Nonprofits all over the country are competing for funding in an increasingly competitive environment.
Today’s funding environment has become fiercer than ever before between budget cuts, revenue shortages, and policy changes. Well-trained and knowledgeable grant writers are becoming more and more vital to organizations. Nonprofits, school districts, and local governments all regularly hire people for these roles.
While grant writers can come from many different backgrounds, earning a grant writing certificate can be a great way to stand out to employers. These programs train aspiring grant writers on how to create the most persuasive proposals possible.
But what exactly do grant writers do? And why are these grants so key?
What Do Grant Writers Do?
Grant writers research, draft, and submit detailed proposals to secure funding from foundations, government agencies, or corporations.
Their process begins with them searching through databases and donor sites to find grant opportunities that could work for their organization. Once they’ve found a good fit, they begin crafting the narrative of their proposal. Grant writers need to be able to craft persuasive proposals that blend together data, project descriptions, and mission statements.
They collaborate with program management and finance teams to collect all necessary information. Grant writers also must play a management role themselves, always monitoring the different deadlines and guidelines for each grant. If the grant does end up being awarded, they then become a liaison connecting the funders to their organization.
While the main bulk of their responsibilities lies in writing the proposals, grant writers really are there for the entire process–start to finish.
Why Are Grants Important?
Grants are non-repayable funds that organizations can use to launch projects, foster innovation, and deliver public services.
The most important aspect about grants is the fact that they don’t need to be repaid. This allows nonprofits and any other organizations to incur as little debt as possible, while still doing as much good for their community as they can. Grants fuel progress and support operational capacity for organizations big and small.
Grants are often used to hire more staff, upgrade infrastructure, develop new programs, fund research, create new solutions to societal challenges, etc. But, when grants are awarded, it’s about more than just the money. When an organization receives a funding grant, it’s like a stamp of approval being given to them. It boosts their credibility to the public, as well as other donors.
Overall, grants are a big part of how organizations are able to accomplish their missions and help the communities they serve.
What Organizations Use Grant Writers
There’s a long list of different organizations that utilize the skills of grant writers–these are just a few examples.
- Community Food Banks
- Health Clinics
- Environmental Organizations
- Mentoring Programs
- Art Organizations
- School Districts
- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOS)
You have the chance to work directly for an organization, or you can freelance as a grant writer and work with a number of groups.
Can I Get a Grant Writing Certificate Online?
SDSU Global Campus Career Skills Institute offers a Professional Certificate in Grant Writing that can be earned online in just 10 weeks.
The program consists of two 25-hour online courses–one introductory course, and another on grant proposal development. All lessons for the courses are pre-recorded, so you can easily fit your learning into your busy schedule. You don’t have to put your career on pause in order to gain new skills and work towards advancement.
The program is led by grant writing expert Jay Katz, who has helped raise $190 million for hundreds of organizations. He’s spent 25 years in the field, and now he wants to pass on his knowledge to the next generation of grant writers in San Diego and beyond.
“I found this certificate course to be a strong, practical learning experience,” said graduate Jeremiah Tills. “[The instructor] was very thorough in his instruction, clearly explaining each step of the grant writing process and providing structured, hands-on assignments. Jay was also highly responsive and consistently replied to student questions in a timely manner, which made the online format feel supportive and engaging.”
Register today to enter the exciting world of grant writing, all on your own time!
