Starting a Home-Based Grant Writing Business

Non-profit organizations, community groups, schools, and even local governments compete for grants on a regular basis. Some of these organizations handle grant writing in-house, but many more contract with a professional grant writer.

Getting Started

A modern computer, office software, laser printer, phone, and Internet access are the essential equipment needed to start a home-based, grant writing business. Many entrepreneurs will already have the necessary tools to launch their home-based, grant writing business. A grant writing business is well suited to operating from a home office.

Grant writers often specialize in a particular industry or niche. Research available grants for any industry or niche for which you would like to write grant applications. Part of what successful grant writers are paid for is their knowledge of what grants are available, what the requirements are for those grants, and how competitive the grant is. The research alone is overwhelming to many organizations.

Reading successful grant applications whenever possible can help you learn what works - and what does not work. Most grant programs are competitive and receive far more applications than there are available funds.

The competitive nature of most grant programs means that many requests for funding are declined or placed on a waiting list. It is essential that the grant writer is able to research appropriate grant programs and then submit applications that follow the application process perfectly. Applying for grants that the organization is not qualified to receive, or not paying meticulous attention to details, can result in the organization not receiving necessary funding.

Non-profit organizations and even local governments frequently rely on volunteers to accomplish their goals and objectives. This can also be true with grant writing efforts. Volunteering to help with a grant proposal can provide valuable experience and can also provide valuable networking opportunities.

Marketing

Direct, targeted marketing can be effective in the grant writing business. This could involve sending cover letters, brochures, and business cards to all non-profits or government agencies that you may be able to assist. This could also involve carefully monitoring local or industry news and sending a letter and business card whenever a non-profit or government agency announces plans to seek grant funding or publishes a request for proposals.

Setting up a business website is a cost-effective way to make your business information available to the world. The site should convey a professional image, and also carefully explain what services you offer, what industries or niches you serve, and what rates your charge for your services. Of course, the site should also include contact information with several ways to contact you for more information.

Printed brochures can be useful for briefly introducing your business and explaining what services you offer and what industries you serve. Brochures can be sent with proposals or when someone asks for more information about your grant writing business.

Advertising in trade or specialty publications can be a good way to keep your grant writing business in front of your target audience. Maintaining an ad in the appropriate publications can generate qualified leads from interested organizations. Advertising rates can vary tremendously so this option may not be attractive for all grant writing businesses.

Business cards remain a staple of the professional business world. Business cards should be professionally printed and contain your name, business name (if applicable), contact information, and a brief description of what services you provide. Business cards can be sent with all mail, mailed with any requests for information, and handed to anyone who expresses an interest in your grant writing business.

Joining appropriate trade or industry associations can provide networking opportunities with people who may need grant writing services. These connections will also help you to stay in touch with the industry as a whole and to be aware of changes that may impact the industry and provide opportunities for grant writing.

Cautions

Grant writing can be challenging. Successful grant writing requires remaining aware of which grants are available, which grants are more or less competitive, which grant programs may be the best match for your clients, and which grant programs are closing because available funds have been distributed or application deadlines have passes. Staying on top of these changing programs can be a challenge for the grant writer, but this also presents an opportunity to set your business apart from competition that is less prepared and knowledgeable.

Conclusion

Starting a home-based, grant writing business can be a profitable and rewarding venture for the entrepreneur with solid writing skills, research skills, and impeccable attention to detail. A grant writing business provides the opportunity to make a difference by helping to secure funding for worthy causes or organizations in your community.

SOURCES

How to Start a Grant Writing Business 1-2-3. Home Inc. Business Center. Site accessed on 3 December 2010.

Malik Sharrieff. How to Start a Grant Writing Consulting Business. Chron Small Business by Demand Media. Site accessed on 3 December 2010.

8 Tips for Starting Your Grant Writing Business. WAHM.com. Site accessed on 3 December 2010.