It can be a little intimidating getting started as a grant writing consultant. I remember when I first started out. I was nervous about getting clients and really had no assistance with day-to-day responsibilities of running this type of business. Now, nine years later, I still have questions but have a great group of mentors that I look to for advice. That’s what I can be for you – your mentor. Think of me as both your cheerleader and coach. I’ve been where you are, wanting to quit full-time work or simply looking for employment that allows you to still have time with the kids while bringing in a paycheck at the same time. What are you waiting for? There are so many resources that can help you today that I didn’t have nine years ago.
Because I want to help, I’ve been thinking back on the questions that I had when I was considering becoming a work from home grant writing consultant. At that time, I wanted to quit full-time and my husband and I were starting to plan our family and thought it would be best for me to work from home. Whatever your situation, these may be some of the questions that you’re asking yourself. I had these questions too and I’ve provided answers here.
How do you go about getting first clients when you really don't have much history behind you? What can you do to secure those first consulting jobs?
No experience yet? Not a problem – volunteer your grant writing services! You can volunteer your time for organizations you feel passionate about that don’t have anyone writing grants for them. They feel fortunate to have a grant writer at no cost and you’re gaining experience all the while. Keep a record of grants that you win and soon enough you’ll have a portfolio to show potential clients. Remember, if you’re just starting out, you’ll want to stay away from more complicated grant applications such as federal grants. You’ll want to stick to more stress-free applications. Do a little research and find some applications that aren’t too difficult to start with. Eventually, as you build up your experience, you can propose your services at a cost to the organization you’ve been volunteering with as well as other nonprofits.
Is it the job of the consultant to suggest foundation prospects or should the client ask the consultant to write a proposal for a particular foundation? Which is the best scenario?
It actually depends on the client. Some organizations have no idea where to begin looking for grant prospects and that can be part of your job to do research for them and point them in the right direction. You can still charge accordingly by the hour or the project including research time in your proposal. For the organization that has some history of winning grants, they might actually have an idea of what grants they would like to apply for. I think that’s fine with the understanding that you direct them otherwise if you don’t think they’re a good fit.
What happens if I write a proposal, get paid for my services but then the grant request is rejected and the client says they should either get their money back or even a portion of it? How do I handle situations like that?
This is where a clearly outlined contract comes in handy. My philosophy is that you have done the work you have promised to do and it’s out of your hands once it gets to the foundation for their decision. There are so many factors that go into decision making of who gets what grants and you, as the grant writer, have no control over that. Make it a clear policy that you don’t guarantee a winning grant – you’re only getting paid for the work you’re doing on their behalf to get the grant submitted in the first place.
For more answers to your questions, consider purchasing GRANTworks, my step-by-step guide to becoming a successful grant writing consultant. Also, I encourage you to call me at 678-240-0402 if you’re looking for that push to get started. I love my job and I guarantee you’ll love it as well!
Subscribe to this comment's feed
written by vibram five finger shose, April 18, 2011
-
- +0
-
-
written by christian louboutin sale, April 18, 2011
The way of women's walking looks more elegant when they wear Christian Louboutins sale. Christian Louboutin on sale own quite high brand name reputation.Do you know sale Louboutin or Christian Louboutins?All Louboutin shoes on sale had red bottoms.Sale Christian Louboutin shoes include Christian Louboutin pumps, Christian Louboutin boots, Christian Louboutin shoes and so on.There are also sale Christian Louboutin for men not only for women.You can wear Louboutin shoes sale in every seasons of whole year because Christian Louboutin sales shoes have many styles such as boots of winter,sandals of summer and pumps of autumn.
-
- +0
-
-
written by Vibram Outlet, April 18, 2011
-
- +0
-
-
written by louboutin sale uk, April 18, 2011
Christian louboutin is the symbol of women.It is said that a woman without christian louboutin shoes knows nothing about fashion.That is right.If you want to be fashionable.Please buy christian louboutin shoes.A woman wearing christian louboutin sales can always be recognized easily from a group of people.
-
- +0
-
-
written by birkenstock shoes, April 15, 2011
-
- +0
-
-
written by louboutin sale, April 14, 2011
-
- +0
-
-
written by birkenstockssandals@hotmail.com, April 13, 2011
-
- +0
-
-
written by birkenstockssandals@hotmail.com, April 13, 2011
-
- +0
-
-
written by abercrombie fitch, April 12, 2011
-
- +0
-
-
written by louboutin sale uk, April 12, 2011
Christian louboutin is the symbol of women.It is said that a woman without christian louboutin shoes knows nothing about fashion.That is right.If you want to be fashionable.Please buy christian louboutin shoes.A woman wearing christian louboutin sales can always be recognized easily from a group of people.
-
- +0
-
-
written by Coach Bags , April 11, 2011
-
- +0
-
-
written by SHAWNA18Douglas, April 09, 2011
-
- +0
-
-
written by Christian Louboutin sale, April 09, 2011
Material : Black patent leather
Characteristic:Black patent leather,round toe pump
Height:12cm covered heel.
Size:35-41
Weight:1.5kg
◆Shipping:Free Shipping
◆Ships to:Worldwide
◆Item Specifics-Women's Shoes
◆Brand:CC
◆Condition:Brand New
◆All shoes elegant shoes is one of masterpiece from CC
original box,shoes bag and tissue paper.
◆All shoes brand new come with CC
◆All shoes has been worked by a craftsman and finished by hand and this is the result of a careful selection.
◆100% Authentic Guaranteed.
◆Guarantee fast ship.
-
- +0
-
-
written by Christian Louboutin Cheap Sale Online, April 08, 2011
Discount Provided. Low Price,High Quality! Buy Discounted Louboutin Shoes Here, Save 80%
OFF, 5-7 Business Days to Worldwide, 100% Quality Guarantee! website:www.christianlouboutin-trade.com
-
- +0
-
-
written by new era hats, April 08, 2011
-
- +0
-
-
written by discount Alexander McQueen Leather shoes, April 08, 2011
-
- +0
-
-
written by coach factory outlet, April 03, 2011
-
- +0
-
-
written by umbro football shirt, April 01, 2011
umbro football shirt
-
- +0
-
-
written by Coach outlet, March 29, 2011
-
- +0
-
-
written by cheap Cartier handbags, March 29, 2011
-
- +0
-
-
written by vibram five fingers, March 27, 2011
-
- +0
-
-
written by timberland outlet, March 26, 2011
-
- +0
-
-
written by louboutin outlet, March 22, 2011
-
- +0
-
-
written by louboutin outlet, March 20, 2011
excellent. louboutin outlet Your wish list high heels, christian louboutin shoes. Now they are at discount.
christian louboutin outlet Shoes,which as a forever topic.
-
- +0
-
-
written by wholesale hats, March 18, 2011
-
- +0
-
-
written by shoes outlet store, March 17, 2011
-
- +0
-
-
written by christian louboutin outlet, February 26, 2011
-
- +0
-
-
written by christian louboutin outlet, February 26, 2011
-
- +0
-
-
written by coach factory outlet, February 21, 2011
-
- +0
-
-
written by Latest Tech News , February 15, 2011
Carrenlie
www.techblog.ws
Your Technology Guide
-
- +0
-
-
written by Books and Manuals, February 10, 2011
Vivian
Marks Web
www.imarksweb.net
-
- +0
-
-
written by Book of Info, February 07, 2011
James
www.rapidorg.com
-
- +0
-
-
written by Sandy Rees, August 15, 2010
Sandy
-
- +0
-
-
written by Roger Carr, August 14, 2010
-
- +0
-
-
written by Lori L. Jacobwith, August 12, 2010
-
- +0
-
-
written by Greg McRay, EA, August 11, 2010
-
- +0
-
-
written by Sherry Truhlar, August 10, 2010
-
- +0
-
-
written by Gayle L. Gifford, ACFRE, August 10, 2010
It is always helpful to know how other consultants got started -- to know that there is experience out there to be tapped into.
On your last point, I'd recommend that grant writers join the Association of Fundraising Professionals http://www.afpnet.org both to be part of a great group of colleagues, but also because it really helps to have their code of ethics behind you when questions come up like the one about not getting paid for unsuccessful proposals.
And for starting up, there are some really great resources out there on how to develop strong proposals. Reading everything you can get your hands on helps.
-
- +0
-
-
written by Bunnie Riedel, August 09, 2010
-
- +0
-
-
