Anecdotal information suggests that self-employed grant writers charge fees of between hundreds and thousands of dollars per project, while hourly rates range from $20 to $100, depending on experience and other factors.Д¬hallenges and rewards.One of the things Shelia likes best about grant writing is the writing process itself.

Self-employed grant writers usually charge a flat fee or an hourly rate for their services. But a worker like Shelia-who does more than write grants-may be counted in other occupations, including social and community service managers and postsecondary teachers. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not collect data specific to this occupation.Д«LS counts many grant writers among other types of writers and authors. Much of the employment and wage information about grant writers is anecdotal, because the U.S. But as with all occupations, the work has its challenges, too.Д®mployment and wages. Grant writing offers opportunities to earn a paycheck while helping a cause. Shelia, for example, is also a program manager in the healthcare network for which she seeks funding. Some grant writers have other roles within their organization. Grant writersвЂ™ other tasks may include responding to fundersвЂ™ questions about a proposal, developing relationships with prospective donors, and documenting a grantвЂ™s impact at the conclusion of a project. вЂњYour writing needs to convince funders that your organization is profoundly worthy of their trust and support,вЂќ says Shelia. Incorporating all of these elements into a successful proposal takes time and expertise-especially when there are hundreds, sometimes thousands, of organizations competing for the same funds.

In drafting the proposal, writers must follow the grantвЂ™s guidelines, such as ensuring that the organization meets eligibility requirements, and provide a budget that outlines how the grant money would be spent. вЂњItвЂ™s factual, motivational, visual, and inviting.вЂќДЇor example, grant writers might describe the past, present, and planned activities of the grant-seeking individual or organization. вЂњThe writing tells a story,вЂќ says Shelia. Through these documents, grant writers explain why a cause is important and how the funds will be used. Grant proposals often require a variety of documents, such as a cover letter, project narrative, and supporting information, which might include things like letters of endorsement from members of the community. вЂњSome work for us, and some are not a fit for who we are and what we do.вЂќ вЂњIn my program, we research a lot of opportunities that come our way,вЂќ Shelia says. Part of researching grants is determining which ones are not worth pursuing. They often scour detailed lists, databases, and donor websites. To find available funding, grant writers identify grants that match the objective of the organization or individual seeking money. No matter whom they work for, most of these writers research grants, write proposals, and have other tasks. Others are self-employed and take on projects from a variety of sources, such as museums and schools. Many grant writers, like Shelia, work for nonprofit or charitable organizations. To be eligible for funding, an organization or individual must have an objective that aligns with a grantвЂ™s specifications. Grant writers research, draft, and submit proposals that help organizations or individuals receive grant funding. вЂњWhether itвЂ™s for people, animals, or the environment, you are writing for a cause,вЂќ says Shelia. Grant writers help to match funders with projects they want to support.

As a grant writer, Shelia applies for grants that help community health centers improve the quality of their clinical care.Д®ach year, public and private foundations award billions of dollars in grants, sums of money that are intended to advance a specific objective.

When it comes to writing with a purpose, Shelia McCann knows what to say.