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Grant coordinators typically need a bachelor’s degree, strong writing skills, and fundraising experience. The job title can vary depending on the organization’s needs, and training is available through community colleges, trade associations, and for-profit companies. A degree is often required for prestigious organizations.
Most employers require grant coordinators to have a bachelor’s degree, strong writing skills, and some fundraising experience or training. It is possible to become a grant coordinator without a four-year degree, especially if you take a job with a young, not-for-profit organization. The more reputable the employer, however, the more likely it is that the job will require an undergraduate degree. Grant coordination can be an entry-level position as it is often a generic title, typically used in fundraising offices that lack a multifaceted development approach.
Fundraising, also called development, is a unique discipline with a non-uniform staffing structure. Organizations that employ fundraising staff tend to modify job titles and descriptions based on the organization’s particular needs. For example, an organization that uses the title grant coordinator may be looking for someone to serve as the individual director of fundraising, with grant coordination as the primary duty. Another organization may define a grant coordinator as a low-level associate who reports to a director of corporate and foundation relations and a director or vice president of development. The scope of the grant coordinator position is usually tied to the size and prestige of the contracting organization.
Grant coordinators can also be hired on the grant side. Private companies and foundations hire coordinators to manage the process of accepting grant applications and awarding awards. To become a grant coordinator on either side of the funding equation, your credentials must match the sophistication of the development operation.
Small local organizations often have limited resources and hire a grant coordinator who demonstrates the ability to get the job done. In some cases, working for a cash-strapped startup or organization and demonstrating the ability to successfully manage the grant process will provide enough leverage to move you into coordinating a career grant, even without a bachelor’s degree. One of the most important aspects of grant management is your success rate in obtaining awards. If you can demonstrate a practical ability to do the job and couple that with some developmental training, it can often be enough for you to succeed in this position with certain types of organizations.
Training for grant coordinators is offered by community colleges, not-for-profit and for-profit companies, and trade associations for fundraising professionals. Trade associations, in particular, offer an accreditation program that can add weight to your grant coordinator application. Generally, however, completing any course that describes the grant application and award process will help you become a grant coordinator.
If you want to become a grant coordinator for prestigious national or international foundations, corporations or organizations with significant operating budgets, you will need a bachelor’s degree. There are no specific job requirements, but most employers prefer courses that improve your writing, communication, or business management skills. Alternatively, you could earn a degree in a course related to the organization’s mission.
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