Hosting writing classes can help you develop grant writing skills to help nonprofits secure funding. Look for experienced instructors and classes that offer feedback and preparation for certification exams. Course format can be in-person or online.
If you want to use your writing and research skills to help your community, hosting writing classes can help you craft proposals that will help nonprofits obtain the funding they need to achieve their goals. While it’s true that many grant writing skills are simply acquired through practice, taking an introductory course is a good way to get a solid foundation for a successful proposal. However, it’s important to keep in mind that some writing courses will be more helpful than others.
Obviously, the instructor’s experience is an important factor to consider when selecting a writing course. How long has he or she been in the grant writing business? What grants has he won? As a budding writer, you want to learn from someone with as much experience as possible. A class taught by someone with a poor track record in getting grants won’t be much more helpful than reading writing books from your local library.
Getting a chance to get feedback on your proposal writing skills is another important component of helpful grant writing classes. Even if you pride yourself on having strong writing skills, you could be making simple mistakes that hurt your chances of securing funding. For example, it is common for new writers to forget that the committee that awarded the awards will have no prior knowledge of the organization’s goals.
If you are interested in starting your own grant writing business or trying to find a full-time grant writing position, you should ask if the course is designed to help you pass the certification exam offered by the American Association of Grants. Professionals (AAGP). Through the Grant Professionals Certification Institute (GPC), this organization tests knowledge of grant construction, public sector funding, private sector funding, professional ethics, and responsibility for the use of grant funds. While this certification is not required to work as a grant writer, the credential adds a significant boost to your resume.
Course format is primarily a matter of personal preference. Many community colleges offer writing classes, with some sections being held overnight or over the weekend to better accommodate the needs of working adults. However, online writing classes are an option to consider as well. If you are able to manage your time well and don’t mind missing out on face-to-face interaction in a traditional classroom setting, online learning is a convenient way to acquire the necessary writing skills.
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