January 14, 2002 | Read Time: 2 minutes
Q. I’m interested in learning how to write grant proposals for nonprofit organizations. Is there a market for this kind of skill, as either a freelance or temporary position? What educational skills and experience should I work to develop?
A. Absolutely, there’s a market for writers of grant proposals. While many charities designate a staff member to apply for grants or make use of volunteer help, others turn to proposal-writing specialists who work on a freelance or consulting basis. It’s common for proposal writers to get paid by the hour, though some take a flat fee for the completion of a project — and others offer their services to charities pro bono.
The going rate for proposal writers appears to be between $40 and $75 an hour, though fees vary widely depending on the project’s demands, the resources of the organization that commissions the proposal, the proposal writer’s track record, and the cost of living in the region where he or she works.
It’s relatively easy to learn the basics of grant-proposal writing, says Marc Green, editorial director at the Grantsmanship Center, in Los Angeles. “Anyone with common sense and a good plan can do it.”
But many mistakenly think that solid writing skills alone will make them successful at proposal writing, he says. In reality, Mr. Green says, the best proposals are written by staff members who have been involved in planning the program that seeks funds.
Proposal-writing fundamentals can be gleaned in a number of ways. You should also take a look at the Nonprofit Handbook section of our Web site to find books about proposal-writing basics. The Foundation Center’s Web site (http://fdncenter.org) includes a free online course in grant-proposal writing, a list of how-to books, and links to organizations that offer workshops. The Grantsmanship Center’s Web site (http://www.tgci.com) offers advice for beginners, including information about proposal-writing workshops around the country. The center also offers practical guides, such as its booklet “Program Planning and Proposal Writing,” which is available for $4 plus shipping and handling through the Web site or by calling (213) 482-9860.
