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Topic: Grant Writing
| Author | Message |
| neugirl | Posted – 7/8/2008 10:45:52 AM | show profile I've been really interested in working for non-profit organizations, foundations, etc and I wondered if there are classes you can take on grant writing. I see a lot of jobs requesting grant writers but I have no idea how to break into that field |
| jad215 | Posted – 7/9/2008 12:48:55 AM | show profile | email poster grantwriting Hey There - I'm a non profit professional who's been in the industry for over 5 years. There are classes you can take through the Foundation Center. I would also network at the Development Professionals Conference that's usually held in September at the Mariott, Time Square in NY. Google it if you can. I got into grant writing first as a Development Assistant/Associate. I don't know where you are in your current career, but check out Idealist.org for ads and resources. A good way to get into the field is to be an assistant to a Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations. You will learn how to write letters of inquiry, proposals and draft budgets. Or work for a Director of Major Gifts. They solicit donors who can give money over $10,000, $50,000 or even $100,000. Additionally, think of the causes you'd like to break into. Do you like the arts? Education? Healthcare? Grantwriters need to be passionate about what they're writing about because your proposals are raising money for a particular constituency. And it always helps if you're connected in some way to their cause. Hope this information has been helpful. |
| neugirl | Posted – 7/9/2008 1:14:28 PM | show profile Thank you so much for your helpful advice on this topic. I actually just stumbled upon idealist.org and thats where I got the inspiration to get involved in grant writing and to consider jobs in the non-profit sector. I work a very mundane and thankless job in finance and I have a degree in English/Journalism and would like to switch career paths and this looks like the way to go for me. I'm considering pursuing a masters degree in this area as well. But for now I'm hoping my lack of experience in this field wont hinder my chances in getting a position working for a foundation or a non-profit organization. We'll see how it goes. But thanks again for your insights! |
