by Sandra Beck, Motherhood Incorporated
Are you a strong writer with a keen eye for detail? Do you enjoy research? Then grant writing may be the work-at-home career for you. Grant writing doesn’t require an expensive education, though strong writing and grammar skills are a must. Grant writers must also be comfortable with the financial aspects of business. If you’ve got the skills, why not try out this flexible, family friendly career?
The Technology
Equip your home office with a telephone line, fax, and computer with Internet access, and you will be ready to work. If you don’t want to invest in a fax machine and second phone line, consider using an online fax service. For a nominal fee, you can send and receive faxes via email.
Getting Started
It is easy to gain experience and familiarity with the grant writing process, if you are willing to work free of charge. There are many nonprofit organizations looking for grant writing volunteers. A quick search of the web will turn up plenty of opportunities. Idealist.org and VolunteerMatch.org both match willing volunteers with nonprofits organizations in need. Developing needed career skills is even more fulfilling when you are helping out a cause you care for.
Build a Portfolio
Keep track of the grants that you have written and record any awards gained by your hard work. Potential employers will want to know that your work produces results, and in grant writing that adds up to more than just writing samples. A proven record of success will keep the clients knocking on your door.
Choosing a Niche
Once you have built an impressive resume, you may find it beneficial to choose a niche or specialty. If you have background in medicine or education, then that may be the market for you. If you enjoy helping a worthy cause, specializing in the nonprofit sector may make for a gratifying career. Whichever area of expertise you choose, capitalize on your strengths and interests. Specializing will help you gain credibility with your clients. If you are willing to put in the time and effort, you too can enjoy the flexibility of working at home as a grant writer.
www.motherhoodincorporated.com
Sandra Beck 