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| Re: Becoming a Freelance Grant Writer
Posted by Julie Rodda   on 10/15/2009, 10:32 am, in reply to "Becoming a Freelance Grant Writer"
VIP Poster
AMD,
I believe it would be helpful if you search the message archive for various posts regarding becoming a 'freelance', 'self-employed', 'home-based' (etc.) grant and proposal writer. Various considerations play into the mix, but it appears from your comments that you are not approaching this from the non-experienced viewpoint.
The recession/economic turmoil has created more business inquiries for me than during more affluent years, however, that does not necessarily equate to having more clients (by my own choice). Many factors come into play. For instance, I screen clients for fund-ability prior to consenting to work with/for them, and many have more work to do to be in a favorable position to receive grants. I will not accept a client I feel has less than 50% chance of receiving positive funding, and prefer working with those who have a strong, fund-able position. It does not benefit them to hire someone to work on their behalf if they are not well positioned, and it certainly will not benefit my position for referrals in future. In these cases, I offer consulting services outside of proposal writing in order that they develop a better position for funding and sustainability, regardless of the type of donor (individual, corporate, foundation, public-funding).
At present, grants have become tighter in the foundation world because they are generally granting funds from 2008's market-year performance. Keep in mind that 2008 didn't tank until the 4th quarter. For next year (2010 grants) foundations will be working from net dollars from 2009 market performance, and we all know what that has been like. There will be far fewer dollars available in 2010 unless the market continues its upward clime in an unprecedented manner. Many foundations (not all) are working primarily with those whom they have an established relationship, and are not considering new partners for funding. That said, dollars are widely available for various programs of interest from the Federal Government, and Education has had a tremendous boost...yet there are some unique considerations surrounding those announced funds as well.
As you may have noted from my comments, you must keep abreast of trends in order to be a good grant consultant, who will earn referrals from those they have worked with and for. It is not enough to have the skills to produce a good proposal, if there is no point in submitting the thing. Be aware of how to advise, otherwise your client is spending money they can not afford to hunt dollars they will not receive. Certainly a lose-lose position for all involved.
Hopefully others will join in posting advice from which you can glean valuable information; in the meantime, feel free to use the private message function at the top of the screen if you have more specific questions I might be able to answer.
Best wishes in your new endeavor!
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Julie Rodda
http://www.roddaconsulting.com/Solutions for Non Profit Organizations
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