With more and more non-profits popping up, each looking to promote their cause by acquiring sufficient funding, the demand for writers who can create the most compelling, detailed, and creative grant proposal is also on the rise. If you’re considering this path, investing in a grant writing certification is a good place to start.
When it comes to becoming a writer, many think that they are mostly freelancers with an unreliable source of income. However, we’re here to tell you that this isn’t the case. In fact, there are numerous grant writing services out there that hire experts from the field and make it easier for nonprofit organizations to find the right set of skills.
The journey to becoming an expert grant writer begins with a simple step — making up your mind and getting the right training. However, with the myriad of options out there and each one claiming to be the best grant writing certification of them all, the step doesn’t remain as simple anymore.
To make the journey easier for you, we will look at some of the best grant writing certifications of 2024 for you to consider along with their pricing and certifications.
Grant writing is a lucrative and meaningful career path for those who want to make a difference by helping organizations secure funding. With the demand for skilled grant writers on the rise, getting certified in grant writing can help you stand out and advance your career. But where do you start when you want to get grant writing certified?
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the key steps to earning a respected grant writing certification,
Why Get Grant Writing Certified?
Getting certified in grant writing demonstrates to employers and clients that you have the skills and knowledge needed to craft winning grant proposals. Unlike other writing fields, grant writing requires specialized training in areas like:
- Grant research
- Budget development
- Knowledge of funders
- Proposal formats
- Writing persuasively
Earning a certification shows you have invested time and effort into understanding these grant writing intricacies, Certification also provides a competitive edge in the job market by distinguishing your abilities
Additionally, certain coveted grant writing roles require certification as a condition of employment. Large nonprofits, hospitals, universities and government agencies often mandate certified grant writers to ensure funding success.
Key Steps to Earn Grant Writing Certification
Follow these steps to earn a certification that will boost your grant writing career:
1. Decide Between Online or In-Person Certification
The first decision is whether you want to complete an online or in-person grant writing certification program.
Online programs offer maximum flexibility, allowing you to study on your schedule from anywhere Top online certifications include
- ed2go’s Advanced Grant Proposal Writing
- Technical Writer HQ’s Grant Writing Certification
- Udemy’s Federal Grant Writing 101
In-person programs provide hands-on, immersive training but require attending classes at specific times. Leading in-person certifications include:
- Portland State University’s Certificate in Nonprofit Fundraising
- University of California San Diego’s Grant Writing Certificate
- Columbia University’s Nonprofit Management Programs
Consider your schedule, location and learning preferences when deciding between online or in-class certifications.
2. Select Among Certificate or Degree Programs
You can also choose between grant writing certificate programs or degree programs.
-
Certificates take less time, usually 3-6 months. They provide focused grant writing training.
-
Degrees take 1-2 years to complete. They include grant writing curricula within a broader nonprofit management education.
Certificates are ideal if you want targeted grant writing skills development. Degrees are better if you want expansive nonprofit sector knowledge.
3. Confirm Program Completion Requirements
Make sure to review program requirements before enrolling so you know what to expect. Typical grant writing certification requirements include:
- Completing coursework modules
- Passing quizzes or exams
- Submitting writing assignments
- Developing proposal samples
- Finishing a capstone project
Understand the workload and time commitment needed to complete all requirements before starting a program.
4. Research Total Costs and Available Funding
Grant writing certifications range in cost from a few hundred dollars for basic online certificates to over $10,000 for advanced degree programs. Be sure to account for all costs like:
- Tuition
- Required books and materials
- Application and enrollment fees
- Technology needs
Also look into funding options. Some programs offer scholarships or employer tuition reimbursement to offset costs.
5. Submit Required Application Materials
Once you select a certification program, you’ll need to complete the application process. Standard materials include:
- Application or registration form
- Application fee
- Transcripts
- Test scores
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
Give yourself enough time to gather and prepare high-quality application components. This helps demonstrate you can handle the program’s rigors.
6. Develop a Study Plan
Creating a study plan helps you successfully progress through a grant writing certification program. Identify:
- Required weekly study hours
- Ideal times for coursework
- Where you’ll study
- Key milestones and deadlines
Having a roadmap makes managing your time and workload easier. It also keeps you accountable.
7. Compile a Portfolio of Writing Samples
As you complete writing assignments and projects, build a portfolio highlighting your grant writing skills. Include:
- Proposal excerpts
- Concept papers
- Program budgets
- Timelines
- Evaluation plans
This portfolio becomes a valuable career tool when applying for grant writing jobs after certification.
8. Pass Needed Exams and Assessments
Be prepared to pass exams testing your grant writing proficiency during and after certification programs. Common assessments include:
- Quizzes on concepts and best practices
- Writing skills evaluations
- Oral defense of proposals
- Comprehensive final exams
Use exams as learning opportunities to pinpoint knowledge gaps.
9. Finish a Capstone Project
Many certification programs require completing a capstone project. Capstones allow you to apply your full range of skills to an extensive grant proposal. Expect to invest significant time perfecting your capstone.
Some programs assign you a nonprofit case study for the capstone. Others let you choose your own project.
10. Add Certification to Your Resume
Once certified, make sure to update your resume, LinkedIn profile and other materials with your new credential. Prominently showcase your achievement and the knowledge gained to boost your hiring appeal.
Finding a Grant Writing Job After Certification
Earning a respected grant writing certification credential better positions you for exciting new career opportunities. To land your first job after certification:
- Network with fellow students and instructors for job leads
- Check certification program job boards for open positions
- Search online job sites like Indeed using keywords like “grant writer”
- Apply to local nonprofits by checking their websites for openings
- Attend industry association meetings to connect with hiring managers
- Update your website highlighting new skills
- Consider freelancing to gain experience
The grant writing job market is full of potential for certified professionals. With dedication and smart preparation, you can turn certification into a rewarding grant writing career.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Grant Writing Certification
How long does it take to get certified in grant writing?
It typically takes 3-6 months to complete a grant writing certificate program. More extensive master’s degree programs can take 1-2 years. Accelerated online certifications may take just 4-8 weeks.
What does a grant writing certification cost?
Costs range widely. Online certificate programs can cost a few hundred dollars. In-person degree programs at major universities often cost $10,000-$15,000 or more. Shop around to find an affordable option that fits your budget.
Is grant writing certification necessary to be a grant writer?
Certification is not legally required but is extremely helpful for getting hired and succeeding as a grant writer. Certification provides formal training and separates you from uncertified applicants.
What is the best grant writing certification?
Top options include Portland State University’s Certificate in Grant Writing, ed2go’s Advanced Grant Proposal Writing certificate program, and Columbia University’s Master of Science in Fundraising Management. Compare programs to find the one that best fits your needs.
What jobs can you get with a grant writing certification?
A grant writing credential qualifies you for roles like Grant Writer, Grant Manager, Proposal Development Specialist, Grants Coordinator and Fundraising Specialist. You can work for nonprofits, schools, hospitals, government agencies and grant writing firms.
Is grant writing a good career?
Yes, grant writing is an excellent career choice! As a grant writer, you earn good pay while making a difference for worthy causes. Top grant writers earn over $100,000. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts above average job growth in the field.
University of Georgia
Rating: 8/10
Duration: 24 hours
Another course suitable for beginners, this grant-writing course can help you build a strong foundation for writing detailed and successful grant applications for foundations, nonprofits, schools, orphanages, shelters, and more.
The thing about this course is that it builds a great base to further your grant seeking ventures. The syllabus, cost, and length of the course by University of Georgia is rather well-reputed and well-recognized, which bodes well for all enrollees. You get 2.4 credits for completing the course as well, which means students in the university can opt for this grant writing certification during their degree, win a certificate without worrying about losing precious time.
Costing $159, we would recommend the course to beginners but not for those who looking to continue education or perfect their craft.
To enroll, visit University of Georgia.
Portland State (Non-Profit)
Rating: 8.5/10
Duration: 5 Sessions (in-person, physical classes). 10 sessions (online)
For those of you who want to excel practically and theoretically in the world of grant writing for non-profits, this certificate program is exactly what you need. Enrollment closed in September 2020 and will reopen in July or August for early birds.
Portland State is rather well known for their grant writing certification and is recognized throughout the US because of the advanced grant writing skill graduates boast. In fact, many non-profit organizations require the certificate from Portland State as a prerequisite for hiring writers.
Along with earning a good income, writers also get to promote noble causes with the help of this online course.
As you continue through the grant writing course on Zoom, you can’t expect to have practical experience and a rather strong proposal to include in your job market portfolio. Some areas in particular the program focuses on includes
- Environmental defense grant writing
- Racial equity cause grant writing
- Grant writing for animals
- Grant Writing for Indigenous Sustainability, and more.
Throughout the course you get to learn from several experts as they use new, experimental learning approaches where you get to write actual grants for a live audience and clients. By seating you in the driver’s seat, Portland State is able to guide you better about the grant writing process and stuff years of experience into several business days.
The course costs just $900 ($800 for early birds) and in our opinion offers immense value to those who want to pursue a career in grant writing. We would wholeheartedly recommend the course to students, provided they don’t mind becoming professional grant writers for non-profits only.
To enroll, visit Portland State (Non-Profit).
Rating: 9.8/10
Duration: 6 weeks
The advanced grant proposal writing certification offered by ed2go is revered in the industry to be one of the most thorough course out there.
It isn’t just suitable for those who have no writing experience whatsoever but also works impeccably well for professional grant writers or technical writers who are looking to perfect their craft.
If we were to pick a favorite certification among out list, ed2go would definitely make it in the top 3.
When going through the course, we also found that it takes a much deeper and thorough approach when explaining the grant proposal writing process, formatting, tone, what to address, length of paras, words to use and those to avoid and more.
The course is headed by Dr. Beverly Browning who brings 40 years of experience on the table. The 12 lessons within start with the cover letter and explain everything in great detail all the way up to the contact page.
Once you are done with the course, we can safely say that you will confidently be writing grant proposals addressing corporations, government, private individuals, foundations, and more with a much higher rate of success.
Unfortunately, the course does cater to beginners but not absolute beginners who have no skill or experience in grant writing, which is why it isn’t a 10/10 for us.
There are certain prerequisites of the course, i.e. a cover letter and an introductory course certificate or relevant work experience.
The course allows individuals to learn at their own pace or via a bootcamp learning model as there are two options to choose from; the self-paced version where you learn as when you please. This is perfect for people who are currently working and can’t attend regular classes.
There is also the instructor-led online version that adopts a bootcamp-like approach. Both these versions cost $159. The instructor-led course takes about 6 weeks to complete while the self-paced course is available for 3 months to help you study properly.
To enroll, visit ed2go.
