what is a grant writer?
The primary responsibility of a grant writer is to complete the application process for obtaining financial grants. Grants are funds from private charities, foundations and local or national government. While grants usually stipulate how the funds must be spent, they are not loans and do not require repayment.
As a grant writer, you research the sponsors or foundations to ensure that their goals match the non-profit you work for and they have funded similar projects. It is important to explain the grant's conditions and how to meet the proposal's terms to the recipients. You also provide detailed organisational information like accounting records and a plan demonstrating how the non-profit intends to use the money. You maintain contact with current sponsors and cultivate new support for the non-profit. Sometimes, you create a budget for a proposal and provide information on specific aspects of the project.
As a grant writer, you work for non-profit organisations or start-up businesses. Some grant-making entities also sponsor hospital projects and local government projects or schools. You can work for any entity seeking funds for their programmes. Sometimes, you assist individuals seeking funds for research or educational scholarships.
Would working as a grant writer suit your project management skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a grant writer role.
grant writer jobsaverage grant writer salary
According to ONS, the median salary of a grant writer is £40,000 per year. You will earn a lower salary of £34,740 annually when you work in an entry-level position. Experienced grant writers make over £50,000 annually based on their experience and qualifications. Freelance grant writers usually earn on a project basis, and their compensation package differs based on the contract. Apart from the basic salary, some companies pay additional commissions or bonuses for winning grants.
what factors affect the salary of a grant writer?
The compensation package for grant writers usually differs with the employer, experience and qualification. For instance, if you work in a small non-profit organisation, you are likely to earn a lower salary since you apply for funds from smaller donors. Large companies apply for high funding levels, and their budgets include a grant writer's salary and research funds. The complexity of the role also influences your earnings. For instance, if the role requires in-depth research and top-notch proposal writing skills, you are likely to earn more and receive bonuses for winning the grants.
If you work in a permanent role, you earn more since you work full-time for the organisation. Temporary grant writers earn less and sometimes work on a project-by-project basis.
types of grant writers
Grant writer positions differ based on the type of funding applications and the industry they work in. Most employers expect grant writers to have specific knowledge of the industry. Hence, some specialisations include:
- medical grant writer: as a medical grant writer, you seek financial aid to support medical research, projects and programmes. You assist healthcare facilities in securing funding for their programmes or research to improve medical services. For instance, you can seek donors for vaccine development or biomedical research.
- charity grant writer: as a charity grant writer, you assist charities in seeking funds to run various programmes. You research grant providers with a similar mission and vision as the charitable organisation and draft a proposal to seek funds.
working as a grant writer
Here's some information on what duties, environments and schedules you can expect when working as a grant writer.
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grant writer job description
Your job duties are likely to include:
- research: you research for ideal grants to apply for on behalf of your employer. You choose the grants to apply for based on your organisation's qualifications and alignment of objectives. For instance, if you work for a healthcare facility, you research grant providers that fund medical causes like research and healthcare programmes.
- creating grant proposals: your primary role is to draft the grant applications necessary to acquire funding for a charity or business. The application process involves researching the terms and conditions of the grants and developing ideas on how the company can meet their terms. Your job is to explain how a company's compelling causes and achievements make them deserving of the funds. The proposal should stand out and persuade the funders to award money to your organisation.
- communicating with clients and donors: funders or donors are likely to ask additional questions after the initial proposal. Your job is to answer any questions arising from the application and advocate for your employer. Understanding the company's programmes is essential to provide accurate information to donors. You also create follow-up materials if the donor requests them, such as budgets and project plans for the programme to be funded.
- managing funded projects: you work closely with programme managers to ensure they carry out the projects covered by funding. In some organisations, the programme manager and grant writer are the same. This component is vital because most funders require a report updating them on using funds. The report feeds into whether the organisation receives future funding or not.
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work environment
Most grant writing jobs are in the public sector with local authorities, non-profits and schools. In these positions, the typical work environment is an office. You work with other team members who research information for applications. However, some organisations employ remote grant writers. When working remotely, constant communication with key team members is still essential. Unless you attend networking events or visit a project location, there are no travel requirements.
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who are your colleagues?
As a grant writer, your colleagues might include proposal writers, typists, charity fundraisers, business advisors and business development managers. You also work with advertising copywriters, business consultants, and other specialists, including pricing analysts, programme managers, service managers and service directors.
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work schedule
Every organisation has different capacities when hiring a grant writer. Some have the budget for a full-time employee, while others hire you part-time or on a fixed-term contract. Generally, full-time employees work the standard office hours of 37 to 39 hours a week. If your responsibility also involves networking with funders, this can include attending evening or weekend events. A majority of part-time or contract grant writers work remotely. You complete most of the work on your computer, including writing, editing, creating graphics and meeting with your employers online.
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job outlook
As a grant writer, you work in diverse organisations, giving you a range of opportunities for career growth. Most grant writers become programme managers or project managers for funded projects. However, with extensive experience in a field, you could become a consultant and assist various companies in securing jobs. Some grant writers also opt for freelance work.
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advantages of finding a grant writer job through randstad
Finding your grant writer job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a grant writer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
There is no specific field of study for grant writers, but the following qualifications are necessary to improve your career prospects:
- university degree: to become a grant writer, consider completing an undergraduate degree in business management, English, law, sales and marketing or journalism. The degree courses improve your writing, research and communication skills. Some grant writers acquire specific knowledge of the industry they work in by studying a relevant degree in their area of interest, like IT, science or medical research.
- apprenticeship: work towards a grant writer role by completing an advanced apprenticeship programme as a proposal coordinator or grant writer. The apprenticeship usually involves a work and study programme with reputable not-for-profit organisations. The programme doesn't have specific requirements, but 5 GCSEs improve your prospects of joining.
grant writer skills and competencies
Some of the fundamental skills for a successful career as a grant writer include:
- research and writing skills: you rely on your research skills to identify the best grants for your company. You also review the terms and previous projects sponsored by the grant-maker to ensure your objectives are aligned. Good writing skills help you articulate your ideas and communicate concisely. Your persuasiveness helps your proposal stand out.
- interpersonal skills: you collaborate with a team of proposal writers and programme managers during the application process. You also require interpersonal skills to interact with donors and clients.
- detail-oriented skills: you should be meticulous with details to avoid costly mistakes. Before writing a proposal, review each funder's guidelines, terms and conditions and deadlines.
FAQs
FAQs about working as a grant writer
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What does it take to be a grant writer?
To be a successful grant writer, you need to have skills beyond writing concisely and persuasively. You must have attention to detail, understand budget allocations, and communicate data analysis to funders. Understanding the entity's mission and program goals will also help you communicate their needs to funders.
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how do grant writers get paid?
How you are paid as a grant writer depends on your contract with your employer. You can have a salary as a full-time employee or be paid by the hour as a part-time employee or contractor. Some organisations also offer cash bonuses and other compensations, such as commissions.
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is grant writing hard?
Grant applications usually include multiple components that must be accurate, so you should be organised and meticulous. It isn't a role you can rush since mistakes potentially mean losing a funding opportunity. This added pressure may seem offputting. However, it is a rewarding profession when you win a grant.
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can anyone write a grant?
While most organisations with limited staff appoint programme managers or their best communicators as grant writers, it isn't easy for everyone. Understanding the grant process and the industry you are writing for increases your chances of winning grants.
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how do I apply for a grant writer vacancy?
Applying for a grant writer job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
