Wishes Granted

Wishes Granted: No Wand Required


Have you ever wished you could use your time and talents to help others, but are just too busy making a living to really make a difference? How about starting a business that will allow you to make money and be helpful at the same time?

Grant writing is a great job for socially conscious people. Non-profit organizations of every variety continually hire people who can secure financial support. By learning to write grants, you can help your favorite charity and earn a living at the same time.

Writing grants is not as complicated as you may think. There are many helpful sources available for beginners. By searching the Internet you will find self-teaching software programs. One of the best ways to acquire necessary skills, however, is to attend a Grantsmanship Seminar. It is an intensive, two-day class that will teach you everything you need to know. Check out http://grantwritingusa.com for a workshop near you. It is definitely worth the investment.

Another up front investment is a computer with Internet access. No matter what the nature of your project is, you will be spending a lot of time on your computer researching and preparing your funding requests. A comfortable office chair and an organized workspace will be useful as well.

Once you've learned how to write a grant and you've set up your office, it is time to choose your clients. That's right, this business gives you the opportunity to actually choose your own clients. You can search help-wanted ads and you may run across a job or two, but the best way to find work is to approach your favorite organizations and offer your services. Eventually, they will need you. Moreover, if they don't, they can put you in touch with similar organizations who will hire you.

The most successful grant writers are those who know their clients needs inside and out. Spend some time really getting to know the people and the mission of the organization seeking funding and you will be able to add an emotional, personal touch that will make your proposal stand out. Choose groups whose missions you support and you're work will remain a rewarding endeavor.

Grant writing can be an exciting career for any compassionate individual who is also detail oriented and punctual. It also helps to have a concise writing style and the ability to closely follow directions. Team these characteristics with quality instruction and a good computer and you'll be granting wishes faster than a fairy godmother - and you won't have to use a wand to do it.

Resources:

http://www.npguides.org/guide/index.html

http://www.seanet.com/~sylvie/grants.htm

http://712educators.about.com/od/grantwriting/Grant_Writing.htm

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/grant_tips.htm

http://lone-eagles.com/granthelp.htm

http://www.proposalwriter.com/grants.html