Are you wondering if grant writing is in demand, especially if you're just starting out? Perhaps you’re concerned about there being too many writers and not enough clients. Well, let’s flip that worry on its head. In 2023 alone, the U.S. had a staggering 1.51 million nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, but only 10,546 employed grant writers.
That’s roughly 143 nonprofits competing for every one grant writer!
Crazy, right? So, who is handling the grant writing needs of these organizations? These numbers alone paint a clear picture: the demand for grant writers is immense, and it spans multiple sectors—healthcare, education, environment, and more.
The Reality of Grant Writing for Nonprofits in 2024
At Learn Grant Writing, we’ve observed an ongoing trend in the nonprofit world: overworked staff members taking on grant writing tasks in addition to juggling other major responsibilities. From executive directors to development officers and donor managers, they’re often trying to wear too many hats. Unfortunately, this leads to rushed, less effective grant applications, with teams chasing “right-now” grants instead of focusing on long-term opportunities that align with their mission.
If you’ve ever worked as an in-house grant writer, this may sound familiar. Trying to secure funding while handling other duties can be a recipe for missed opportunities. But here’s the kicker: this situation isn’t just a problem for nonprofits—it’s a huge opportunity for grant writing consultants. You can make good money as a grant writer! Check out this video to discover grant writing as a career.
Is There Really a Need for Grant Writers?
Whether you’re a newbie or a veteran in grant writing, we’ve all had moments of doubt: Is there enough demand for grant writers? or more recently, Could AI replace this job in the future?
These questions are valid, especially if you're managing a solo grant writing business. However, the answer to these concerns is a resounding yes! – the demand for skilled grant writers continues to grow, and it’s not just viable—it’s lucrative. Grant writers earn an average of $75,853 per year. Consultants in the Collective are pulling in $100k+ as grant writers (check out Kari’ story here and Courtney’s story here).
You may be asking, “Why is grant writing flourishing?” It’s because governments and private foundations offer grant opportunities, but navigating their complex processes requires a specialized skill set. That’s where grant professionals come in. Grant writers are essential for:
- Identifying the right funding opportunities that align with an organization’s goals.
- Crafting compelling proposals that stand out in a competitive market.
- Navigating the red tape and complexities of grant application processes.
Plus, there’s a growing need for niche expertise, making grant writing to be in more demand. From environmental initiatives to healthcare projects, organizations are looking for specialists who understand their unique needs. At Learn Grant Writing, we help our grant writing members identify their “zone of genius” and sharpen their skills in high-demand sectors. If you’re new to grant writing, this is the perfect time to stop stressing about finding your niche and start building a career.
Thinking About Freelance Grant Writing? Brilliant!
Traditionally, grant writing has been viewed as an in-house role. But recently, there’s been a shift as organizations increasingly seek specialized experts without committing to full-time salaries. This is great news for you as a grant writer—it means the freelance market is expanding rapidly!
Freelancing offers incredible benefits:
- Flexibility: Choose your own clients and projects.
- Freedom: Work from anywhere, on your schedule.
- Diverse Clientele: Gain experience across different sectors, from small nonprofits to large foundations.
- Remote Opportunities: Thanks to digital platforms, you can work with organizations across the globe, all from your own home.
Despite these benefits, only 10–20% of grant writers in the U.S. are freelancers. That leaves a huge opportunity for you to take advantage of. Remember that ratio from earlier—143 nonprofits for every one grant writer? Imagine how much impact you can make while also earning a great income (check out Allison’s story here).
What Does the Global Grant Writers Collective Entail?
At the Global Grant Writers Collective, we help you build a life you love through the grant writing profession. We’re known for helping those new to the profession break into the industry without prior experience in grant writing or business. We help you become a well-paid grant writer (either as an in-house grant writer or in building your consulting business) using an earn-and-learn model.
Whether you’re just starting or looking to transition from an in-house role, we help you gain confidence and competence in the field of grant writing. The nonprofit sector is crying out for talented grant writers. With increasingly complex funding landscapes, organizations need skilled professionals to:
- Strategize their grant pursuits to focus on long-term, sustainable funding sources. We teach this as an effective and established method called the Funding Strategy.
- Navigate complicated application processes with ease. Talk about gigantic federal grants - we simplify it like nursery school rhymes!
- Bring specialized expertise to target niche areas like climate change, healthcare, or social justice. It’d interest you to see how Erin transferred her scientific skills into grant writing, or how Johanna leveraged her experience in international development for USAID and USDA grants.
The good news is that this presents an enormous opportunity for anyone looking for a rewarding and impactful career. As the number of nonprofits continues to grow, the demand for grant writers will only increase, making this a field with substantial long-term potential.
Grant Writing — A Field Full of Opportunities!!!
If it’s not clear, I’ll say it again: there’s an urgent demand of skilled grant writers in the nonprofit sector. Organizations are seeking help to develop strategies, secure vital funding, and bring specialized expertise to the table. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a newcomer, there’s a wealth of opportunities awaiting you in this field.
From the sheer number of organizations seeking funding to the lack of dedicated grant writers available, the demand for grant writers is undeniable. The good news? That demand is growing, and it’s creating endless possibilities for professionals like you to build a rewarding, flexible, and profitable career. So, if you’re considering a future in grant writing, you’re on the right path because the opportunities are bigger than ever.
Interested in learning how to break into grant writing without prior experience? Check out this 20-minute training to know how. Join the Global Grant Writers Collective today to discover how you can get started and build a successful career in grant writing, no matter your level of experience.
