Are you looking for granting writing certifications that will give you the edge you need to land jobs in 2022? Look no further.
With education and skill development moving into the online space, finding a comprehensive grant writing certification is easier than ever. There are tons of online accrediting organizations that offer grant writing classes.
There is no shortage of practical and info-rich online courses. In this article, we'll list the top ten grant writing certifications for 2022 and their pricing.
Let's start.
Top 10 Grant Writing Certification Courses in 2022
Here are the best grant writing certification programs for 2022.
1. Grant Writing Certification - Technical Writer HQ
Duration: 15 hours
Price: $199
We rated the Grant Writing Certification Course as the number one grant writing certification course. The Grant Writing Certification is a course by Technical Writer HQ with all the essential and advanced concepts that any professional grant writer should know. Plus, you get teacher feedback on a graded capstone project.
It teaches students practical grant writing concepts and covers research, presentations, and networking. It also focuses on locating potential funding sources that match your organization.
These are all critical competencies in the grant writing business.
Because the course touches on additional (more advanced) areas of grant writing, it's also beneficial for people who already have jobs as grant writers. The course also has a dedicated section to ensure stellar proposal writing. This is an area many grant writing courses lack.
The course is taught by Josh (a certified grant writer with over ten years of experience). There are over 7 quizzes, a certification test, and a capstone. Because of how comprehensive the courses on Technical Writer HQ are, they have some of the best ratings in the writing industry.
For more information and enrollment, check out the Grant Writing Certification Course by Technical Writer HQ.
2. Udemy – Grant Writing for Nonprofits and Freelance Writers
Duration: 1 hour, 34 minutes
Price: $24.99
This grant writing certification targets beginners looking to enter the world of grant writing as freelancers or under nonprofit organizations.
It focuses on improving their research and technical writing skills before applying for government grants.
The course is taught by Tim Whitney, who has secured many multi-million dollar grants. In this course, he gives 17 lectures, which add up to an hour and 34 minutes of learning.
It provides students with real-life examples, strategies for composing successful grant proposals, and the kind of language to use while writing to different entities.
It also teaches the non-technical aspects of being a grant writer, such as building relationships and how to think like funders.
While the course retails for $24.99, Udemy often runs discounts on all its courses. Depending on the promotional offer, this course may be available for as low as $11.99.
A bonus of this certificate program is that once you are enrolled, you get free lifetime access to the resources. Having resources to look back on whenever you're in doubt is a thoughtful consideration by any course instructor.
For more information and enrollment, check out Grant Writing for Nonprofits and Freelancers by Udemy.
3. Skillshare - Grant Writing Basics for Beginners
Duration: 50 minutes
Price: Free 14-day trial/$19 monthly fee
This course is the perfect option for beginners without prior grant writing experience.
It consists of 10 classes, for a total of 50 minutes. This is the perfect length and pacing for a beginner's course.
This program answers general questions and concerns a new writer may have. However, it doesn't get into the details of drafting proposals.
The course is taught by professional grant writer Teresa Huff, who has 20 years of experience in the industry. She starts by walking the students through how to get started with writing, shares some common industry knowledge, and provides tips on how to think like a grant writer.
It's important to note that the course focuses on grants for schools and nonprofits only.
Skillshare's grant writing certification may be free if you sign up for the trial version of your Skillshare membership. After the trial, you pay $19 per month.
For more information and to enroll, check out Grant Writing Basics for Beginners by Skillshare.
4. Thompson Rivers University – Professional and Academic Proposal Writing
Duration: 30 weeks
Price: $875 - $1584 (CAD)
This grant writing certification is an excellent program for beginners and intermediate writers.
It is helpful for several entities across the grant writing spectrum, including education, government, health, art, and the nonprofit sector.
The course teaches students skills such as developing a grant proposal, how to define the prime purpose of funding, coming up with efficient budget strategies, and knowing how to tie loose ends after awarding funds.
This course's price ranges from $695 to $1258. This includes reading material and the shipping cost of delivering the contents to you.
The writing course takes students through the procedures and guidelines of writing successful grant applications, such as creating practical introductory sections and the letter of intent (LOI).
The course doesn't touch on interpersonal skills despite going over many fundamentals. This makes the course ideal if you are new to the discipline and want to learn the foundational principles of writing grants.
For more information and enrollment, check out Professional and Academic Proposal Writing by Thompson Rivers University.
5. WVDO Certificate in Grant Writing
Duration: 9 weeks
Price: $900
This grant writing certification looks to impart practical writing skills to craft effective grant proposal applications.
This course has no prerequisites, and people with no experience can enroll. This makes it ideal for anyone moving to grant writing from any other writing discipline.
In terms of industry, this course helps you build experience writing for nonprofits. This can also benefit intermediate-level grant-writers.
Upon completion, students will get a letter of intent ready for submitting to different organizations. Plus, they will receive materials they can refer to, from which they can draw proposals.
Each enrollment round takes a maximum of 15 participants. This shows the amount of focus and individual attention that each attendee receives.
Having adapted to the Covid-19 situation, the classes are held once a week for three hours via Zoom.
If a student can't afford the full tuition fee, they can request financial assistance.
Applying for this certification requires you to submit your updated resume, a statement that displays your writing and communication skills, and why you're interested in this certification.
For more information and enrollment, check out Certificate in Grant Writing by WVDO.
6. University of Colorado at Colorado Springs – A to Z Grantwriting
Duration: 6 weeks/24 hours
Price: $135
The A to Z Grant Writing certification is ideal for helping students develop a framework for crafting a 'Gold Medal Proposal Package,' as the description puts it.
It teaches you everything you need to write a grant that will attract attention from potential funders, getting you closer to winning grants for causes you are passionate about.
This course is not limited to a specific industry in the grant writing realm. It works for the education and nonprofit management sectors and religious institutions.
Furthermore, this is an instructor-led course led by Linda Vallejo, who has 30 years of experience as a grant-writer across many industries.
Apart from teaching you the technical skills required in writing grants, it also introduces you to important work outside grant crafting. These include organization, collaboration, presentations, and confidence.
These are skills that beginners may sometimes lack.
For more information and enrollment, check out A to Z Grant Writing by the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.
7. Arizona State University
Duration: 7 weeks, 12-15 hours/week
Price: $1050, $1175
Arizona State University offers two grant writing certifications. One is for beginners, the other for mid-level writers. Students can take the latter after completing the first and getting some hands-on experience.
Grant Development: State and Foundation Proposals
This course covers strategic planning, and the necessary elements students need to keep in mind when drafting proposals. The highly interactive course is priced at $1050 and is seven weeks long.
Although it's ideal for people new to applying for grants, ASU describes this course as 'fast-paced and intensive.'
This course does not have an instructor. Individuals must participate and engage with the material while the knowledge specialist provides feedback throughout the course.
ASU has a second course for more advanced grant-writers.
Advanced Grant Development: Federal Proposals
This course is geared more towards individuals with more experience in grant writing. It also grooms writers to be able to write competitive federal grant proposals.
Participants work in smaller groups with the knowledge specialist and have the added benefit of getting reviews before submitting for federal grants.
Since this is a more advanced course, it requires prior experience writing state and foundations grants. However, the course accepts college-level studies focusing on this as work experience.
The tuition for this grant writing certification stands at $1175, but if taken after the beginner grant writing course, you get a 25% discount.
For more information and enrollment, check out Grant Development and Proposal Writing Certificates by Arizona State University.
8. San Diego State University – Professional Certificate in Grant Writing
Duration: 10 weeks
Price: $449
San Diego State University recognizes many nonprofits and charitable causes that require grants.
This recognition has led them to create their grant writing certification. Students are required to complete two courses to attain this certificate:
- Introduction to grants and Funding Research
- Grant Proposal Development
The initial course is structured to accommodate new grant writers and freelance writers. It helps with the ABCs of grant writing.
The second course is for students with experience seeking an opportunity to practice their skills further.
Furthermore, this course is specific to the nonprofit sector, involving clinics, environmental organizations, local schools, and food banks. It's not suitable for those looking to develop their portfolio as writers for businesses or research.
For more information and enrollment, check out Professional Certificate in Grant Writing by San Diego State University.
9. ed2go – Advanced Grant Proposal Writing
Duration: 24 hours
Price: $115
This course is for more advanced writers who hold some prior experience. It explores formatting and structure more closely than other grant writing certifications.
Besides building the base of your grant writing knowledge, this course shows you how to move forward after getting grants.
Additionally, students learn how to create non-technical, practical skills.
The course offers two modes of teaching.
The instructor-led variant takes 6-12 weeks to complete, while the self-study version allows you to go at your own pace.
The course instructor, Dr. Beverly Browning, holds a whopping 40 years of experience as a grant writer.
For more information, check out Advanced Grant Proposal Writing by ed2go.
10. University of South Carolina
Duration: 5 in-class sessions (7 hours each)/10 online sessions (3 hours each)
Price: $1332
The University of South Carolina (USC) provides one of the most extensive and elaborate grant writing certifications. It prepares professionals for aspects critical to the grant writing discipline.
The course is a formal training program. It starts with an introductory course to the discipline, followed by a needs-based assessment.
Following the intro course, there's a program development and evaluation section. This focuses on strategic models and tools for writing a successful grant proposal.
Furthermore, the final section of the curriculum teaches the actual grant writing process.
It provides students with outlines, hands-on training, as well as the opportunity to have their work reviewed by peers and professionals.
The online sessions are instructor-led, with no self-paced version yet.
For more information and enrollment, check out Grant Writing by the University of South Carolina.
Online Grant Writing Certification FAQs
Here are some of the most common questions about grant writing certifications.
What is grant writing?
Grant writing is the act of writing proposals on behalf of an organization. Organizations use proposals to apply for grants and secure funding from government agencies or private sponsors. A grant writer works in industries such as nonprofit organizations. They are also indispensable in areas like businesses, research, and education. In essence, it's a form of goal-oriented technical writing.
Do I need to be certified to work as a grant writer?
The short answer is no. Being a grant writer does not require a specific degree or certification. However, degrees and certificates help grant writers achieve quicker and easier career progress. Grant writing certifications inform recruiters and clients of your credibility, overall skill level, and how dedicated you are to the cause. However, it is not a requirement.
How do I choose a grant writing certificate?
To choose the ideal grant writing certification, you must have a career map in mind. Once you have that, pick a course that delivers knowledge and skills ideal for that. It's also vital to choose a certification program that aligns with which professional sector you want to work for (nonprofits, education, healthcare).
Josh Fechter
Josh Fechter is a business strategy consultant and founder. He’s written several world-recognized books on software configuration, speaks Spanish, ballroom dances, and owns The Product Company and Squibler.
FAQs
How much do grant writers charge Australia? ›
A freelance grant writer in Australia who charges an hourly rate can charge anywhere between $50 – $300+ per hour (excl. GST), depending on their level of experience and track record. If a writer is charging solely by the hour, they are more likely focused on smaller submissions.
How do I become a grant writer in Georgia? ›Grant Writing Certificate
Successfully complete all required and elective courses within 18 months. Maintain a 70% grade average or higher throughout the program. Submit the Course Checklist & Certificate Request form to receive your Grant Writing Certificate.
It's rarely described as easy, fun or simple. Because grant writing is so often a daunting activity — especially for small nonprofits whose staff members already wear many hats — it's easy to rush through an application or cut corners. Many just simply struggle to produce a highly competitive proposal.
What skills are needed for grant writing? ›- Excellent written communication skills.
- Top-shelf research skills.
- Ability to understand the needs of both the agency in need of funding and the organization that is offering the grant money.
- Great organizational skills.
- Being able to understand and execute complex instructions.
Typical grant writing costs range from $20 per hour for new grant writers up to $150 per hour for experienced grant writers who have won many grants. Standard, intermediate fees range from $30 to $75 per hour. You can expect to pay between this amount if you are paying freelance grant writer fees.
Are grant writers in demand? ›Are Grant Writers in Demand? Yes, organizations are always asking for grant writers. Every nonprofit and government organization needs a way to raise money, so they are constantly looking for the best in grantsmanship—meaning that there is always demand.
How much do freelance grant writers make per hour? ›As of Sep 23, 2022, the average hourly pay for a Grant Writer in the United States is $25.78 an hour.
How do I find a professional grant writer? ›You can also go to websites for professional membership organizations that grant writers often join. One of them is the website of the Grant Professionals Association at GrantProfessionals.org. At this website you get free access to a directory of professional grant writers who have posted their profiles online.
How many hours does it take to write a grant? ›You may need 30-50 hours to write a foundation grant, 60-80 hours for a state grant, and at least 120 hours to complete more complex federal grants. When preparing, it is a must to properly estimate the TOTAL amount of time you will need to finalize the work.
How long does it take to become a grant writer? ›The amount of time it takes to become a grant writer is dependent on the type of work, your personal goals, and your experience. A person can also learn to become a grant writer by taking required courses and certifications, which could take anywhere from a week to six months, depending on the training given.
How do grant writers get experience? ›
Most entry-level grant writing jobs require two years of experience. The best way to gain experience as a grant writer is to obtain a volunteer or internship opportunity. Many employers will want to hire a grant writer that has experience in the industry that they are writing grants for.
Does grant writing pay well? ›A grant writer can make good money, according to The Write Life. In 2021, $48,000 to $54,000 a year is standard for a nonprofit grant writer's salary. Freelance writers can make up to $100 an hour, but writers on their first proposals may make only $20 per hour.
What style of writing is grant writing? ›Grant writing is a combination of creative storytelling and more technical or academic style writing.
What are the duties of a grant writer? ›- Prepares proposals by determining concept, gathering and formatting information, writing drafts, and obtaining approvals.
- Determines proposal concept by identifying and clarifying opportunities and needs, studying requests for proposal (RFPs), and attending strategy meetings.
Rates typically charged by grant writers on Upwork are: Beginner: $35 per hour. Intermediate: $60 per hour. Advanced: $125 per hour.
How much should I charge to write a proposal? ›That's a hard question to answer; it really depends on how important the project is to the firm. As a general rule proposal costs usually run between 3% and 5% of the value of the contract.
How do I hire a freelance grant writer? ›- Fill out the Request a Grant Writer Form.
- Receive quotes from grant writers within 24-48 hours.
- Review awarded grants, writing samples, rates.
- Choose the writer that meets your needs.
- Speak with your first choice grant writer.
- Plan your Grant Writing Business.
- Form your Grant Writing Business into a Legal Entity.
- Register your Grant Writing Business for Taxes.
- Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card.
- Set up Accounting for your Grant Writing Business.
A grant writer's job is to research, draft and submit proposals to (private) foundations, corporations, or governmental agencies, to secure grant funding. As a grant writer, you will work for a charitable or nonprofit organization, either as an employee or as a freelance consultant.
How many grant writers in United States? ›There are over 5,231 grant writers currently employed in the United States.
How much do writing consultants charge? ›
This FAQ doesn't have a simple answer. Most intermediate to advanced freelance writers charge between $0.10 and $1 per word, depending on the amount of work they will have to put into the project. But, the way they bill that average range will vary.
How much do grant writers make in California? ›The average salary for a grant writer in California is $59,500 per year. Grant writer salaries in California can vary between $22,500 to $101,000 and depend on various factors, including skills, experience, employer, bonuses, tips, and more.
What is a non profit grant writer? ›A grant writer requests financial help from an institution, typically a charitable foundation or through government funding, and to do so, they need to use certain strategies. Non-profits benefit communities. For them to run, though, they need to obtain consistent funding.
What is a federal grant writer? ›Grant writers research, draft, and submit proposals that help organizations or individuals receive grant funding. To be eligible for funding, an organization or individual must have an objective that aligns with a grant's specifications. Many grant writers, like Shelia, work for nonprofit or charitable organizations.
How do I write a grant template? ›- Briefly describe your organization and its mission.
- Loosely explain your plans and how the grant will fit in.
- Connect the funder's interests and requirements with your plans.
- Clearly state the positive impact your program will have.
- Convey your passion for your proposed project.
You may need 30-50 hours to write a foundation grant, 60-80 hours for a state grant, and at least 120 hours to complete more complex federal grants. When preparing, it is a must to properly estimate the TOTAL amount of time you will need to finalize the work.
How do you write a grant for a non profit organization? ›- Plan Your Grant Research Process. ...
- Determine Criteria Fit. ...
- Call the Funder. ...
- Develop a Strategy for Your Program. ...
- Gather the Necessary Information In Advance. ...
- Create an Impact Management Strategy. ...
- Your Writing Should Be Clear, Concise, and Compelling.
Convince the funder you know what you 're doing.
The proposal should demonstrate that you have a clear understanding of the need in your community and a strong programmatic response. After reading your proposal, the funder should feel confident that your organization would be a responsible steward of their funds.
According to PayScale, the median salary for grant writers in the U.S. is $49,044. That brings the average hourly rate to around $24.53. The average salary range is between $37,000 and $69,000. Other than that, grant writers can earn up to $4,000 in bonuses, $20,000 in profit-sharing, and $11,000 in commissions.
What thing you must have before grant proposal writing? ›- Have a solid idea and enough supporting details. ...
- Read the grant guidelines carefully. ...
- Build commitment to the idea. ...
- Evaluate the amount of funding. ...
- Determine people resources.
How many pages should a grant proposal be? ›
The grant proposal as a whole, not including supple- mentary materials, should usually be five pages or less. Note: Consider using subheads for each section, such as “Organization Information,” to help you, and your reader, keep track of what you're trying to say.
What percentage does a grant writer get? ›When submitting applications to a combination of existing and new funders, an organization should expect a grant writer success rate of between 50 and 60 percent.
How do I become a grant writer for my home? ›- Earn an Undergraduate Degree.
- Secure a Certification.
- Volunteer at Local Nonprofits.
- Build a Network.
- Title Yourself as a Grant Writer.
- Join an Association.
- Written Communication.
- Research and Industry Knowledge.
We advise you to allow two months or more of dedicated time to prepare for a simple R01, e.g., one that does not include vertebrate animals or human subjects. Get details at Prepare Your Application and be sure you Know Your Audience.
What is the difference between grant writing and fundraising? ›Simply put, fundraising is how you raise money for your organization. Grant writing is one type of fundraising activity. Grant writing includes asking foundations or government entities for support while other fundraising activities might target individuals and businesses.
Is Grant writing a good career? ›If you are a passionate individual seeking to support important movements and foster community, a career as a grant writer is incredibly rewarding. Grant writing is also a solid career choice for anyone interested in making money from their writing talent.
What makes a grant stand out? ›A strong grant proposal should be clear, concise, and compelling. Make sure that you provide enough detail that the funder understands your project and can see that you have thought things through; but don't get too wordy. Your grant proposal should also tell a story that helps the funder relate to your project.
What are funders looking for? ›Funders want to support organizations that have a variety of strong investors. They want to see that you have other grantmakers on board, as well as individual donors, volunteers, or contributions of goods or services. They are looking for financial sustainability.
What is the most important part of a grant proposal? ›Summary. Being clear about what you want to do and how you will use the funding if you get it is very important. It may seem odd to list the summary before the other parts of the proposal but this is where it will go when you submit your plan.