When I Grow Up: Grant Writing and Career Direction

On career day I don’t recall telling my teachers or guidance counselors that I wanted to be a “professional grant writer”. In fact, until high school I didn’t know such a career even existed. Now when I tell people that I am indeed a professional grant writer, I usually get quizzical looks and raised eyebrows. People often bid me an obligatory “ahhh…” and try to change the subject. All you grant writers know what I mean…

The truth is that I never saw myself as a grant writer, nor do I see myself as always being a grant writer. A writer indeed, a grant writer…we will see. Nearly all of the grant writers I know ended up in their current positions without setting out on a professional grant writing quest. I truly believe grant writing finds you first.

My dream job (I’m a millennial, I have many!) is to work for a foundation that builds health care resources for children. Whether it is here in the United States or abroad where the need for health care access and education is increasingly important— I know it is what I want to do. When? Sooner rather than later, but I’m in absolutely no hurry to stop doing what I’m doing now. I love my job…however, dull it may seem. I get to find creative ways to make a difference everyday and that’s more than enough to keep me happy!

Being a grant writer is about learning, teaching and sharing what you know about a problem and coming up with solution to make it better. Grant writing has taught me more about public policy, nonprofit management, community collaboration and health care than any of my other nonprofit roles. I’m constantly learning and I am invigorated by the good work of people who really want to impact their community and the world. Really…people like that do exist. It’s amazing.

Recently, I connected with several new Grant Savvy readers who just started a new career in grant writing and I’m thrilled that they are finding the Grant Savvy blog is a useful resource. Their infectious enthusiasm inspired me to write this post and to share my favorite (and fun!) careers links below. Where ever your own career trail leads you, let it be a happy one!

Grant Writing Careers
For Grantwriters Only
Careers in Grant Writing

Grant Gurus
Pamela's Grant Writing Blog
Joanne's Nonprofit Blog

Nonprofit Novas
Step-by-Step Fundraising
Get Fully Funded

If you want to connect with more super smart grant writers and nonprofit novas, check out Grant Savvy's list of Savvy Bloggers & Links.

~Cheers