled “Full Grant Text RFP” on this page. In your application, convey your passion for your cause, provide a mission statement, and present a viable plan.
How Much Do Grant Writers Charge?
Grant writer fees are determined by factors like the type and the number of grants the grant seeker needs to be written. To illustrate, most grant writers start at $40-$75 an hour. However, the total average cost for a grant proposal is about $1,500. Most grant funders do not allow grant-seekers to distribute awarded grant money to hire a grant writer. Because of this, grant-seekers must pay for a grant writer in advance before the proposal is submitted. The grant writer is responsible for outlining payment arrangements in the work contract.
The Benefits of Working as a Remote Grant Writer
There is no better feeling than helping a nonprofit or business be awarded a grant. However, did you know? Work-from-home arrangements benefit organizations as much they do workers. WFH work opportunities are increasing in popularity. You too can take advantage of this trend while advocating for vital causes. Furthermore, when researching a new project you may learn helpful information you never would have learned otherwise.
- Socially Rewarding and Fulfilling – You can help cause you to believe in that make a real-world impact. Discovering the purpose of your skills brings fulfillment to your life.
- Advocate and Inspire – Illustrate to your family what causes are vital and welcome an open discussion. This is a powerful way to connect with the next generation and may even give insight as to what social causes are likely to be at the forefront of upcoming grant writing requests.
- Flexible Schedule – Grant writing consulting can be done on your own time. For example, you can do most of your writing at night and schedule meetings when it works best for you.
- Helping Those In Need – Many critical causes depend on grant funding. Learn to write grants for a cause that speaks to you and become an expert in that vertical.
- Producing Income For More Savings – When you become a dual-income household the new income will help improve your home and lifestyle. Furthermore, no commute means more savings. For example, you are eliminating commuting, parking, and lunch expenses. These savings help you grow a nest egg for investments, save for retirement, and fund family trips.
- No Commute – By working at home you avoid traffic, commutes, and traffic delays. No commute means more time. You can spend this bonus time with your family or utilize the time for self-care.
- Reduced Stress – Working remotely provides the opportunity for a healthier work-life balance. For example, you can exercise, or run errands during breaks. Furthermore, when working remotely you can create personalized workspaces. This includes control over lighting, noise levels, and seating.
Tips for Success: Working Remotely as a Grant Writer
Working remotely allows workers to work from a location outside of the office. However, adjusting to working remotely can be daunting. Whether adjusting from in-person work to stay-at-home parent, adjustments need planning. Set boundaries with yourself, work, and your family. Ensure that you have a clear plan and set goals. Below are tips to help you succeed as a remote worker.
- Manage Expectations – Do not guarantee a grant will be awarded. Grant writers are ghostwriters. Make it clear that you are not the funder and that grant reviewers will be the ones who award the grant. Ensure that grant-seekers understand that while you will be working towards their funding goals you are a host writer who is putting in the labor, there is no guarantee.
- Build a Grant-Writing Contract – Outline a clear contract and or work order for your project. List services such as grant research, grant writing, and any further services you will be providing.
- Do your Research – Know when you don’t know. Look up the answer and contact clients promptly. Keep in mind you can contact the funder to ask grant application questions. Furthermore, ask colleagues for help and ask mentors to provide feedback on drafts before submitting a grant.
- Pace Yourself – Start slow. Take on only 1-3 clients at a time, especially at 1st. Do not take on more than you can chew while you are learning the ropes to avoid damaging your reputation.
- Dedicated Workspace – Create a dedicated, clutter-free workspace. Carefully manage your time and space when working remotely, especially if you are working in a shared space. Set boundaries. Communicate what time is dedicated to work and what time is dedicated to family.
- Networking – It is vital to learn strategies for business networking that work for your lifestyle. Meeting new people can be refreshing. Especially if your main social interaction is with family.
- Reflect Regularly – Frequently review your mistakes and successes. In truth, both setbacks and wins will provide valuable lessons. Looking back on your work regularly helps you celebrate success and refine your skills as you grow as a grant writer.
About GrantWriterTeam
Are you a nonprofit or small business in need of some help? If you are searching for grants but are feeling overwhelmed, hiring a grant writer may be the perfect choice! Grant writers thoughtfully grant opportunities and consider the pros and cons of applying and the chance of success. Consider your writer an extension of your organization. Your grant-seeking success is our priority at GrantWriterTeam.
Disclaimer: There is no guarantee that grants will be awarded as a result of this information.