Pardon Me, I Thought You Were Hiring a Grant Writer

At least once a week, I receive an inquiry from a nonprofit seeking a grant writer that requests the strangest qualifications.   

From the last month:

“We are seeking a grant writer and researcher. Must have a Master’s in Social Work or be in the process of obtaining same.  Salary, 30 to 33K annually.”    Well, that’s one way to get an inexpensive MSW.

“Local museum needs a grants person.  Must have a Bachelor’s or Master’s in creative writing to apply.”

Are you going to have the person write the next Top 10 Fiction best-seller, and use the profits to fund your organization? Or, do they need to write creatively to give your program value?

We are a local nonprofit zoo looking for a grant writer. You have been recommended to us. Please reply only if you have at least a four-year degree in one of the following: Zoology, wildlife management, biology.

Let’s see, am I going to be designing your next biological science program, or finding funding for you?

Don’t confuse education in your particular core disciplines with effective grant writing.  While there is certainly nothing wrong with having a degree in any of these foregoing illustrations, the talents and experience needed to write grants that receive funding has almost nothing to do with the number or type of degrees your grant writer does or does not have.  A background in nonprofit management is helpful, mastery of the English language and the ability to read and interpret grant guidelines is essential, and analytical capabilities are a necessary strength.  Knowing which phylum, class and order describes an elephant - not so much.

Most grant writers have specialties.  Some may focus on the environment, others on technolgy transfer, or they may target specific areas, such as animal abuse, domestic violence or hunger.  If they have good references, can provide a list of grants recently awarded, and they seem to have empathy with your cause, the specific field they chose to pursue at age 18 is probably not of paramount importance. Yes, you want them to be able to understand your needs and industry vocabulary, and that MAY require a specialized degree.  If not, then don't limit your possibilities for funding by limiting your grant writer qualifications to your own comfort zone.